Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC president says Olympic Truce draft resolution tabled at UN

[02] FM says joint Greek-Turkish Euro soccer candidacy beneficial

[03] Foreign ministry spokesman denies 'deficient policy' charges

[04] Giannitsis and Lord Hannay discuss Cyprus problem in Athens

[05] Cohn-Bendit supports unified Cyprus solution

[06] DM: No Greek troops in war operations in Afghanistan

[07] UN debates joint Greek-Turkish draft resolution

[08] Austrian FM begins two-day visit to Athens on Tuesday

[09] Simitis trip to Slovenia this week

[10] Russian President Putin to visit Greece December 6-8

[11] Conference of Greek ex-pats elected to local gov'ts in Europe

[12] Gov't comments on ND charges over election law

[13] ND leader pays surprise visit to Athens high school, gov't reacts

[14] Transport minister proposes FM for post of Athens mayor

[15] Justice minister holds talks with Belgian counterpart

[16] KKE leader Papariga in Italy

[17] Reservations expressed on Greek-Turkish pact on illegal immigrants

[18] 'Genoa 2001 Initiative' to make protest outside U.S. embassy

[19] Bank of Greece governor on Greek economy's convergence

[20] Greek trade deficit rises to 13.8 bln euros in Jan-Aug

[21] Greek current accounts' deficit down in Jan-Sept

[22] Gov't meeting on Olympic Airways tender

[23] Development minister optimistic on tourism to Greece

[24] Development minister meets leaders of women in business

[25] Int'l conference on air transports and airports

[26] CCHBC completes buyout of Cola-Cola operations in Russia

[27] ASE seen stabilizing at 2,700 level

[28] EIB to finance Olympics-linked transport projects in Greece

[29] PM calls for unity in organizing 2004 Games

[30] Athens Olympics organizers set priority on catering

[31] Cyprus government urges Turkish Cypriot side to pursue conciliation

[01] IOC president says Olympic Truce draft resolution tabled at UN

GENEVA, 27/11/2001 (ANA - N. Robin)

Rogge and Foreign Minister George Papandreou spoke to reporters after participating in a meeting of the International Olympic Truce Center’s Executive Committee at the IOC's facilities in Lausanne.

"Mr. Papandreou and the Executive Committee's members had a good discussion on the issues of the Olympic Truce Center. As you are aware, it is a joint program by the Greek government and the IOC and we are very happy about this cooperation. We determined the strategy for the coming years, we analyzed all measures to promote this idea and we shall have the next meeting next year," Rogge said.

The IOC president thanked Papandreou "for his great devotion to the issue. It expresses the full support of Greece, which invented the idea of the Olympic Truce which in the present era has even greater value than 3,000 years ago, due to the escalating nature of conflicts."

He also congratulated Papandreou for the initiative which resulted in the collection of signatures of support from 14 leading personalities in the Balkans who represent 14 different nations.

"I have absolute confidence in the successful organizing of the Olympic Games by Athens. We shall have good Games in Athens without doubt. I received the report from the president of the IOC's inspection delegation, which visited Athens last week, concerning the very great progress of which he was satisfied. However, he reiterated his advice on the request for efforts to continue at the same pace, in which case there shall be an excellent result," Rogge said.

Replying to a question by the press on whether the issue will be discussed during his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday, Rogge said the Truce is included among the top issues on the agenda.

Papandreou, responding to a question whether "the idea of a Truce is only a romantic idea and what will happen from now on", said "it is a romantic idea as well, but it is not only this and we should not forget that it is ideas which very often mobilize, inspire and ultimately allow us to have tangible and specific results. The signatures we have collected with the Greek initiative were the first result. It is an initiative which also started with Turkey, for the signing of a statement on the Olympic Truce and which 17 ministers have already signed, as individuals, expressing their support for this idea."

On the question of the collection of signatures, Papandreou said there are already 17 signatures by ministers, relevant interest has been expressed by many ministers in UN circles and the circle will be enlarged with artists, Nobel prize winners, athletes and other personalities, to whom the sending of informative letters will begin.

The presentation of signatures to be collected will be made at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, while the Olympic Truce Center’s website will provide the possibility for every person interested to sign.

Commenting on his telephone conversation with his Swiss counterpart, Papandreou said "we have close cooperation on many issues. On the issues of humanitarian aid and cooperation in particular, we had started since the time of the crisis in Kosovo. But we have been cooperating recently as well in the framework of a humanitarian network, where the problem of Afghanistan and the big humanitarian crisis existing there was also discussed recently. We exchanged views on it and, of course, on our bilateral cooperation and the setting of a meeting as soon as possible."

[02] FM says joint Greek-Turkish Euro soccer candidacy beneficial

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was replying to a question by PASOK Deputy Yiannis Kapsis on the signing of the application by the two countries to jointly host the European Soccer Championship in 2008, said the mandate of the peoples of Greece and Turkey is to proceed on a path of peace, justice and mutual respect.

He included the move in the "mutual benefit" policy exercised by the country with Turkey, such as the agreement on combatting illegal immigration in which, as he said, Turkey showed "good cooperation."

Papandreou clarified that the joint candidacy was not a "foreign ministry's inspiration" but that of the two countries' soccer federations, which was accepted by the Greek government.

[03] Foreign ministry spokesman denies 'deficient policy' charges

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Commenting on charges by the Italian deputy minister of responsibilities on the part of Greece and Cyprus with regard to policy on combatting smuggling and organized crime, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis described them as "quaint statements", adding that the Italian government and the Italian deputy minister should be "especially cautious" given there was an organized cooperation framework between Greece and Italy in that sector.

Beglitis said that the statement was made by "a politician who likes to refer frequently to this issue", and in response to press questions added that the visit by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to Italy was unrelated to this issue. The visit, he explained, was at working level and was outside the policy of the EU foreign ministries.

Cyprus' EU membership prospects will be discussed in Athens on Tuesday afternoon between foreign minister George Papandreou and visiting Austrian foreign minister Benita-Maria Ferrero-Waldner, who begins an official visit to Athens on Tuesday.

Ferrero-Waldner's talks with Papandreou will also include bilateral relations, developments in the Balkans and Afghanistan, EU enlargement, and EU-Turkey relations.

[04] Giannitsis and Lord Hannay discuss Cyprus problem in Athens

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Another topic discussed was Cyprus' prospects of European Union entry, in light of the last report released in Brussels on the course of EU enlargement.

Giannitsis holds talks with Cyprus' EU negotiator Vassiliou: Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis on Monday met with visiting Cyprus' chief negotiator with the EU and former Cyprus president George Vassiliou.

Giannitsis and Vassiliou reviewed the island republic's EU accession course and examined the perspectives of a political solution to the Cyprus problem.

The talks also focused on the December 4 meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the presence of UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

[05] Cohn-Bendit supports unified Cyprus solution

ANKARA, 27/11/2001 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

Cohn-Bendit made the statements shortly before a dinner given by the Federation of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) for Eurodeputies currently in Turkey to attend the joint parliamentary committee's 48th session.

He also said that Turkey cannot become an EU member-state if the problem of Cyprus is not resolved.

According to an announcement by TUSIAD, during the dinner, the federation's President Tunzai Ozilhan underlined that TUSIAD "does not consider correct the support provided by Turkey to the intransigent position of (Turkish Cypriot leader) Rauf Denktash" and expressed concern over the possibility of "irreparable harm being created in relations between Turkey and the EU in the event the Greek Cypriot side joins the EU."

Ozilhan further said that "it is not difficult for one to assume that the most important issue in EU-Turkish relations is the Cyprus issue. We do not consider the linkage of the Cyprus issue to Turkey's accession to the EU correct."

In another development, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said Turkey desires a joint solution to be found for the Cyprus issue and there is no question of it abandoning its European option or of "quarreling with the EU."

Cem, who was speaking at the opening of the 48th session of the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee, said the legal framework of the Cyprus issue, in relation to the EU always, and Turkey's obligations "were defined with all that was mentioned in the relevant paragraph of the EU Helsinki summit's decision, where it was underlined that all member-states, as well as candidate countries, should contribute to proximity talks."

He further said that Turkey "supports the joint solution which will be found by the two nations in Cyprus to enable them to proceed with a new coexistence."

Cem claimed that the Greek side, which will soon become a full EU member, "does not need the solution since a solution has been donated by the EU."

Referring to what Ankara shall do in the event the Republic of Cyprus joins the EU, Cem said "ties between the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' and Turkey will proceed to the highest level."

Turkey repeatedly threatened to annex the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus in the event that Cyprus joined the European Union.

[06] DM: No Greek troops in war operations in Afghanistan

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking from Larissa, central Greece, Papantoniou made clear that Greek troops would not participate in war operations in Afghanistan, at the same time voicing the opinion that the war was coming to an end in that country.

The minister, who visited the First Army, the Tactical Air force headquarters and the NATO headquarters at Tyrnavos, stressed that the army was in fine condition and capable of confronting any threat.

He also noted that military service would be reduced to 12 months in two years time.

[07] UN debates joint Greek-Turkish draft resolution

UNITED NATIONS, 27/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The Greek ambassador referred to the resolution unanimously ratified in 1999 by the General Assembly's 54th session, following killer earthquakes which struck both countries.

"This time, as already announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece HE. Mr. George A. Papandreou during the General Debate, the draft Resolution before you, reflects the steps already taken by the two countries to cooperate against natural disasters, namely earthquakes, landslides or floods," he said.

Gounaris further said that "as a follow-up to our initial decision, the formation of a Joint Hellenic-Turkish Standby Disaster Response Unit (JHET-SDRU) is now a reality."

"Let me remind you that the idea about the Joint Standby Disaster Response Unit was elicited from the suffering of the victims of the devastating earthquakes that hit consecutively Turkey and Greece in 1999. The governments of the two countries, motivated by the mutual assistance offered voluntarily by their people, decided to promote a bilateral arrangement that could not only enhance cooperation between Greece and Turkey against natural disasters but also serve to supplement existing structures of the United Nations system," he said.

Gounaris spoke of the close cooperation Greece and Turkey had with the UN's Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Bureau in Geneva, on their meetings and discussions and the new unit's implementation and operation.

Referring to a protocol on the formation of the unit, Gounaris said "according to the Terms of Reference of the Protocol, the Unit has the following areas of operation: Urban search and rescue, rescue or relief operations, emergency medical care and technical expertise in disaster management."

"I hope that this Resolution, aspiring to send a message of assertion by Greece and Turkey to the United Nations' efforts for Natural Disaster Reduction, will be adopted by consensus," he concluded.

[08] Austrian FM begins two-day visit to Athens on Tuesday

VIENNA, 27/11/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Apart from holding extensive talks with Papandreou, Ferrero-Waldner will be received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos on Tuesday, while on Wednesday she will be meeting Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis.

According to the Austrian side, the main issues to be examined during the Austrian foreign minister's talks in Athens will be, apart from the international situation following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, those related to the EU, particularly its enlargement and Greek interest in the accession of Cyprus, the situation in the Balkans, where Austria and Greece have developed close cooperation, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.

Other issues to be discussed will be illegal immigration and its consequences, the passing of foreign trucks through Austria and the issue of nuclear power.

[09] Simitis trip to Slovenia this week

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Simitis is scheduled to hold talks with Slovenia's leadership.

[10] Russian President Putin to visit Greece December 6-8

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

[11] Conference of Greek ex-pats elected to local gov'ts in Europe

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The conference is organized the foreign ministry's general secretariat for expatriate Greeks, the central union of municipalities and communities and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad in Europe.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister for expatriate Greek affairs Yiannis Magriotis, the aim of the conference is to create a network that might allow the development of cooperation and the transfer of know-how between local government bodies and jointly taking advantage of European Union programs to improve the position of Greek communities in European countries.

[12] Gov't comments on ND charges over election law

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

[13] ND leader pays surprise visit to Athens high school, gov't reacts

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis unexpectedly showed up at the 46th high school in the Exarchia district of central Athens, where he talked to teachers and pupils about the problems they face.

The same high school had been damaged during the September 1999 earthquake that struck the greater Athens area, with certain classes subsequently held in portable classrooms.

On his part, the ND leader referred to less than average building facilities at the school as well as a lack of any computer lab.

In other statements, he criticized the government's education policy, saying it has wholeheartedly failed, while calling for education to comprise the state's number one priority.

Gov't reaction: In response to Karamanlis' statements, the government spokesman later charged that the ND leader was choosing meanness as an opposition tactic.

"He is refusing progress, he is refusing anything good that exists in this land," spokesman Christos Protopappas told reporters during his regular press briefing.

The spokesman also charged that the school in question was the only one among 86 in the area with a double classroom shift (morning and afternoon), "and that's the one he (Karamanlis) he went to".

[14] Transport minister proposes FM for post of Athens mayor

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Upon his departure from Parliament, Papandreou said "we have a great opportunity to promote the institution of local government and PASOK has shown that it is moving in this direction."

"It is not a matter of persons but one of policies," Papandreou added.

Gov't spokesman on mayoral races: The government spokesman on Monday said all of ruling PASOK's candidates for the upcoming municipal elections will be selected by the party's relevant bodies and groups.

Spokesman Christos Protopappas made the statement in response to a press question regarding a high-profile proposal by Trans-port Minister Christos Verelis over the weekend, namely, that Foreign Minister George Papandreou vie for the mayor's seat in Athens.

[15] Justice minister holds talks with Belgian counterpart

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The visit to Greece by Verwilghen, who is presiding the European Union's Council of Justice and Interior ministers, is within the framework of his contacts with European counterparts.

The two-hour meeting was in view of the EU ministers meeting which will be held in Brussels from 6-7 December to discuss the issue of terrorism.

[16] KKE leader Papariga in Italy

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

In airport statements before her departure, Papariga said such trips would continue to other countries of Europe, and aimed at discussing the "struggles against the imperialist war in Afghanistan", but had "a much wider horizon and range".

[17] Reservations expressed on Greek-Turkish pact on illegal immigrants

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Greece and Turkey signed a re-admission agreement on November 8 obliging both countries to take back illegal immigrants.

"The first three cases of the re-admission of 'illegal immigrants' to Turkey - one on November 21 and two others on November 23 - confirm the concern and the reservations of the Greek section of Amnesty International and that of the UN High Commission on Refugees, on the problems of the practical implementation of the protocol," Amnesty International said.

"The simple delivery of the two vessels to the Turkish authorities without the possibility being examined that aboard were also refugees who had the right to protection, constitutes a flagrant violation of the country's obligations, which stem from the international pacts which it has ratified, but also of Greek legislation on refugees," the announcement said.

Amnesty called on the government to clarify to what extent it considers Turkey "a safe third country", and in general countries it considers "safe third countries" and with what criteria.

[18] 'Genoa 2001 Initiative' to make protest outside U.S. embassy

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

It was also announced that two-day anti-war events would be held at the Athens Panteios University on December 1-2.

[19] Bank of Greece governor on Greek economy's convergence

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Papademos, who was speaking on the "Transition to the euro and the Greek economy" at an event jointly organized in Thessaloniki by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic-British Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic-French Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Thessaloniki, added that the implementation of a fiscal and structural policy was necessary, "as well as the adjustment of the method of operation of both the public and private sector to enable the handling of structural weaknesses in the Greek economy."

Referring to issues of monetary and exchange stability in Greece, Papademos said that for price stability to be secured in the long run, which is necessary for the improvement of the economy's competitiveness and a speedup in its development, it is essential that national economic policy is compatible with the single monetary policy.

Papademos also insisted on the importance of completing fiscal restructuring underlining that the significance of contribution for the achievement of real convergence has not been realized in general.

[20] Greek trade deficit rises to 13.8 bln euros in Jan-Aug

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The EU's statistics agency said the Greek trade deficit was the third highest shortfall among EU-15 after UK's trade deficit of 46.6 billion euros and Spain's deficit of 24.4 billion euros.

Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus of 56.5 billion euros, followed by Ireland with 23.6 billion.

Greek exports fell by 11 percent in the January-August period to 6.9 billion euros (Dr 2.3 trillion) from 7.8 billion (2.6 trillion) in the same period last year, respectively, while imports rose 1.0 percent to 20.7 billion euros (Dr 7.0 trillion), over the same period.

Eurostat said the EU-15 trade with the rest of the world was showing a deficit of 4.2 billion euros in the first nine months of 2001. Eurozone countries, however, were showing a trade sur-plus of 3.8 billion euros over the same period.

[21] Greek current accounts' deficit down in Jan-Sept

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The September current accounts deficit was 594 million euros, down 47 million from the same month in 2000.

The revenues' balance, however, worsened significantly in the January-October period showing a deficit of 1.5 billion euros, almost double compared with the same period last year, a development reflecting an increase in net interest payment.

The balance of financial services showed a direct investment inflow of 1.007 billion euros in the January-October period, compared with a significant outflow in the same period in 2000, reflecting the inflow of capital by Eureko NV to complete the takeover of Interamerican in July 2001.

Net inflow for portfolio investments in the first nine months of 2001 totalled 8.252 billion euros, while a recorded outflow in the other investments category reflected changes in foreign currency redeposits by commercial banks to the Bank of Greece and to changes in the valuation of foreign currency reserves based on European Central Bank's new directives.

The country's foreign currency reserves totalled 7.5 billion euros (6.8 billion US dollars) at the end of September 2001.

[22] Gov't meeting on Olympic Airways tender

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

No statements were made after the meeting, which also covered the state of the airline industry.

Verelis told reporters that the government would not comment on the privatization until the tender was completed.

[23] Development minister optimistic on tourism to Greece

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The future for Greek tourism will also be positive in 2002, despite the world crisis, Tsohatzopoulos said during a parliamentary debate.

He predicted that the repercussions from the crisis in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11 "will not be those which many imagined."

[24] Development minister meets leaders of women in business

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The minister said that a competition operational program in place supported women and youth in business along with small and medium sized enterprises.

The program aimed to spur innovation and opportunities in a time of rapid technological change, he added.

Heading the delegation to speak with the minister were Leyla Khaiat of the world group, and Katy Tzitzikosta-Papachristopoulou for the national association.

[25] Int'l conference on air transports and airports

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The two-day conference will open December 3 at the University of Patras' Conference and Cultural Center, organized by the Transports section of the university's Civil Engineering Department in collaboration with the Association of Greek Transport and Communications Experts.

Experts from the wider air transport sector in Europe and other countries will be taking part.

[26] CCHBC completes buyout of Cola-Cola operations in Russia

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The plants are located in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and central and eastern Russia, the buyer said in a statement.

The Greek firm has also bought The Coca-Cola Company's 40 percent stake in Coca-Cola Molino Beverages Ltd in which it already has 60 percent of stock. The target company owns operations run by CCHBC, the statement said.

The buyout means that CCCHBC will handle all Coca-Cola bottling operations in the region.

By the end of the year, the Greek bottler is expected to complete acquisition negotiations in the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

The fresh buyout will take CCHBC into 26 countries serving more than 500 million consumers with around 1.2 billion crate units of non-alcoholic beverages per year.

[27] ASE seen stabilizing at 2,700 level

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

Trade was nervous with share prices suffering from ups and downs during the day before closing off their day's highs.

The general index ended 0.41 percent higher at 2,685.93 points, with turnover a low 53.25 billion drachmas or 156.26 million euros.

The Construction and Metals sector scored the biggest percentage gains (up 1.36 percent and 0.97 percent, respectively), while the Textiles and Publication sectors suffered the heaviest losses (0.87 percent and 0.39 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.25 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.68 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.19 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 172 to 150 with another 42 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Spider, Koumbas, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and Naoussa Spinning Mills.

Bond Market Close: Prices mixed in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished mixed in heavy trade focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of around 5.01 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 42 basis points.

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

Buy orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures in range bound trade: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday traded narrowly with turnover sharply down, traders said.

Changing hands were 5,876 contracts on turnover of 36.2 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.25% percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.68 percent.

[28] EIB to finance Olympics-linked transport projects in Greece

BRUSSELS, 27/11/2001 (ANA / M. Spinthourakis)

Of the total, 34 billion drachmas will be given in the form of long-term loans for the construction of two tramlines in Athens with a combined length of 22.7 kilometers. The project includes the supply of 35 trams.

The tram will help to ease congestion and pollution in the south of the city where the two lines are destined to run. Peak-hour travelers are expected to total 2,500 passengers in each direction.

The remaining 10 billion drachmas of EIB cash will be used to build a bypass for the town of Patras in the Peloponnese that will also form part of a north-south motorway running to Athens, Thessaloniki and a border post with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The bypass will speed up visits from Athens to the ancient site of Olympia.

The tram and bypass projects are also to receive funding under the European Union's Third Community Support Framework package, and from the Greek government.

[29] PM calls for unity in organizing 2004 Games

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The Greek PM made the statements with Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos at his side, both recent protagonists in widespread press speculation last week claiming a fall-out between them.

"Greece assumes a higher place in the international community with the 2004 Games, a new national self-confidence," he said.

He added that any conflicts regarding responsibilities and jurisdiction for various Olympics-related projects have ended.

Asked who is organizing the Games, Venizelos said: "the entire country is organizing them in cooperation with the IOC. This says it all, I think".

He added that better coordination is always needed, although the current organizational scheme is well defined and effective.

[30] Athens Olympics organizers set priority on catering

Athens, 27/11/2001 (ANA)

The head of the games' national catering division, Makis Fokas, was addressing a seminar arranged with the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry on the contribution small and medium sized enterprises could make to the Olympics' catering program.

Needed daily during the games will be 50,000 meals in three restaurants to be located in the Olympic Village using 100 tones of food daily.

[31] Cyprus government urges Turkish Cypriot side to pursue conciliation

NICOSIA, 27/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he actually tried to remove Cyprus talks from under the UN umbrella, Papapetrou noted that President Clerides had taken all measures required to prevent Denktash from eliminating the UN process and thus "Clerides has no reason to avoid attending the face-to-face meeting" with Denktash, scheduled for December 4.

Papapetrou noted that President Clerides would not make it easy for Denktash to get out of his difficulties, should the Turkish Cypriot leader not desire a real convergence of positions, adding that the meeting would not bear fruit if Denktash aimed at eliminating the UN process or maneuvering himself out of his sticky situation.

"Should Denktash proceed with a view to conciliate and with the will to reach a settlement based on an honest compromise, within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions, to outline our common European future, then he must be sure that he will find a very positive will from our side for an honest dialogue and compromise," Papapetrou added.

He also noted that Turkish threats regarding Cyprus' accession to the EU were the result of Turkey's weakness to receive the political messages sent out by the EU and others.

Papapetrou said that Turkish positions explicitly showed Turkey's disorientation from inter-national law and the acceptable rules within a lawful international community.

The spokesman repeated that the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto would be attending December's meeting as a UN representative, acting as always within the UN-led process.

The president and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community will meet on December 4 in Nicosia, their first face-to-face meeting since August 1997. The meeting is taking place after an exchange of letters between the two leaders, following an invitation from Denktash, who declined a UN invitation to resume the peace talks in early September.

The forthcoming meeting has been welcomed by the UN, the US and others, in the hope that it could move the stalled peace process forward. However, public statements from Ankara, who backed Denktash in his decision to abandon the talks in November last year and his rejection of the UN invitation, and public statements from Turkish occupied Cyprus leave little room for optimism about the outcome of the meeting.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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