Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-12-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM outlines PM's visit to Washington scheduled for Jan. 10

[02] AHEPA satisfaction with Simitis invitation to

[03] Leaders of three monotheistic religions reject conflict of cultures

[04] Papantoniou in Turkey: Int'l law, pacts the basis of solutions

[05] Defense minister reiterates Greek position on European army

[06] Relatives of terrorism stage silent protest in Athens

[07] Premier commits in completing gov't projects and public works

[08] Report on naturalizations tabled in Parlia-ment

[09] Journalists hold work stoppage, rally in Athens

[10] Situation in Greece on racism, xenophobia not satisfactory

[11] PASOK Secretary questions ND accounts

[12] Greece to pay back more than half of EU funds for land registry

[13] European Commission report on labor markets

[14] Greek exports mark sharp decline in first 8 months of 2001

[15] National Bank, Alpha Bank unveil integrated structure

[16] Athens airport cuts landing, airplane parking rates

[17] Greek batteries for Ukrainian submarines

[18] State and Mytilineos Group to increase participation in ELVO

[19] Rhodes citizens rank among wealthiest Greeks

[20] Greek stocks fall on profit taking

[21] Government spokesman says Cyprus question is an international issue

[22] US remains committed to UN effort for just Cyprus settlement

[01] FM outlines PM's visit to Washington scheduled for Jan. 10

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The visit to Washington is scheduled for January 10.

Papandreou reminded that Greece has already provided pilots for AWACS-type aircraft and intends to contribute to peace processes in Afghanistan as well, primarily in those of a humanitarian nature.

Analyzing the agenda of the Bush-Simitis talks, Papandreou referred to six major issues. Greece's important role in the Balkans, both at economic level and on the issue of developing relations of good neighborliness and consolidation of certain principles, such as no change in borders, the peaceful settlement of differences and the region joining Euro-Atlantic structures.

The second issue mentioned by Papandreou is the possibilities of the Greek European Union presidency, in the first half of 2003, to contribute to the promotion of relations between the U.S. and the EU.

He spoke of organizing the 2004 Athens Olympic Games where important cooperation also exists in the security sector, while Greece wants to have cooperation promoted in other sectors as well with the attraction of business and tourist interest on the part of the U.S. and cooperation on the issue of the Olympic Truce.

The fourth major issue, according to Papandreou, is the Cyprus issue, given that the date for the beginning of direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be approaching.

Commenting on developments on the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said positive steps have been taken through the first direct contacts between Clerides and Denktash "without prerequisites and preconditions and in the framework of the UN."

He further said "we must be realists", adding that "the course will show whether there is indeed a political will for a settlement to the problem."

On the question of Greek-Turkish relations, Greece will describe the constructive role played by Athens, promoting a new perspective for the neighboring country since, as Papandreou said, "a truly European Turkey is in our interest."

Papandreou further said the issue of European security and defense policy will be discussed in talks with the U.S. president and, in particular, the issue of its relations with the six NATO member-states which are not EU members.

He also reminded that the European rapid deployment force is activated for the implementation of missions of the "Petersburg type" and has no responsibility in defense which is safeguarded by the national armies of member-states.

[02] AHEPA satisfaction with Simitis invitation to

US WASHINGTON, 21/12/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"We view this visit as an opportunity for the United States and Greece to further promote an already strong relationship between two NATO allies and to discuss matters of common interest," AHEPA President Andrew Banis said.

The leader of AHEPA, which stands for American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, added that issues of interest to Greek-Americans include the international war against terrorism, the search for a fair solution to the Cyprus problem based on United Nations resolutions, the island republic's unhindered accession to the European Union, sovereignty in the Aegean, preparations for the 2004 Olympics in Athens and stability in the Balkans.

[03] Leaders of three monotheistic religions reject conflict of cultures

BRUSSELS, 21/12/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The dialogue between religions organized by the Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Patriarchate in cooperation with the European Commission included representatives of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

"We declare jointly that the will of God is that the peace of paradise should reign on earth and we pray for the peaceful coexistence of the faithful of all religions in the modern multi-cultural world society," the declaration said.

European Commission President Romano Prodi stressed that the European Union was the only organization to work towards the coordination of a supra-national reaction to the post Sept. 11 crisis.

Prodi announced that the Union would support initiatives that aim at the cooperation between cultures and religions that are included in the action plan that was adopted by this meeting of more than 80 religious leaders of the three monotheistic religions.

In a joint press conference by Prodi and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, that followed the meeting, Prodi stressed the importance of the Patriarchate's initiative

[04] Papantoniou in Turkey: Int'l law, pacts the basis of solutions

ISTANBUL, 21/12/2001 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou echoed Athens' official position on the issue, namely, that "Greece will not accept any understanding that violates its national interests. The agreement that will come about cannot impede the exercise of sovereign rights," Papantoniou said.

Greece last week rejected a British-US compromise deal with non-EU member Turkey that would have secured access to plentiful and operational NATO resources for the Union's nascent rapid deployment force.

Athens' primary concerns over the deal centered on the issue of non-EU members possibly being invited to join future "Euro-force" missions on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, Greek leadership is weary of the fact that non-EU members would also be consulted on missions affecting their own national security. Turkey, a non-EU member and "dark horse" in the race to join the bloc in the medium-term, has vociferously lobbied to join the 15-member Union's security operations.

Besides Greece and host Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania and the Ukraine have sent their defense ministers to Antalya, while deputy ministers from Italy, Slovenia, the United States and NATO representatives are also attending.

The Greek minister was later joined by his Turkish counterpart Sabahattin Cakmakoglu after attending defense ministers gathered for a customary "family portrait" photo opportunity, with the latter expressing his satisfaction over the fact that "certain Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) are beginning to bear fruits". As such, Cakmakoglu cited the establishment of a direct emergency telephone line between the Greek and Turkish de-fence ministries.

In the presence of his Turkish counterpart, Papantoniou merely reiterated to reporters Greece's standing position that "resolution of (bilateral) problems must be accomplished on the basis of international agreements and International Law."

He nevertheless mentioned that Greek-Turkish relations have taken a distinct turn for the better over the past year and a half, especially in the fields of trade and tourism, while stressing, however, that Ankara's stance vis-a-vis the Cyprus issue and the Aegean continue to block the finding of solutions.

Finally, Papantoniou also met with his Bulgarian counterpart, Nikolai Avramov, on the sidelines of the summit.

[05] Defense minister reiterates Greek position on European army

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

"We will confront the issue of KEPPA-NATO relations from a zero basis", he said, adding that it was not conceivable for the European Union in the defense sector "to restrict the exercise of national sovereign rights."

Referring to the issue of Greece's position on the European army, he said that "when this army makes use of the installations and equipment of NATO, the alliance has a word, through its own procedures, the planning and execution of European exercises and operations. However, when the Euro army acts autonomously, then the decisions are taken autonomously, through the EU procedures. At the same time, during the exercise of its competencies in the sector of defense and security, it is not conceivable for the European Union to restrict the exercise of national sovereign rights."

Greece last week rejected a British-US compromise deal with non-EU member Turkey that would have secured access to plentiful and operational NATO resources for the Union's nascent rapid deployment force.

Athens' primary concerns over the deal centered on the issue of non-EU members possibly being invited to join future "Euro-force" missions on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, Greek leadership is weary of the fact that non-EU members would also be consulted on missions affecting their own national security. Turkey, a non-EU member and "dark horse" in the race to join the bloc in the medium-term, has vociferously lobbied to join the 15-member Union's security operations.

Papantoniou said the issue of relations between KEPPA and NATO is not a Greek-Turkish one but exclusively one of the EU.

[06] Relatives of terrorism stage silent protest in Athens

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

In an open letter towards the Greek people, the relatives of the victims of terrorism said they are creating an official group "independent of ideological nuances and political party subsumptions", and with a goal of "supporting one another and in order to form an alliance within society against terrorism."

"Terrorists turn our silence into an alibi. Thus, they continue their murderous activity essentially unabated. The truth is that these bloodthirsty murderers have been able to hurt, besides us, the country as well.

"Many time we forget that today there would be no issue of foreign law enforcement agencies' presence (in Greece), the anti-terrorism bill, an international smear campaign against our country, and many more, if it was not for their terrorist activity," the open letter states, while also criticizing repeated Greek governments and political parties for failing to apprehend the assailants.

The notorious urban terrorist group "November 17" ranks as the number one law enforcement menace in Greece at present, as its members are wanted in the killings of several businessmen, foreign diplomats and local politicians over the past 26 years.

Addressing the gathering, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis expressed his grief to the relatives of the victims and congratulated them for their initiative. He stated that the issue of terrorism was an insult to the country and democracy and that all the necessary measures are being taken for the eradication of the phenomenon.

Also present at the gathering were, among others, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party honorary president Costas Mitsotakis and ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni.

[07] Premier commits in completing gov't projects and public works

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The cabinet meeting focused on public works and projects, paying special attention to European Union third community support framework funded projects.

National Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis spoke of new regulations in hiring in the public sector in areas were special personnel is needed to process such projects and also talked of new regulations regarding local administrations' capability of seeking the hired help of private firms in drafting plans for projects.

The minister also said that new regulations will allow for less bureaucracy in the approval of new projects and public works and shorter procedures in expropriating private land for public projects.

The premier stressed that the development of the country is inexorably connected with the rational use of resources of the third community support framework funds.

Greek president to visit Slovakia from April 8-10 VIENNA, 21/12/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitra-koudis)

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will pay an official visit to Bratislava from April 8-10 at the invitation of his Slovak counterpart Rudolf Schuster.

Stephanopoulos will be returning a visit made by Schuster to Athens in May 2000.

The announcement of the visit was made here on Thursday by departing Greek Ambassador to Slovakia, Vassilis Eikosipentarchos, who will return to the Greek Foreign Ministry in a few days time.

Greek Ambassador to Austria Christos Alexandris gave a reception in Vienna in honor of the outgoing ambassador, attended by foreign diplomats and Greek officials.

Relations between Greece and Slovakia have developed increasingly. Prime Minister Costas Simitis had paid an official visit to Bratislava from November 12-13 this year.

A number of bilateral agreements have been signed in recent years.

It is expected that about 80,000 Slovak tourists will have visited Greece by the end of the year.

There are about 300 Greeks studying in Slovakia, mainly in the field of medicine.

[08] Report on naturalizations tabled in Parlia-ment

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The report was prepared after charges were made by main opposition New Democracy party deputies claiming that thousands of foreigners, mainly from the former Soviet Union, were naturalized before last year's general elections.

In a related development, New Democracy spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said "ND had stressed the issue in time. We shall examine the content of the file and, in the framework of Parliamentary procedures, we shall do what is necessitated by public interest."

Replying to Roussopoulos' statement, government spokesman Christos Protopappas expressed surprise over his statement since the content of the file of proceedings has not yet been distributed by Kaklamanis.

"We are surprised with the announcement by New Democracy's spokesman since the content of the file of proceedings has not yet been distributed by the Parliament President. We shall state our position after the relevant text comes into our hands. However, we hope that the specific prosecuting functionary has not thoughtlessly adopted, in this case as well, what New Democracy has irresponsibly claimed, as one could infer from the hurried announcement by its spokesman," Protopappas said.

[09] Journalists hold work stoppage, rally in Athens

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The trade union noted that the message of the work stoppage was that job losses in the sector would not be tolerated, stressing that the massive gathering of trade-union members in the rally staged in a central Athens theater was overwhelming.

ESHEA President Aristidis Manolakos underlined, during his address to the rally, that journalists will struggle for the objective information, will stand by the great majority of the workers against the "garbage" that have flooded the mass media lately, especially the electronic media.

"Information is not a good for sale - journalists are not dispensable," he said echoing the motto of the work stoppage.

General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos and other trade union leaders also addressed the rally.

[10] Situation in Greece on racism, xenophobia not satisfactory

BRUSSELS, 21/12/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

However, the report expressed satisfaction over the Greek government's decision to abolish the listing of religion on police identity cards.

The report noted that despite efforts by the Greek authorities and the measures taken for the combatting of racism, the situation in Greece is not satisfactory as gypsies, immigrants, refugees and those who seek asylum are victims of discrimination and social exclusion.

The Greek government is called on to make the public aware and sensitive to the fact that Greek society is multi-cultural.

The report said that in 2000, gypsies were the most targeted and were forced to abandon their settlements so as to make space for Olympic Games projects.

The Albanian population also fell victim of mass arrests and deportations, the report said.

As for illegal immigrants, they are employed in dangerous work and are badly paid, it added.

[11] PASOK Secretary questions ND accounts

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis said ND honorary president Costas Mitsotakis and other of his associates administered the account.

Laliotis also made public the number of five "special accounts" in Greek banks where money was also transferred by MAYO and which, as he said, were not opened in 1994. These accounts, Laliotis said, were within the framework of a special program titled "Democratic Solidarity". He added that the additional sums were also transferred to ND by the association American Friends of Greece.

Laliotis called on the ND to give an explanation and "not conceal illegality and corruption."

Laliotis said he intended to "submit this new information to the public prosecutor".

In reply, the press office of former prime minister Mitsotakis said that the data presented by Laliotis concerned the ND's financial campaign in the four election campaigns in the 1980s and that PASOK was aware of this fact in 1994.

Mitsotakis' press office accused Laliotis of "mudslinging" and of attempting to "disorientate the Greek people."

[12] Greece to pay back more than half of EU funds for land registry

BRUSSELS, 21/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The commission decided that 57.9 million euros of a total of 100 million paid by the Union to the Greek land registry project should be returned as only 30 per cent of the targets of the first phase of the project could have been completed by 2003, as the Greek official data showed.

Commissioner Michel Barnier reiterated that this process was not of a judicial or penal nature, rather it was an administrative process, which aims at examining a certain number of "dysfunctions" in the execution of a program.

The press release of the European Commission noted that this return of funds to the Union represents only 0.4 per cent of the total of the credits Greece received from the Union's structural funds during the 1994-1999.

It also said that these funds will be returned in two installments one in 2002 for 32 million euros and the rest in the first months of 2004. The commission, however, will review the case by the time the second installment will be due, to assess whether Greece exceeded the expected 8,440 square kilometer target and if so it will change downward the amount of money to be returned.

"Greece must have, within a reasonable amount of time, a land registry, which is a necessary tool for the regional development, town planning or the policy for the environment," Barnier said, adding "we are resolved to continue the funding of this project in the framework of the third community support framework fund, but on a new basis".

Public works minister says land register will go ahead: Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou, referring on Thursday to the European Commission's decision on the Greek land register, said the government will examine it and will act accordingly.

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the 2002 state budget, she said "in no case does this decision refer to irregularities", adding that the country is being asked to return 19.7 billion drachmas, of which 11 billion is the first installment, and that "we might not pay the second installment at all."

Papandreou said the land register "will go ahead with particular care to enable the country on the one hand to acquire an infrastructure project it is lacking, while it exists in every developed country in the world, and on the other to improve its social and developmental usefulness which should correspond to the huge resources required by its completion."

Main opposition reaction: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party issued a press release noting that former environment, town planning and public works minister and current ruling PASOK party Secretary Costas Laliotis stressed just a few weeks ago that Greece would not pay a "drachma, not even a euro" in the case of the land registry.

"Today, despite the efforts of (current Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso) Papandreou the final decision of the Commission confirms all that ND foretold, in and out of Parliament, during the last two years," the press release said.

European Commission on opening of local node BRUSSELS, 21/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spin-thourakis)

The European Commission decided on Thursday to activate processes for resorting to the European Court against Greece, Portugal and Germany for failing to provide, in the telecommunications sector, for competitors common access to the so-called local node.

An announcement by the Commission stresses that the regulation on access to the local node, issued a year ago by the European Parliament and the Council, was enacted with the purpose of introducing greater competition regarding the provision of local eurozone access in the telecommunications sector.

The Commission's announcement further stresses that "the present act constitutes the first step for securing the effective implementation of the regulation in all 15 member-states" and that further legal procedures might be activated at a later stage concerning other aspects of the regulation.

[13] European Commission report on labor markets

BRUSSELS, 21/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The report, in which the main problematic sectors are determined and a number of recommendations are made, appeals for more and better main language training, qualifications in the sector of informatics and communications technologies and simpler systems for the transfer of pensions and social security rights.

Expressing her satisfaction over the report, Diamantopoulou said, among others, that "today, the citizens of the EU very often face excessive difficulties when trying to move between jobs and countries", adding that "the Commission's objective is to exert pressure for open labor markets all over the EU, with access to all, by 2005."

[14] Greek exports mark sharp decline in first 8 months of 2001

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The results of the survey, presented on Thursday by the Export Research and Studies Institute of the Association of Exporters of Northern Greece (SEBE), showed that exports amounted to 6.9 billion euros, marking a 11.5 per cent decrease.

During the same period, total European Union exports decreased by 6.8 per cent, indicative of the global downward trend. Although there is no accurate data yet, the decline in world trade will worsen, affected by the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11.

According to initial data, Greek exports in the first nine months of this year will be down 11 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. SEBE assesses that Greek exports will decrease 15 per cent by the end of the year.

During the first five months of this year, about one third of Greek exports went to Germany (519 million euro), the United Kingdom (434 million euro) and Italy (381 million euro). The other major importers of Greek goods were Bulgaria, the United States, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Spain, France, Romania and Albania.

Greek exports during the first five months declined sharply to Cyprus (-43 per cent), Asia (-39.7 per cent), Oceania (-45.9 per cent) and Turkey (-57 per cent).

[15] National Bank, Alpha Bank unveil integrated structure

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

National Bank's governor Theodore Karatzas and Alpha Bank's chairman Yiannis Costopoulos, announced that the Bank and its Group would be managed by an executive committee of seven members of the board of directors. The committee will consist of the executive chairman, the governor and five deputy governors.

The organizational structure of the new Bank is based on three pillars:

1. Five specialized business units (BUs) focusing on providing integrated financial products and services to every segment of the bank's extended customer base in Greece and abroad. They will be headed by the five deputy governors.

2. A modern corporate center to support the executive chairman, the governor and the executive committee in running the new Bank.

3. Dedicated committees which will be set up in the near future and will develop and monitor group-wide policies.

Mr. Constantinos Kyriakopoulos will be responsible for the Investment Banking Unit, Mr. Dimitrios Mantzounis will head the Domestic Network Unit, Mr. Theodoros Pantalakis will be responsible for the Operations Unit, Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis will be responsible for the International and Retail Banking Unit and Mr. Andreas Vranas will be responsible for the Corporate Banking Unit.

The two banks also announced the set up of three new committees: a Support and Co-ordination Committee for the integration of the two banks, a Personnel Committee for deciding on issues of personnel and an Organization and IT Committee.

[16] Athens airport cuts landing, airplane parking rates

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

Specifically, aircraft of over 55 tons will enjoy a 15 per cent rate cut, while those under 55 tons will enjoy a 23 per cent rate cut, while all planes routed on domestic flights to low traffic regions will not be charged parking fees to help reduce their cost per passenger.

[17] Greek batteries for Ukrainian submarines

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

In its efforts to export products to the international market, Sunlight, headquartered in Thrace, recently signed a contract worth 1.1 billion drachmas with the Ukrainian Navy for the manufacturing and delivery in 2002 of batteries for submarines of the Foxtrot type.

The Ukrainian Navy chose Sunlight following an open international tender.

[18] State and Mytilineos Group to increase participation in ELVO

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The decision was taken at an ELVO board meeting last Tuesday during which both the Hellenic state and the Mytilineos Group declared their willingness to pay the amount of the share capital's increase, amounting to about 1.2 billion drachmas, which was not paid by ETVA and Lainopoulos' heirs.

The total amount of the increase in ELVO's share capital is 5.6 billion drachmas at this stage.

ETVA's participation in the company is limited to 4 percent from 16 percent before the increase, the Hellenic state's stake increases from 35 percent to 47 and that of the Mytilineos Group from 43 percent to 47.5, while the percentage of Lainopoulos' heirs drops from 6 percent to 1.5.

The increase in ELVO's share capital by 5.6 billion drachmas is the first of a series of successive increases totalling 20 billion drachmas, to be carried out by 2006.

[19] Rhodes citizens rank among wealthiest Greeks

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

In the city of Rhodes, 67.9 percent of households have a privately owned home, while the percentage of car ownership amounts to 63.7 percent.

According to data produced, percentages concerning the possession of consumer goods are at high levels in Rhodes and in some cases, such as regarding television sets, they reach 99 percent.

[20] Greek stocks fall on profit taking

Athens, 21/12/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.01 percent lower at 2,584.98 points, with turnover an improved Dr 69.9 billion, or 205.1 million euros.

The Insurance sector was the only to score gains, while the Publications, Wholesale and Investment sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (2.33 percent, 1.97 percent and 1.75 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.10 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.07 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.90 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 255 to 66 with another 31 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Greek Stocks, National Bank of Greece, Cosmote, Alpha Bank and Greek Textiles.

Bond Market Close: Prices rise in light trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in light trade again focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.15 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 34 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.5 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures show lower premium: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday showed a lower premium than in the previous session, traders said.

Changing hands were 6,265 contracts, sharply higher than 4,352 deals in the previous session. Turnover was 40.4 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips dropped by 1.10 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 1.07 percent.

[21] Government spokesman says Cyprus question is an international issue

NICOSIA, 21/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou noted that Ecevit would have been more realistic if he had said let us leave Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to solve the problem by themselves and expressed hope that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be more sincere during the UN-led direct talks on Cyprus scheduled to begin January 16 on the island, between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash, in the presence of the UN Chief's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro De Soto.

If Denktash is not sincere and talks reach a deadlock, Turkish responsibilities will not be refuted and Cyprus' accession to the EU will not be hindered in any way, the Spokesman said.

Asked whether an agenda had been drafted for the meeting between Clerides and Denktash on Jan. 16, Papapetrou said it had not, adding that the understanding on both sides was that all issues would be discussed.

He also said that the status of the Turkish Cypriots was an issue to be determined once a solution was reached.

President Clerides and Denktash, who met face-to-face December 4 in Nicosia, agreed to begin UN-led direct talks on Cyprus in mid-January 2002, to be carried out with no preconditions and all issues on the table. They also agreed to continue negotiations in good faith until a comprehensive settlement is achieved, and that nothing will be agreed until everything is agreed.

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

[22] US remains committed to UN effort for just Cyprus settlement

US President George Bush has said the United States re-mains committed to the UN efforts to find a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem.

President Bush submitted to the Speaker of the US House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations his bimonthly report "on progress toward a negotiated solution of the Cyprus question", covering the period October 1 through November 30, 2001.

In a letter accompanying the report, President Bush said "the United Nations continued in its efforts to sustain the proximity talks that started in December 1999. The United States remains committed to the United Nations effort to find a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash have agreed to start direct talks on January 16, 2002, under the UN auspices.

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