Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-01-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Positive results expected on terrorism issue in Greece, PM tells U.S. reporters

[02] Sen. Kennedy comments on his meeting with Prime Minister Simitis

[03] Giannitsis says PM's trip to US 'achieved its goals'

[04] ND reaction to premier's US trip

[05] Gov't spokesman responds to main opposition criticism of PM's U.S. visit

[06] Synaspismos reaction to premier's US trip

[07] CEH letter slams '60 Minutes' report on Greece

[08] Crime, terrorism dominates Parliament debate on Friday

[09] Minister says survival of FYROM in Greece's interest

[10] Athens to aid Tirana's efforts towards meeting EU norms

[11] Patriarch arrives in Tehran on an historic four-day visit

[12] Actress Irene Papas rules out candidacy for Athens Mayor

[13] European Commission says 85 percent of payments are in euros

[14] Confederation of farmers' unions examines sector's problems

[15] Cosmote establishes leadership in mobile telephony market

[16] Japanese tourists increase their stay in Greece

[17] Greek weekly economic review

[18] Greek stocks end lower on ASE

[19] Chrysohoidis and ATHOC head discuss security during Olympics

[20] Archbishop Dimitrios of America due to arrive in Athens

[21] Eurostat: Slight increase in Greece's population in 2001

[22] President Clerides and Denktash to draft outline of agreement on issue of missing persons

[01] Positive results expected on terrorism issue in Greece, PM tells U.S. reporters

WASHINGTON, 12/02/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Simitis, who is on an official visit to the U.S., outlined Greek positions on a series of issues of interest to the U.S. as well, while addressing correspondents of the "New York Times", "Washington Post", "Washington Times", "Los Angeles Times", "Associated Press", "Wall Street Journal" and the CNN.

The prime minister said his talks with U.S. President George W. Bush and the U.S. government's leadership on Thursday were interesting, substantive and fruitful.

He said that he highlighted Greece's role in the Balkans, progress achieved by the Greek economy in past years, steps of progress in Greek-Turkish relations and Greece's participation in the struggle against international terrorism.

Simitis, focusing on the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, said that despite the fact Greece is a small country and difficulties and delays are being faced all necessary procedures have been scheduled.

He also expressed confidence that "Greece will host excellent, safe and successful games, attributing a new dimension to the Olympic spirit, distant from commercialization."

On the question of the Olympic Games' security, Simitis told journalists that Greece had already promoted a specific plan of action long before the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The American journalists concentrated their attention primarily on the issue of terrorism and "November 17", which Simitis termed "a small group lacking sentimental and ideological ties with the people."

He said Greece is making efforts and desires the arrests of those responsible "because it is the first to be interested in the eradication of terrorism".

Referring to the Balkans, Simitis spoke of the necessity of the presence of the U.S. in the region and termed American forces an "umbrella of security and normalcy."

Regarding Greece's participation in the struggle against international terrorism, and the position of Greek public opinion and anti-Americanism in particular, which is noted in Greece to a certain degree, Simitis presented opinion polls to the American journalists which prove that in no way do the Greek people sup-port terrorism and steadfastly support its combatting.

Simitis, referring to European defense, said Greece should have been asked before the U.S. and Britain proceeded with an agreement with Turkey. In this context, he criticized the British initiative.

The prime minister met later with members of the Jewish Committee in Washington and was due to depart for Greece soon after.

Chytiris comments on PM's meetings in Washington: The contacts made by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Washington, including his meeting with US President George Bush, had revealed agreement between Greece and the United States on certain issues and disagreement in others, government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris told reporters on Friday.

One of the points where the two sides did not agree, he added, concerned the newly created European military force. America had been one of the three countries that helped work out a deal with Turkey aimed at lifting Turkish objections to the use of NATO resources by the EU force, which was eventually rejected by Greece at the Laeken Summit and not adopted by the EU.

In meetings between Simitis and US officials on Thursday, the American side had expressed a desire that the obstacles be overcome, he said.

Commenting on the results of the visit overall, Chytiris said the government was not exulting over them but nor was it underestimating their importance.

"Greece as a member of the eurozone discusses its views with the US leadership from a better vantage," he said, while Simitis had gone into the meetings with confidence, a positive attitude and clear positions, thus securing positive and substantial results for Greece.

Among these he mentioned a positive stance by US President George Bush on the Athens Olympics in 2004, the official thanks given to Greece for its participation in the international front against terrorism, the satisfaction expressed by Washington over the recent improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and for the role played by Greece in the Balkans.

Regarding Cyprus, Chytiris said that it was progressing steadily toward EU accession while the prospects of a solution to the Cyprus problem had greatly improved, as indicated by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Commenting on the fact that the Greek premier and US president did not give a joint press conference after their meeting, the spokesman said that Bush did not usually hold joint press conferences.

The Greek government had been fully prepared to defend its positions, he added, and Foreign Minister George Papandreou had been in constant contact with US Secretary of State Colin Powell to prepare the prime minister's visit, over which the Greek-American community had expressed satisfaction.

Regarding the cancellation of a scheduled meeting between Simitis and US Vice-President Dick Cheney, Chytiris said that this had been replaced by a 15-minute conversation over the phone because of security reasons and the procedures followed in the US.

He said that similar measures had been taken for meetings between Cheney and the prime ministers of Sweden and the Czech Republic, as well as NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson.

Chytiris comments on 'Washington Times' anti-Greek advert: Commenting on a spread appearing in the US newspaper 'Washington Times' as an advertisement, which openly accused Greece of tolerating terrorism, government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris on Friday said that it was 'unacceptable' and that the Greek government had information indicating that it was falsely attributed to a Greek-American.

He also pointed out that the same newspaper had repeatedly made unfounded and libelous claims about Greece in the past, over which Athens had repeatedly protested.

The exact text of the alleged advertisement reads:

"When a state permits terrorists to operate freely within its borders, that state sponsors terrorism, that state is Greece. Paid for by a concerned Greek-American."

Chytiris attributed the advert in the paper, which is the property of the Moon Church, to "semi-official centers operating in the US" and said that Greece should not allow paranoia to get the upper hand every time something like this occurred.

The issue was also commented on by Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, who described it as 'impropriety by unofficial private circles in the US" that had frequently drawn Athens' fire and which seemed largely pointless.

Greek-American relations were excellent, the minister added, while cooperation in the fight against terrorism was at an exceptionally fruitful and effective level.

[02] Sen. Kennedy comments on his meeting with Prime Minister Simitis

WASHINGTON, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

According to press release issued by the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), Kennedy, a democrat from Massachusetts, stressed that "Greece is a long standing ally and member of NATO. It's also an important member of the European Union and has been a great friend of America for many years".

"Like all Americans, I welcome the strong support that Greece has shown in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America, and I thanked the Prime Minister for that support. I am encouraged by the current discussions taking place on Cyprus, and I expressed my hope that a satisfactory solution will soon be achieved," he concluded.

[03] Giannitsis says PM's trip to US 'achieved its goals'

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

He said the trip had achieved its goals and also stressed the fact that the Greek premier had become personally acquainted with US President George Bush in what was their first meeting since Bush became president.

He declined to make predictions about the outcome of the Cyprus problem but noted that the chances of a solution being found appeared improved.

These views were echoed by Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis on Friday, in statements made at a PASOK youth group conference regarding local elections in October.

The results of the premier's trip had belied predictions that Greece would come under pressure on important foreign policy issues, he said.

[04] ND reaction to premier's US trip

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Afterwards, a ND spokesman said it was too soon for a final evaluation of Simitis' talks in the US capital, including his meeting with George W. Bush at the White House. He did add, however, that there are serious questions "over what occurred or didn't occur".

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos noted that no progress was discerned on the long-standing Cyprus problem and the crucial "Euro-Army" issue, while saying his party will stand by its positions on foreign policy.

Finally, high-ranking ND deputy and former minister Dora Bakoyianni referred to what she called "poor preparation" for the prime minister visit and talks.

[05] Gov't spokesman responds to main opposition criticism of PM's U.S. visit

WASHINGTON, 12/02/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"We are not rejoicing any successes, we are, however, calling the talks of the premier with (U.S.) President (George) Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney and the Secretaries of State (Colin) Powell and Defense (Donald) Rumsfeld, interesting and fruitful," he said.

Protopapas lauded the mutual conception that existed between Greece and the United States in regards to the Balkans and called a "grand mistake" on the part of New Democracy its attempt to downgrade the visit, adding that "it would be good for ND to remain at the initial statement of (ND leader Costas) Karamanlis, which was supportive of the visit".

[06] Synaspismos reaction to premier's US trip

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Speaking on a local Athens television station, Constantopoulos added that it was impressive that there were no statements by U.S. officials on Simitis' visit and talks with U.S. President George Bush. He also said that the Greek premier is obliged to brief the Greek political parties on the content of his talks in Washington, upon his return to Greece.

[07] CEH letter slams '60 Minutes' report on Greece

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

"The '60 Minutes' report on January 6 about [the elusive Greek terrorist organization 17 November] was bad journalism that excluded information essential to an understanding of the issue. It also unfairly injured good friends of America in Greece, in both the government and private sector," the letter addressed to the '60 Minutes' producer Don Hewitt said.

Pointing out America's own failures to find home-grown terrorists, such as the 18-year gap before the capture of the 'Unabomber' and the still undiscovered Atlanta Olympics bomber, the CEH also said the program was holding Greece to 'straw' standards that the US itself could not meet, despite its superior technology.

"The negative reaction in Greece to your piece has come from all parts of the political spectrum. Your story did damage to Greece and to the United States," the letter adds.

In the more dangerous world for America that emerged after the Sept. 11 attacks, the letter noted, steadfast US allies such as Greece were even more important and should not be needlessly alienated, and it pointed out that many people in Greece perceived the views expressed in the program to represent America as a whole.

"This '60 Minutes' presentation hurt our friends in Greece, but in the end, it will hurt us in America more," the letter concluded.

[08] Crime, terrorism dominates Parliament debate on Friday

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

"Is there a safer country than Greece to host the Olympic Games following Sept. 11?" Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis asked rhetorically while addressing the assembly.

In reply to a tabled question by main opposition New Democracy, the minister added that terrorism "is a huge political and economic problem that affects the entire country. It has been defeated politically, and now it must be defeated in the field. We're fighting to stamp it out."

On his part, a ND rapporteur questioned the public order ministry's figures showing a decline in the crime rate, while also citing reports that "police precincts and the ministry's services are keeping two sets of records".

ND Parliament representative Vyron Polydoras criticized the PASOK government for what he called "negligence" in combating terrorism.

Finally, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) speaker Antonis Skyllakos echoed his party's official position, namely, that "terrorism is being used as a lever of pressure and that foreign (intelligence) services are thrashing about Greece ..."

[09] Minister says survival of FYROM in Greece's interest

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Paschalidis was responding to a delegation of demonstrators who gathered outside his ministry on the issue of FYROM's name and delivered a resolution to him.

"We support stability, viable peace and development as opposed to the forces seeking instability in the region," Paschalidis went on to say.

He also said talks on the name of FYROM are continuing in the framework of the UN with the purpose of finding a mutually acceptable solution.

Earlier, Paschalidis had received the representatives of the Committee for International Detente and Peace from Thessaloniki Mihalis Spyridakis and Nikos Zokas.

[10] Athens to aid Tirana's efforts towards meeting EU norms

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Among others, a text focusing on the transfer of know-how by the Greek government to Tirana in the field of converging with the European Union's acquis communautaire was signed.

On his part, Milo - the former Albanian foreign minister - said Tirana's attributed a "strategic priority" to closer Greek-Albanian ties, whereas Giannitsis said Athens will continue to aid countries in the region in their efforts to meet EU criteria.

Similar initiatives with Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary have been set in motion as well.

[11] Patriarch arrives in Tehran on an historic four-day visit

TEHRAN, 12/02/2002 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki)

He arrived in Tehran in a private jet and was met by the Iranian Islamic Republic's culture minister and Greece's Ambassador Charalambos Kougevetopoulos, as well as members of the Greek community in the city.

Vartholomeos, the "Primus inter pares" among Orthodox Patriarchs representing approximately 250 million Eastern Orthodox faithful around the world, is expected to meet in Tehran with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and the leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Hoseini Khamenei.

The Patriarch is also scheduled to address members of the diplomatic corps serving in the Iranian capital on the issue of "Religion's Contribution to the Establishment of Peace in the Modern World", during his four-day visit in the Islamic republic.

Additionally, contacts with a delegation from the Inter-Religious Dialogue Center, other Iranian ministers and officials as well as a visit to the historic city of Isfahan are planned.

Vartholomeos' planned visit to predominately Shiite Iran comes three weeks after a high-profile "all-faiths meeting" in Brussels brought together representatives of all the world's major monotheistic religions - including several well-known clerics from the Muslim world - in a bid to increase cooperation and understanding among religious faiths.

Iran is the second Muslim nation, following Bahrain, to issue an official invitation to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

[12] Actress Irene Papas rules out candidacy for Athens Mayor

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

In a statement, Papas said that she would continue to serve and project culture, but refused to take part in "spectacular duels, sword fights and cock fights".

"I have not been trained in the martial arts. I do not have a shield and sword," she said, adding that "this story about my possible candidacy for the Municipality of Athens has ended before it even began".

Papas said she refused to take part in such spectacles. "I do not want victories that debase the people and myself. My fellow human beings are, for me, only allies and collaborators. I do not wish to divide our people into factions and my fellow citizens into winners and losers."

Warmly thanking the friends and fellow citizens from all the political parties and the journalists who supported such a candidacy, Papas said she left the field of clashes, battles and conflicts to the politicians and the parties, but would continue to serve and project culture, the Olympic spirit and Truce, and peace.

[13] European Commission says 85 percent of payments are in euros

BRUSSELS, 12/02/2002 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The announcement said the figure exceeds 70 percent in all eurozone countries, while in four it is clearly higher than average (Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland and Luxembourg).

On the question of automatic coin machines adjusted to the euro, the figure exceeds 75 percent in six countries (the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg).

It was added that in almost all eurozone countries some attempts were made to use poor quality counterfeit euro banknotes, which were usually detected by storekeepers.

No serious case of forged euro banknotes or coins occurred, while small quantities of deficient banknotes and coins were withdrawn from circulation, the Commission said.

The use of euros in department stores is frequently limited in scale since many consumers are continuing to use national currency in their possession for purchases from such stores. On the other hand, the Commission ascertained that the use of euros is far greater in small shops.

[14] Confederation of farmers' unions examines sector's problems

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Deputy Agriculture Minister Vangelis Argyris inaugurated the assembly, held in Athens on January 9-10 and attended by trade unionists and party representatives.

Argyris assured GESASE's representatives that producers who suffered losses as a result of recent bad weather will be compensated with ministry funds and if the existing 28 billion drachmas are inadequate additional subsidization by the state budget will take place.

On the question of the request and effort for timely subsidy payments, Argyris said those who submitted sincere statements will receive their money by January 15.

[15] Cosmote establishes leadership in mobile telephony market

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

He said that active customers totalled 2,943,532 at the end of December 2001, up 42.8 percent from the same period in 2000, of which 1,461,767 were contract subscribers (an increase of 21.3 percent) and the remaining 1,481,765 were non-contract subscribers (an increase of 73.1 percent).

Martigopoulos said that non-contract subscribers exceeded contract customers (50.3 percent and 49.7 percent respectively) in 2001, for the first time, a development reflecting the consolidation of the contract subscribers market in the country. He said that mobile telephony's penetration in Greece exceeded 71 percent in 2001.

Cosmote announced 203,185 new net mobile connections in the fourth quarter of 2001, of which 25,932 were contract customers and the remaining 177,253 were non-contract customers.

Martigopoulos said that the company's disconnection rate totalled 19.8 percent in 2001.

Cosmote said its subsidiary in Albania, AMC, reported that its customer base totalled 273,088 last year, of which 249,924 (or 91.5 percent) were non-contract customers and the remaining 23,164 contract subscribers. AMC operates more than 200 base stations in Albania covering more than 85 percent of the population.

AMC accounted for 9.0 percent of Cosmote's total income in the first nine months of 2001.

Martigopoulos said Cosmote was planning to launch new GPRS services and has already begun designing its UMTS network ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (Cosmote is a mega sponsor of the games).

He said that Cosmote seeking to expand in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and was examining expanding its activities in other southeast European markets, particularly in central Europe.

Martigopoulos said final figures for 2001 results would be announced in February, and noted that consolidated profits were 43.5 percent higher in the first nine months of the year.

[16] Japanese tourists increase their stay in Greece

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

GTO's office in Japan held an amateur photo competition in Japan in cooperation with the Greek Tourist Enterprises Union. The subject of the competition was Santorini, Mykonos and Athens.

[17] Greek weekly economic review

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Meanwhile, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos announced the imposition of heavy fines and refer to the prosecutor several businesses, particularly restaurants and parking stations, for unjustified price increases in the wake of the introduction of the euro currency. Four big industries, included in the ministry's black list (Xifias SA, Nestle Hellas SA, Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling and Pepsico HBH) reacted to charges against them and denied any unjustified price increases.

Annual inflation jumped to 3.0 percent in December from 2.5 percent in November, reflecting a big rise in food and beverage prices. Analysts said inflation could soar to 3.5 percent in January.

The Bank of Greece announced a slowdown in the growth of credit expansion in October, compared with the previous month, reflecting a decline in consumer loans.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said the sale of Olympic Airways would have been completed by the end of January. Christodoulakis said that the government has begun the final round of negotiations with IAS, an Australian-Greek consortium, for the sale of 51 percent of the national carrier. IAS is offering 102 million euros and pledged to keep 5,000 out of a total 7,000 of the carrier's employees.

Greece will begin its international tourism advertising campaign on January 15 and will spend around 10.6 billion drachmas.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) aims to increase its customer base to more than 20 million in the next three years through expanding its activities in the southeast European market, its board said during the week. I

[18] Greek stocks end lower on ASE

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.49 percent lower at 2,574.68 points, with turnover an improved Dr 42.77 billion, or 125.5 million euros.

The Retail, Metals and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (3.73 percent, 1.36 percent and 1.33 percent, respectively), while the IT and Cement sector scored gains. The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 0.15 percent higher.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.65 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.58 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.33 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 204 to 102 with another 48 issues unchanged.

The general index ended the week with a net loss of 2.7 percent.

Equity futures under perform indices: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Friday showed a discount of up to 0.60 percent for contracts on the high capitalization index and up to 1.68 percent on the medium cap index, under performing both, traders said.

Changing hands were 5,333 contracts on turnover of 30.0 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.65 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.58 percent.

The most heavily traded shares were Public Power Corporation, Arrow, Medicon, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, and Panafon.

Number of derivatives contracts up 83 pct in 2001: The number of contracts traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange rose by 83 percent in 2001 to total 4,358,866 against 2,381,260 in the previous year, market authorities said in a statement on Friday.

The value of transactions rose by 50 percent, and the number of members of the exchange increased to 65 against 40 in 2000, the statement said.

Bond prices mixed in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished mixed in moderate to heavy trade focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.18 percent, and the spread over German bunds was 36 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.5 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for around half of turnover.

[19] Chrysohoidis and ATHOC head discuss security during Olympics

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

In statements afterward, the minister referred to "systematic work" being done on this crucial aspect of the Games, stressing that it fell within deadlines set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He said Friday's meeting had focused on ATHOC's relocation to a new building shared by the Olympics Security Directorate, to allow closer contact and cooperation between the two bodies.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, in response to questions regarding statements on Thursday by US President George Bush, told reporters that the US president recognized that Greece was working very hard and very methodically to organize successful Olympics.

[20] Archbishop Dimitrios of America due to arrive in Athens

Athens, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

According to an announcement on Friday, he will be accompanied on his trip, which ends on Jan. 17, by notable figures of the Greek-American community.

While in Greece, Archbishop Dimitrios will meet President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, political leaders and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

Ceremonies in honor of Archbishop Dimitrios have been planned by the Greek Parliament, the Athens and Thessaloniki municipalities and the Forensic Studies Center.

[21] Eurostat: Slight increase in Greece's population in 2001

BRUSSELS, 12/02/2002 (ANA)

Of the 31,700-person increase, Eurostat reports that more than 25,000 are newly arrived foreigners in the country.

According to figures unveiled here on Friday, Greece's population in 2001 totaled 10,596,400 residents. Specifically, 10.1 births and 9,5 deaths per 1,000 residents were reported in the east Mediterranean country, the EU's 10th member-state. Finally, 2.4 immigrants were recorded for every 1,000 residents in the country.

[22] President Clerides and Denktash to draft outline of agreement on issue of missing persons

NICOSIA, 12/02/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said, after Friday's two meetings between the leaders, that any eventual agreement that may be reached will not annul an earlier agreement (in 1997) on this specific issue and stressed that meetings on missing persons are a completely different process to the UN-led direct peace talks, beginning next week in Nicosia.

"During the meetings, discussion on the substance and substantive ways of proceeding to the resolution of this humanitarian issue continued and at the end the two leaders decided that during the weekend they will put on paper the way each one understands a draft agreement as to how to proceed in a practical way," Papapetrou said.

He said that they will exchange these documents at the beginning of next week and there is a possibility that they will meet again on this issue quite soon to finalize an agreement as to the practical ways to proceed on this issue.

The spokesman said that these meetings must not be confused with the meetings that will start on January 16 in the presence of the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, on the substance of the Cyprus problem.

The meetings on the issue of missing persons will be held in the presence of Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Zbigniew Wlosowicz, who hosts these meetings at his residence in the UN-controlled buffer zone, Papapetrou said.

The issue of missing persons is a humanitarian one and it is not offered for political exploitation, he stressed.

Replying to questions, Papapetrou said the objective is "to proceed not just with a soulless piece of paper but with very practical ways to resolve the problem" and noted that in July 1997 "we had an agreement that sounded good but practically we had nothing".

"The ambition this time is that we manage to have practical results, the effort is to be more practical this time," he stressed, pointing out that Friday's discussions in no way annul the 1997 agreement but constitute an effort to be more practical and more precise in handling the whole issue.

The July 1997 agreement reached between the president and Denktash provided for the exchange of information on the location of graves and the return of remains of missing persons found to be dead to the families for proper burial.

Asked how long it would take before graves are opened, Papapetrou cautioned against any premature conclusions and said "let us not jump to early conclusions, let us first go to the finalization of the agreement on how we proceed and then we set a timetable."

Invited to explain why the government wants to keep this issue separate from peace talks, he said this issue must not be seen within the political tactics of the give-and-take process, which inevitably will be there during the negotiations on the substance of the Cyprus question.

"This is an issue which aims to give answers to families, it is important to keep it as a humanitarian issue, away from political evaluations, it will be easier to resolve it and not to combine it with tactical approaches on the political issue," he added.

Replying to other questions, he said an agreement on the issue of missing persons would definitely create a better atmosphere, which will help the main effort.

Asked if he was optimistic, he said he was to the extent that both Clerides and Denktash said they decided to take measures to resolve this problem.

"The fact that we continued today is an element that allows some optimism, but let us not run too fast, let us see how things develop and then come to more concrete conclusions," Papapetrou said.

It was the fourth time Clerides and Denktash met in the past five weeks. The last time they met over dinner at Clerides' residence, they discussed the issue of missing persons and agreed to cooperate for its resolution.

There are well over 1,000 Greek Cypriots listed as missing and some 500 Turkish Cypriots.

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