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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-17Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>April 17, 2002CONTENTS
[01] Cyprus should enter EU with ''a single voice'', EU FMs sayLUXEMBOURG, 17/04/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)Cyprus should have a single voice in the European Union following its accession, the ''15'' foreign ministers of the Union stressed here on Tuesday, noting that the resolution of the political problem of the island republic should be in line with the EU's regulations.Cyprus' accession to the European Union was a focal point of the meeting of the regularly scheduled EU-Turkey association council meeting, calling it ''a significant opportunity'' for the resolution of the political problem of the island republic. On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou stressed that the solution should be functional and able to facilitate the implementation of EU regulations throughout the island and to secure the smooth operation of the Union's processes. Papandreou expressed his satisfaction for the references to the Cyprus problem and the Greek-Turkish relations that are included in the text of the common positions of the ''15'', noting that there is indeed a different approach from the Turkish side on these issues, in comparison with the previous negative stance of Turkey, without however, substantial moves. ''We have not gone very far but I think there is still hope (of reaching an accord),'' Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou told reporters. ''I think (Turkey) understands this is a historic opportunity. The question is will there be the political will to make the necessary moves,'' he added, referring to the ongoing intercommunal direct talks in Nicosia. Last weekend, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem warned of the potential for a crisis if Cyprus clinched EU membership with its division between ethnic Greeks and Turks unresolved. Papandreou, who held talks with Cem in Luxembourg on Monday after a meeting of EU foreign ministers, said the Turkish Cypriots had much to gain by reaching a deal that would allow Cyprus to enter the Union as a reunited island. ''The EU is helping by offering prospects for the Turkish Cypriots to live and work together (with their Greek Cypriot neighbors) within a community of values which will protect the rights of both communities,'' Papandreou said. Similarly, the fact that Britain and Ireland were both EU member states had contributed to the success of the peace process in Northern Ireland, he added. ''We want to see a state that will work well within the EU, that will function...not a Bosnia, which is very difficult to govern right now. We don't want that in the EU,'' he said. On his part, European Commissioner responsible for the Union's enlargement Guenter Verheugen called Tuesday's discussions open and creative and called on the leadership of both communities to respect the timetable for the resolution of the Cyprus problem until next June. Evaluating, Turkey's progress on its way to the European Union, the ''15'' noted that despite the steps taken, there were inadequacies in the human rights and democratization sectors and for that they called on Turkey to increase its efforts. Turkey's request for the drafting of a definite timetable for the initiation of accession talks was not approved by the association council, thus the issue was relegated to the Copenhagen EU summit in December, where, diplomatic sources said, the request may be granted in return for ''a gesture of good will'' on the Cyprus problem. Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on his part spoke of a mutually acceptable solution to the benefit of both communities on Cyprus and thanked Papandreou for Greece's constructive stance on Turkey's European course. [02] FM's talks with EU officials on European army fruitlessLUXEMBOURG, 17/04/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)Talks between Foreign Minister George Papandreou, his Spanish counterpart Josep Pique and European security and defense commissioner Javier Solana on the European army issue on Tuesday failed to produce results.The talks were held here on the sidelines of the European Union- Turkey Association Council meeting. The refusal of Athens to accept the U.S.-British text signed in Ankara, instituting Turkey's intervention in the EU's crisis management operations when NATO's infrastructures are used, has caused a complication in relations between the two organizations which urgently desire a settlement to the problem. Papandreou said the difference in views on the issue remains, Greece insists on its positions and the issue will be discussed again on Wednesday in a new meeting he will have in Athens with Solana and NATO secretary Lord Robertson. Solana and Robertson will be meeting Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Athens on Thursday. [03] German alternate FM expresses support for Greek positionsBERLIN, 17/04/2002 (ANA - P. Stangos)Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis met here on Tuesday with German Alternate Foreign Minister Christoph Zoepel who expressed his support for Greek positions regarding Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Balkan policy and the assessment of Turkey's course.At the same time, the German minister termed as ''useful'' the joint initiative undertaken by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem on the Middle East crisis. The Socialdemocrat minister, who has repeatedly reacted strongly against Turkey on the issue of respect for human rights and democracy and has voiced reservations on the speeding up of Turkey's EU accession course, made it clear that he foresees Turkey's European prospects within a time framework of two decades. Zoepel expressed his support for the policy of Greek-Turkish rapprochement, describing it as a ''historic procedure.'' He also noted that Cyprus can join the EU irrespective of whether a political solution to the Cyprus issue is reached. "For the German government it is clear that if the Turkish side is not willing to show a compromising attitude to the degree required (for a solution to the Cyprus problem), Cyprus can become an EU member even without a solution of this problem," Zoepel said, adding: "It is up to the Turkish side to submit such proposals which could make it possible for the Greek side to proceed towards compromises". On the Balkans, the German minister said that ''Europe should in no way forget the Balkans,'' stressing that Greece's northern neighbors need economic support. [04] FM to meet Ukrainian counterpart on WednesdayAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou is to meet Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko on Wednesday at noon in Athens.During Zlenko's visit, Greece and the Ukraine will sign bilateral treaties for cooperation in education, science and cultural issues. There will be a joint press conference by the two men after the meeting. [05] Spokesman says government rejects ex-king's claimsAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, referring on Tuesday to the issue of claims made by Greece's ex-king Constantine, said the government categorically rejected the ex-king's ''irrational claims and is not prepared to negotiate with him''.He added that the report containing the Greek government's views on the issue concerning the ''dispute'' over the ex-king's claims has been sent to the International Human Rights Court. ''Even whatever discussion on symbolic compensation should take into consideration a series of factors which, in essence, nullify the price,'' Protopapas said. Such factors are also issues linked to transfer and inheritance taxes, as well as the fact that certain spaces have been characterized as forestland and archaeological sites, the spokesman added. [06] Simitis receives KKE's PaparigaAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday received Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga, with talks revolving around mostly foreign policy issues, including Athens' policy vis-a-vis the "Euro-Army".Regarding the Mideast situation, Papariga said her party was not satisfied with the government's stance on the issue. Among others, she criticized the government for what she called statements that often equate "victims with victimizers". Papariga also accused the US and Britain of not wanting to abandon a "compromise" worked out with Turkey over the issue and of not taking Greece's positions into account. [07] Alternate FM Giannitsis to visit Cyprus this weekAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Greece's alternate foreign minister Tassos Giannitsis will visit Cyprus later this week, in his first visit to the island republic since his assumption of the post.Giannitsis leaves Thursday for Nicosia for a three-day visit, during which he will meet with the Cypriot political leadership. Giannitsis' visit coincides with the conclusion of the third round of UN-brokered direct talks between Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Giannitsis' talks in Cyprus will include Cyprus' course to EU accession, while the Greek official will also visit the Green Line and deliver a lecture at the University of Nicosia on the theme "Globalization and the role of the European Union". [08] Laliotis dismisses reports over 'disagreements' in PASOK's communications policyAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Ruling PASOK Secretary Costas Laliotis on Tuesday dismissed recent press reports claiming "differences of opinion" over the party's communications strategy between himself and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.Laliotis made the statements to reporters following a two-hour meeting with premier and PASOK President Simitis. Referring to the ruling party's political planning and strategy, the one-time public works and town planning minister said PASOK believes in a "unified, positive, aggressive and productive political and communications policy planning." Moreover, he said it was "within PASOK's reach" to reverse what he termed the current "unfavorable political situation", following a series of polls showing the ruling party trailing main opposition New Democracy by as much as 8.4 percent. Finally, Laliotis declined to comment on the ongoing government discussions regarding controversial tax reform proposals. Simitis also met separately on Tuesday with Environment and Town Planning Minister Vasso Papandreou, Aegean Minister Nikos Sifounakis and Deputy Economy Minister Rodoula Zisi. [09] ND leader addresses university students ahead of student council electionsAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday criticized the government for creating what he called dividing lines between citizens and heating the political climate.Speaking to members of the ND affiliated university students' union DAP, in light of Wednesday's elections for the university student council, Karamanlis criticized the economic policies of the government and those of education, saying that culture can be one of Greece's assets and advantage. ''Our opponents are not those who may vote differently from us. They may have different positions and they may begin their thought process from different positions. We respect the opinions of everyone and we honor their efforts. We are not against anybody, we stand against problems, such as the insufferable everyday life, the chaos in healthcare and education,'' Karamanlis said. ''The parties have made young people bitter and we are undertaking our share of the responsibility. But running away does not befit the youth, staying away and abstaining mean nothing more than the giving up of the basic right of citizens to decide about their future,'' he stressed, thus calling on them to be involved in the country's political life. [10] Conference on stability, security in SE Europe in Athens this weekAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The Greek defense ministry is organizing a conference in Athens this week focusing on the all-important issues of stability and security in southeast Europe, as part of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary since NATO's establishment.NATO General Secretary Lord Robertson is expected to participate, as is EU Common Foreign Policy and Defense chief Javier Solana, along with defense ministers of Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania, FYROM, Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia. According to reports, bilateral contacts are expected on the sidelines of the conference, whereas a meeting by ministers from Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania may also take place, as the latter two states are NATO candidate-states. [11] Gov't praises Israeli recognition of Jerusalem PatriarchAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The Greek government on Tuesday expressed its satisfaction over Israel's official recognition of Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos' enthronement, seven months after the new Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Palestine, Syria, beyond Jordan River, Cana of Galilee & Holy Zion was installed."The end of this abeyance enhances the Patriarchate's ability to contribute towards strengthening the consciences of those who request that the cycle of violence in the Middle East cease," government spokesman Christos Protopapas said. [12] MPs stress need to complete Constitutional reforms for mediaAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)In a joint announcement issued on Tuesday, 30 MPs stressed the need to activate Constitutional reforms related to the broadcast media as quickly as possible, to avoid creating powers that would be able to undermine democracy."Unless the operation of the broadcast media is not adapted to the Constitution and the laws, then these will become a superpower that is above and outside the law and will manipulate democracy and corrupt the nature of parliamentary institutions, turning politicians into employees," the announcement said. The 30 MPs belonged to all parties in Parliament apart from the Coalition of the Left and Progress. The announcement also criticized those who objected to all forms of control on programs as censorship, noting that the freedom of the press was protected under the Constitution, which reserved special treatment for radio and television. Regarding the National Radio and Television Council, the broadcasting regulator that was recently made an independent body, the MPs said the independent regulator had to be more than just honest and unimpeachable - it also needed to be able and decisive in order to bring the unrestrained and highly competitive broadcast sector under control. Finally, the announcement raised questions about the failure to prosecute owners of large television and radio channels that owed millions of euros to state insurance funds, state television and public utilities. [13] Government satisfied with collective labor agreementAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The government was satisfied with the signature of a two-year national collective labor agreement, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Tuesday.He said the agreement was achieved following free collective negotiations and would greatly assist the Greek economy overall, ensuring that development, employment and competitiveness were unhindered. [14] Industrial production plunges 4.6 percent in JanuaryAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Greece's industrial production index plunged 4.6 percent in January compared with the same month last year, National Statistics Service said on Tuesday.NSS attributed the sharp drop in the index to falls in the textile, leather-footwear, plastics, minerals, electrical machinery and appliances sectors over the month. The combined electricity-natural gas-water production index, however, rose 6.9 percent in January, while the mining production index jumped 11.8 percent. [15] PM Simitis holds lengthy talks with Economy Minister ChristodoulakisAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis held lengthy talks on Tuesday evening with Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.Following their discussion at the Maximos Mansion, Christodoulakis told reporters they discussed issues regarding Thursday's cabinet meeting, which will deal with all issues related to economic policy. Asked whether the issue of tax reform was raised as the dialogue starts on Wednesday, the minister said ''exactly, the dialogue with the social partners is starting. We shall talk about it tomorrow.'' Also present at the meeting, which lasted for over an hour, was the director of the prime minister's Economic Office, Gikas Hardouvelis. [16] Government to complete key economic reforms in 2003Athens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Tuesday that the government will have completed economic reforms by next year that will put the country on a footing with other European Union countries.The reforms will also help to create new investment and business opportunities, Christodoulakis told a conference on the challenge for Greek companies organized by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The minister noted that the government had set a priority on high growth rates, a major factor in the country's progress. He added that the state planned to keep a stake of 35 percent or more in key state enterprises as part of its wide-ranging privatization plan. A bill was near completion that aimed to make the privatization process more flexible, Christodoulakis added. [17] Members of Greek-Turkish Chamber visit SE TurkeyISTANBUL, 17/04/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Officials of the Greek-Turkish Chamber of Commerce are visiting four southeastern Turkish cities as part of a program to inform businesses of investment opportunities in Greece.Also arranging the visit is the Greek consulate in Istanbul and Turkey's Council for External Economic Relations. "This is the second such tour we have arranged in Turkey, and great interest has been shown by Turkish businesses in opportunities for alliances with Greek firms," said the chamber's president, Panayotis Koutsikos. Economic ties between Greece and Turkey rose sharply in 2000 with trade totalling one billion US dollars. [18] Contract awarded for Athens transport centerAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Attiko Metro, operator of the Athens underground, is to sign a contract on Wednesday with engineering contractors AEGEK, Ekter and Meton for construction of a transport center in Syngrou Avenue.The cost of the center to be built by the consortium, which won an international tender for the project in 1999, is 12.457 million euros. Construction will last 25 months. The center will have a six-story underground car park and bus station, both to act as links with the metro station on Syngrou Avenue. [19] Greece to participate in Dubai international tourism fairAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Greece's National Tourism Organization will participate for the first time in Dubai's international tourism trade fair to begin May 8 in the framework of an expansionary tourism policy strategy adopted by Greek tourism authorities, it was announced on Tuesday.GNTO's chairman, Yiannis Patelis, met with representatives of 20 travel agents from the United Arab Emirates that currently visit Athens. [20] Meeting on making Thessaloniki a Balkan agro logistics hubAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The Association of Northern Greek Industries announced on Tuesday that it would hold a meeting on April 18 with the Netherlands embassy and Agricultural Bank of Greece on how the northern port city of Thessaloniki could become an agro logistics hub for the Balkans.The meeting was proposed by the embassy's agricultural section and Agricultural, a state-owned bank active in the farming sector, the association said in a statement. [21] Employment programs for socially sensitive groupsAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The labor ministry on Tuesday announced employment and self-employment programs for 2,500 people belonging to socially sensitive groups of the population.The implementation of the four-year program on subsidizing employers with 22 euros a day for hirings in full employment jobs over a period of 36 months, and with the obligation to maintain the job for 12 months after the end of subsidization, will begin in 2002. Businesses will be subsidized with 12 euros a day for 36 months for hiring people belonging to sensitive groups in part-time jobs, which should also be maintained for a year, while employment in seasonal jobs for 4-9 months will be subsidized with 22 euros a day. [22] Call for creation of university-level Wine Academy in GreeceAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)A Greek university professor on Tuesday called for the creation of a Wine Academy at university level in Greece, based on the models of Universite du Vin in France and Wine and Spirits Education Trust in London, England.Stavros Theophanidis, an Applied Economics professor at Panteion University, said the move was absolutely necessary because Greece was a pioneer of vine growing and winemaking in Europe. "It is time to exploit and implement this proposal because the Greek word "oinos" was the base for the word wine in other European languages," he said. The cost of a survey to create a Wine Academy is not expected to exceed eight million drachmas and it will be ready in around 5-6 months. Mr. Theophanidis has sent a letter with his proposals to the chairman of Greek Wine Federation, Nontas Spyropoulos. He said that sections of the Academy could operate in the prefect of Kavala, Greece's largest vine growing and exporting center. More than 3,000 families are currently employed in vine growing in Kavala with annual income totalling 5.0 billion drachmas. [23] Nova satellite TV to broadcast Greek Business ChannelAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Nova, a Greek satellite TV, and Greek Business Channel on Tuesday unveiled the first Greek financial television station Greek Business Channel (GBC) to be included in Nova's satellite digital platform.Nova's subscribers will be informed over economic developments in the country, as the new channel is the first subscriber television program designed and produced by Greeks for Greek viewers, offering an in-depth analysis and information of the country's economic situation. Labis Tagmatarhis, Netmed Hellas' chief executive, presenting the new program said that the decision to offer GBC to Nova's subscribers was based on the results of a survey among its subscribers, which showed the need for more financial news and analysis in television. GBC will use a variety of news sources in Greece and exclusive international cooperation with Reuters, IHT Television, Business Week, Deutsche Welle, Multex Investor and Euroame-rican. The new program will broadcast daily from 07.00 to 17.00 local time and from 07.00 to 15.00 in weekends. [24] Undersea oil deposit found in the northAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)An undersea oil deposit has been discovered near Prinos, an existing oilfield, which could be exploited, officials said on Tuesday.The officials said that initial chemical analysis showed the newly found oilfield could produce 12,000-15,000 barrels a day for 15 years. The deposit, located between Nea Perama and Aghion Oros, has a depth of about 3,120 meters, they added. [25] Strikes on ThursdayAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Workers on state railways and the Piraeus-Kifissia metro line will stage a 24-hour strike on Thursday, along with hospital personnel.In addition, a work stoppage has been called for Athens metro employees for 5-9 am, and a three-hour strike by teachers, both on Thursday. Trollies and buses will run normally. Finally, taxi drivers are to stage a 48-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday. [26] Greek stocks end mixed to higher on TuesdayAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Equity prices ended Tuesday's session mixed to lower on the Athens Stock Exchange reflecting lack of fresh incentives and directions from the Greek bourse.The general index rose 0.10 percent to end at 2,169.65 points with turnover an improved 78.35 million euros, of which 15 million euros were block trades. The Investment, Cement and Industrial sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.22 percent, 1.22 percent and 0.73 percent, respectively), while the Textile, IT and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest losses (0.69 percent, 0.62 percent and 0.62 percent.). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.07 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.09 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.03 percent lower. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 162 to 152 with another 50 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Panafon, Agricultural Life, Alpha Bank, and National Bank of Greece. Equity index futures mixed in edgy trade: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange moved continuously between discount and premium in volatile trade, tracking the main market. Turnover was 75.4 million euros. The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.07 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.09 percent. Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper. The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.53 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 31 basis points. Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 2.3 billion euros. Sell orders accounted for around half of turnover. [27] Deputy FM says ministry undertaking two initiativesNEW YORK, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis said here on Tuesday the foreign ministry has undertaken two important initiatives with expatriate Greeks that is to promote Cypriot culture and the Olympic Games.In the framework of these initiatives, to be implemented in the coming months, major events will take place in all European cities and New York in particular on the promotion of Cypriot culture and the promotion of the Olympic Games and modern Greece. The government of Cyprus, as well as officials from the island with whom Magriotis held talks on the issue recently, will participate in the promotion of Cypriot culture. Magriotis said Greece will support all initiatives undertaken by expatriate Greeks and announced a 30 percent increase in hospitality programs in Greece for Greek children living abroad. [28] Agronomic University's role for 2004 Olympics detailedAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Chytiris on Tuesday reiterated that the Agronomic University of Athens will play a crucial role in helping increase much-needed "green spaces" in the heavily congested Greek capital prior to the 2004 Olympics in Athens.Chytiris made the comments during a meeting with the university's faculty senate and following a briefing by the school's rector. The university's participation in 2004 Olympic preparations will focus on three axes, namely, to coordinate efforts at planting tens of thousands of new trees and shrubs in the concrete-laden Greek metropolis, as well as to rehabilitate two historic yet rundown inner-city districts - Votanikos and Iera Odos - adjacent to the school. Another initiative by the university deals with volunteerism, as the school's laboratories and technical staff are expected to contribute to quality checking of foodstuffs available for the Games' athletes and the expanded "Olympic Family". Finally, a museum will be established at the school's grounds showcasing agricultural life in Greece down through the centuries. [29] Supreme Court to consider German war reparations case on WednesdayAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)A Special Supreme Court is to convene in Athens on Wednesday to consider the issue of extraterritoriality in the reparations sought from Germany for crimes committed by Nazi troops during World War II.Meanwhile, National Council Chairman Manolis Glezos noted in a press conference at Athens' Economics University on Tuesday that the German government has not only refused to pay compensation due to Greece but had also refused all dialogue on this issue. The university announced that it would organize a conference entitled "Germany's debts to Greece" on Oct. 31-Nov. 2 this year, which would discuss the demands made by the government and individuals, the debts from the war and occupation, as well as restitution for abductions, unpaid work, arson and other crimes. [30] Germany honors PASOK Eurodeputy TsatsosBRUSSELS, 17/04/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)Germany on Tuesday awarded the Order of Merit to PASOK Eurodeputy Dimitris Tsatsos for his political and academic career, his contribution towards European unification and his role in the strengthening of Greek-German relations.At the ceremony held at the European Parliament, Germany's ambassador to the EU said the German state honors Tsatsos as an excellent politician and as a pioneer in Greek-German relations. [31] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos to receive award in CreteAthens, 17/04/2002 (ANA)The Technical Institute of Crete's award will be given this year to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.The decision was taken unanimously by the institute's board and announced on Tuesday by its president Markos Karanastasis. He said that the award ceremony will be held on June 15 and that the award will be presented to Vartholomeos by either the President of the Republic or the education minister. Karanastasis said Patriarch Vartholomeos was being honored for his efforts towards the rapprochement of churches and for the prevalence of peace in the world. The award will be presented in June, as the Patriarch will be paying a private visit there at the time. [32] Cyprus urges Annan to move in the direction of Turkish sideUNITED NATIONS, 17/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)The UN Secretary General would favor an intervention by the US in the Cyprus peace process and would like to see the talks intensified, Cyprus House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias has said.Speaking after a meeting here on Tuesday with Kofi Annan, Christofias said the UN chief praised President Glafcos Clerides for his stance at the negotiating table and has shown understanding to the views expressed by the House President that there is concern about the lack of progress towards a Cyprus settlement. ''I have urged Annan to exert his influence so that the permanent members of the UN Security Council will move in the direction of Turkey to encourage a change in the position of the Turkish side so that we can look forward to a solution and Cyprus' accession to the European Union,'' Christofias told the press. The Cypriot official said that prospects for a solution appear bleak because Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, insists on the creation of two separate states in Cyprus, which is contrary to UN resolutions and the wishes of the EU. [33] Greek Cypriot side to respond to Denktash on missing personsNICOSIA, 17/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)The response of the Greek Cypriot side to the positions of the Turkish Cypriots on the issue of missing persons in Cyprus will be conveyed to the Turkish Cypriot side in the next few days, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said here on Tuesday.Replying to a question, Papapetrou said the answer would be finalized at a meeting of Attorney General Alecos Markides with representatives of the relatives of missing persons, to be held this week. It will then be submitted to Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides for approval, before being sent to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. 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