Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM welcomes the end of Church of Nativity siege

[02] PM sees start of 'new chapter' in relations with Yugoslavia

[03] PM again rejects UK-brokered text for EU army

[04] FinMin meets with Patriarch Vartholomeos in Istanbul

[05] Defense minister meets with British Parthenon Marbles committee

[06] Procedures for setting up multinational headquarters to be completed by June

[07] Bulgarian premier arrives in Mt. Athos' Zografou Monastery

[08] Greek Parliament president meets with New York State Congress Chairman

[09] Archbishop praises armed forces

[10] Adriatic Initiative ministers examine terrorism issue

[11] Amendment allowing some radio stations 2nd transmitter tabled in Parl't

[12] AHEPA delegation received by education deputy minister

[13] Yvette Jarvis to join PASOK ticket for Athens municipal polls

[14] Dehaene accepts invitation to visit Greece in June

[15] Greek inflation eases to 3.8 pct in April, yr/yr

[16] Turkish business groups host visiting Greek finance minister

[17] Balkan Export sees 2002 earnings of 2.5 million euros

[18] Govt earmarks 182 mln euros in port development projects

[19] ASE ends short week 4.61 percent higher

[20] Papaioannou to undertake Olympiad's artistic management

[21] Significant archaeological finds unearthed in Kerameikos

[22] Greek deputy healthcare minister addresses UN assembly on children's rights

[23] Acropolis rally sets 2002 world participation record with 89 crews

[24] "Archbishop Spyridon Foundation" makes first donation to Montreal's Greek school

[25] Feasibility study on int'l university in Thessaloniki

[26] Greek Opera House to perform 'Zorba' ballet in Australia

[27] Conference of Balkan, Cypriot lawyers begins in Patras

[28] Britain's Charles departs from Mt. Athos

[29] Palestinians arrive in Cyprus under tight security

[30] Yasser Arafat expresses appreciation for Cyprus

[31] Spanish EU presidency expresses 'profound gratitude' to Cyprus government

[32] House President welcomes arrival of Palestinians

[33] Palestinian representative says Cypriot measures accurate

[34] Cox welcomes Cyprus' decision to host 13 Palestinians

[35] President Clerides meets UN envoy

[36] South Australia calls on Turkey to influence Denktash

[01] PM welcomes the end of Church of Nativity siege

BELGRADE 11/08/2002 (ANA-V. Mourtis)

This and the release of Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat gave rise to hopes for progress in efforts to defuse the situation in the Middle East and reduce tension in the area, he added.

Simitis made the statements in Belgrade, where he is on a two-day official visit, accompanied by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and a delegation of Greek business people.

The prime minister announced that Greece, along with Spain and Italy, was one of the three countries that had offered to take in the Palestinians released from the Church of Nativity siege, whom Israel regards as terrorists.

Both he and Papandreou clarified, however, that any of the 13 Palestinians sent to Greece would not be held in custody as prisoners, though some security measures would be taken.

A final decision on which countries will receive the 13 and how they will be shared out will be made on Monday at the EU general affairs council.

Simitis and Papandreou also praised the role of Cyprus in the happy conclusion of the affair, as well as the role of the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate.

The Greek foreign minister revealed that the solution adopted had been proposed by himself and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem during their joint visit to the Middle East and had been positively received by both Arafat and by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Final destinations of 13 exiled Palestinian militants to be decided Monday by EU: The European Union's foreign ministers will early next week decide the final destinations of the 13 exiled Palestinian militants airlifted earlier in the day to Cyprus as part of a deal ending the five-week siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Greek acting government spokesperson Dimitra Spiliopoulou said Friday, adding that Greece, Italy and Spain had volunteered to take them in.

The destination of the 13 Palestinians, and their status, would be decided at the EU Council of Ministers' General Affairs meeting on Monday, Spiliopoulou said, adding that the decision for their temporary transfer to Cyprus was taken following a flurry of deliberations by Greek foreign minister George Papandreou with EU defense chief Javier Solana, Cyprus defense minister Ioannis Kasoulides, senior officials of the British and Israeli governments and of the Palestinian Authority.

Noting that developments Thursday night had been rapid, she said that Greece welcomed the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus, underlined the role it played in its geographic region, and believed that only good could come about from its membership in the European Union.

[02] PM sees start of 'new chapter' in relations with Yugoslavia

BELGRADE 11/08/2002 (ANA-V. Mourtis)

Taking stock of the results of his two-day official visit - the first by a Greek premier to Yugoslavia in 16 years - Simitis said it had brought very positive results. The Greek premier arrived in Yugoslavia on Thursday, when he signed a series of bilateral agreements for cooperation in the transport sector.

Simitis pointed out that Yugoslavia had recently emerged from a long crisis that had caused a great deal of damage and a massive drop in living standards, which were among the lowest in the region and much lower than those in Greece.

He stressed that Yugoslavia needed support and help and noted that peace and stability in the Balkans could not be achieved without Yugoslavia's participation.

Greece was offering help politically and economically, Simitis said. Firstly, Athens would support Yugoslavia's efforts to rejoin the international community and international organizations. An important aspect of this and one that Greece would push for during its presidency of the European Union in 2003 were Yugoslavia's relations with NATO and the EU, with which it would have to sign cooperation agreements.

Secondly, Greece would provide Yugoslavia with much-needed financial support through the funds available under the Balkan Stability program and through the activity of the 230 Greek businesses now established in Yugoslavia, he said.

The Greek premier noted that the balance of trade between the two countries was now in Greece's favor, while he referred to the importance for Greece of constructing motorway 10.

Earlier on Friday, Simitis met Serb Patriarch Pavlos, while the meeting was also attended by Alexandria Patriarch Petros who is currently in Belgrade.

[03] PM again rejects UK-brokered text for EU army

BELGRADE 11/08/2002 (ANA-V. Mourtis)

Speaking from Belgrade where he is currently on a two-day official visit, Simitis was responding to questions regarding the alleged refusal of the British side to make alterations to the text and its intention to re-submit it at the Barcelona Summit unchanged.

The Greek prime minister refused to comment apart from saying that Athens had asked for an acceptable solution on this issue.

The 'Istanbul text' is a draft agreement reached after negotiations between the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkey in order to circumvent Turkish objections to the use of NATO planning infrastructure by the nascent EU rapid intervention force. Turkey has demanded to have a role in decision-making in operations conducted by the EU force.

[04] FinMin meets with Patriarch Vartholomeos in Istanbul

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

The two men had a long and warm discussion with Mr. Christodoulakis expressing Prime Minister Costas Simitis' greetings and praising the Ecumenical Patriarchate's efforts in promoting a dialogue and tolerance among different civilizations. "Greece will help in every way for the continuation of the Patriarchate's work," Mr. Christodoulakis said.

"The Ecumenical Patriarchate is a bridge between civilizations," the Greek minister said and noted that the Patriarchate could play a significant role in promoting relations between Greece and Turkey.

Speaking to Turkish journalists in Istanbul, Mr. Christodoulakis said Turkey's economic condition was improving and reiterated Greece's support in Turkey's efforts to enter the European Union.

[05] Defense minister meets with British Parthenon Marbles committee

LONDON 11/08/2002 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Following the meeting, Papantoniou said that ''we had a very substantial conversation. I realized with great satisfaction that a great deal of work has been accomplished in influencing the members of the British parliament, the members of the British government and the British Prime Minister (Tony) Blair concerning the realization of the grand vision, which is the restoration of the antiquities of the Parthenon,'' the Greek minister said.

He added that indeed the Athens 2004 Olympic Games would be a great motive for the return of the marbles as thousands of visitors would see the empty spaces of the new museum slated for the Parthenon Marbles, if they are not returned.

[06] Procedures for setting up multinational headquarters to be completed by June

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Apostolidis, meeting with reporters during a tour of military units and factories in northern Greece, said approximately 250 officers from all the countries participating in its establishment would serve at the new multinational headquarters, of which 55 percent would be officers from Greece. The target, he added, was to have the headquarters fully functional within a year after its establishment.

Apostolidis said that the conversion of the Third Army Corps into a multinational headquarters would upgrade its role in the wider region of SE Europe, since Greece plays an important strategic role in Europe, is the only country in the region that is a member of both the EU and NATO, and is an important strategic partner of the US in the region.

On the issue of the European Union's rapid reaction force, Apostolidis said that the deal brokered by Britain late last year with Turkey -- which is a member of NATO but not of the EU -- could not be accepted by the European Union.

He said that Greece would not accept any text that did not secure the country's rights.

Apostolidis said that the accord with Turkey was a "mistake" of the EU leaders, since no country that did not belong to the EU had the right to intervene, and much less to guide -- the EU's defense policies.

"This issue is not a Greek-Turkish difference, but it has to do with the European Union's relations with the US and NATO," he explained.

Apostolidis further referred to the multinational officers' training center in Kilkis, noting that since it first opened some 4,000 officers had been trained there. Soon, he added, the training provided would be upgraded as 2 training officers from the US and a group of trainers from a corresponding center in The Netherlands would be arriving at the Kilkis center.

Turning to changes being made in the Greek armed forces, Apostolidis said that they aimed at improving the living conditions of the soldiers and specialization of their training, while the closure of camps would not weaken the country's defense capability but rather would reinforce it, particularly in the font line, where the needs were greater.

The ministry's target was to turn over 50 percent of the camps to the local communities while, with respect to duration of conscription terms, the goal was to reduce it, by 2003, to 12 months for the army, 14 months for the air force, and 15 months for the navy, while by 2005 one-fourth of the military force (about 25,000 soldiers) would be comprised of professional soldiers.

[07] Bulgarian premier arrives in Mt. Athos' Zografou Monastery

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

The Bulgarian premier's pilgrimage to Mt. Athos, and more specifically to the Zografou Monastery, is the second as his first visit to the monastery, where Bulgarian monks reside, was made about ten years ago, when Saxe-Coburg-Gotha visited Zografou as Bulgaria's ex-monarch.

The 10th Century AD Zografou Monastery was destroyed during the later Byzantine period and was rebuilt with the support of the Byzantine Paleologos Dynasty and the leaders of the Danube hegemonies.

Despite the fact that initially the monastery was inhabited by Greeks, Serbs and Bulgarians, over the last 100 years only Bulgarian monks live there.

The monastery keeps two miracle-working icons of St. George and two of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), while its library includes 126 Greek manuscripts, 388 Slavic manuscripts and 8,000 printed books.

Zografou is the ninth of the 20 monasteries comprising the autonomous self-government monastic community, which in its religious aspect is subject to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was due to participate in Friday night's all-night service at the main Church of the Zografou Monastery, which is dedicated to St. George, and then arrive at Uranoupolis, in Halkidiki in Northern Greece, before departing for Sofia on Sunday.

[08] Greek Parliament president meets with New York State Congress Chairman

NEW YORK 11/08/2002 (ANA - P. Dimitropoulos)

Greek expatriate New York State Congressman Mike Yiannaris was present at the meeting, during which Kaklamanis invited Silver to visit Greece.

Kaklamanis briefed Silver on Greece's positive role, as an element of peace and stability, in Southeastern Europe, as well as the preparations of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and also discussed the issue of improving the education of Greek-American children of New York State.

Kaklamanis was to participate, in the evening, in a memorial event marking the Mesolongi Exodus of the Greek War of Independence, organized by the Greek-American federation of Aetoloakarnanians of New York.

[09] Archbishop praises armed forces

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Archbishop Christodoulos took the opportunity after being given a commemorative plaque by the representatives of war industry employees and referred to the armed forces in the presence of Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, former Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis and local authorities, saying the armed forces are the nation's well-trained children.

Earlier, Archbishop Christodoulos had spoken of the dangers currently threatening the world, which "are no longer a nuclear holocaust since only one superpower has been left which, of course, will make no such use because it will be destroyed itself".

Archbishop Christodoulos said that today the world "is being threatened by leveling, globalization, the control of the lives of people and is also in danger from the degradation of fellow man and the removal of the quality of life".

He said that what he is teaching is not his own, it is believed by many, and promised to struggle, and together with him all who believe in what he is preaching, to "prevent the steamroller, that is globalization".

''We must resist. This is the slogan I use every day because I am interested is us living with our customs and traditions,'' Archbishop Christodoulos said.

At the end of the church service, Archbishop Christodoulos held a 40-minute meeting in his office with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, who told reporters later that he visited the archbishop since he will be going to Rome on Monday and will also be meeting the Pope.

[10] Adriatic Initiative ministers examine terrorism issue

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Greek Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis expressed his absolute satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, because all agreed to crack down on terrorism and Islamic terrorism in particular.

The seven ministers signed a text of principles obliging the Initiative countries to directly exchange information on the activities and movements of terrorists and terrorist organizations, the trafficking of weapons and explosives, radioactive materials or chemical and biological substances, exchange information on the finances of terrorist organizations, intensify controls at borders and increase police measures at airports and ports with the safety of passengers and citizens being the main concern.

Greece, Italy, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Yugoslavia are participating in the Initiative.

[11] Amendment allowing some radio stations 2nd transmitter tabled in Parl't

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

In return for this facility, the radio stations in question will have to transmit public service messages for free and for as long as they are required to do so. Specifically, the bill calls for the transmission of ''every sort of message and information that the authorities in charge wish to address to the public in the case of emergencies related to the protection of the social whole, or that is in the public interest.''

Up to 20 per cent of the radio stations in each prefecture will be allowed to make use of the provision. Discussion of the bill on media ownership and state contractors will begin on Tuesday.

[12] AHEPA delegation received by education deputy minister

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

She stated the government's intent to extend the program to schools of the Greek expatriate community during the next school term.

AHEPA President Andrew Banis paid special attention to the Olympic Truce and the teaching of peace, both of which are central elements of the Olympic Educational Program.

The delegation also requested the cooperation of the education ministry in straightening the exchange program for students and professors between Greece and the United States.

[13] Yvette Jarvis to join PASOK ticket for Athens municipal polls

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Jarvis, who is a graduate of Boston University, is the first black woman to stand for office in a Greek election.

While in the United States, Jarvis worked with non-governmental organizations dealing with the problems of families and young people and also has extensive contacts with black American movements. She now wants to use her experience in order to help immigrants in Greece.

In response to questions, Jarvis said she did not agree with US foreign policy and this was why she had decided to settle in Greece. She also claimed to have been surprised by Papoutsis' offer, while expressing admiration for his main rival, New Democracy mayoral candidate Dora Bakoyianni, and outgoing Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Finally, Jarvis dedicated the song ''I will survive'' to Papoutsis, saying that he had a hard fight ahead to win this electoral race.

[14] Dehaene accepts invitation to visit Greece in June

BRUSSELS 11/08/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Earlier on Friday, Dehaene met with the temporary secretariat of Greek NGOs in Brussels, which included representatives of the European Network of Greek Women Journalists, the European Expression group, the European Movement group and the Greek Movement of European Federalists.

The former Belgium premier said he would like to meet Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou to discuss issues pertaining to the Convention for the Future of Europe, in view of the Greek president of the European Union.

[15] Greek inflation eases to 3.8 pct in April, yr/yr

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

NSS said that the inflation rate was up 3.5 percent in April 2001 and 2.6 percent in April 2000, on a year-on-year basis, while the harmonised consumers price index rose 4.1 percent in April 2002.

Nikos Karavitis, NSS's secretary-general, presenting the April figures avoided any predictions over the future course of the inflation, although he said that the consumers price index "would likely move downwards" in the following months.

The monthly CPI increase was attributed to a 3.6 percent increase in alcohol and tobacco prices, an 1.9 percent rise in transport prices and an 1.1 percent increase in housing, restaurant and hotel prices over the month.

The annual figure reflected an 11.8 percent jump in alcohol and tobacco prices, a 7.2 percent rise in food and beverage prices, a 5.7 percent increase in hotel-restaurant prices, a 3.9 percent rise in clothing and footwear, a 4.4 percent increase in healthcare prices and a 3.5 percent rise in housing prices.

Consumer prices eased only in the communications and transport prices (-4.5 percent and -0.3 percent, respectively).

[16] Turkish business groups host visiting Greek finance minister

ISTANBUL 11/08/2002 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

Hosting the lunch were senior officials of the Union of Turkish Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Turkish-Greek Business Council.

Earlier in the day, the minister met Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

On Thursday, Christodoulakis and Turkish Finance Minister Kemal Dervis said in Ankara that their two countries supported a gradual increase in bilateral business ties.

Christodoulakis told a joint news conference with Dervis that a move had been made with the European Investment Bank to back economic cooperation between Greece, Italy and Turkey.

He noted that energy, transport and communications were sectors that boded well for cooperation with Turkey.

The minister also underlined that the private sector was a key vehicle for closer ties between the two countries.

Dervis stressed that stable economic ties with Greece were important for the broader region.

[17] Balkan Export sees 2002 earnings of 2.5 million euros

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Shareholders endorsed management's proposal that no dividend should be paid on 2001 profits; and that a dividend distribution should be stalled until results improved, probably from fiscal 2003.

Losses from previous years have fallen to total 1.145 billion drachmas in 2001.

The company posted a 61.3 percent increase in first quarter pre-tax profits to 664,710 euros from 411,941 euros in the same period last year, reflecting an increased market share that stemmed from successful implementation of a restructuring plan.

Turnover rose by 36.6 percent to 5.72 million euros in January to March compared with 4.19 million euros in 2001.

Balkan Export has sharply reduced its long-term debt to 156,650 euros from 1,270,421 euros.

Management said administrative expenses accounted for 14 percent of turnover, down from 15.4 percent in the first quarter of 2001, strengthening its competitiveness in the market.

[18] Govt earmarks 182 mln euros in port development projects

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Mr. Anomeritis also announced a decision to finance a survey on building a new port at the island of Paros.

[19] ASE ends short week 4.61 percent higher

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.98 percent to end at 2,320.81 points with turnover an improved 112.5 million euros.

The Holding, IT Solutions and Food-Beverage sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.34 percent, 2.28 percent and 1.83 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.92 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.29 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.25 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 254 to 63 with another 44 issues unchanged.

The general index ended the shortened week with a net gain of 4.61 percent.

Among the most heavily traded shares in value were Intracom and Public Power Corporation.

Equity index futures mixed: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished mixed in brisk trade on Friday.

Turnover was 80.0 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.92 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 1.29 percent.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.54 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 3.3 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

[20] Papaioannou to undertake Olympiad's artistic management

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Simitsek said the proposal made by Papaioannou combines emotion with the great spectacle and strength with sensitivity, while at the same time promoting the splendid Olympic spirit. The fee of Papaioannou and his associates amounts to 1.3 million euros.

A tender will also be proclaimed in the near future for the company which will undertake the events' technical infrastructure and support, as well as the one to undertake the management of finances. As regards the relevant budget, it amounts to 49,156,000 euros.

Simitsek said, among others, that all the material related to the Olympic installations' functions will be ready by December 30, 2002. He further said Greeks have a problem of disciple as a people but a great spirit of improvisation as well.

[21] Significant archaeological finds unearthed in Kerameikos

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

The four sculptures were found in April and include a kouros believed to be the work of the sculptor Dipylos, part of a marble sphinx dated around 560 BC, and two marble lions. The sphinx is believed to be the twin of another sphinx found in 1907 a short distance away. All four were found lying beneath the dirt road created with the building of Themistocles' Wall.

[22] Greek deputy healthcare minister addresses UN assembly on children's rights

NEW YORK 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Thanos stressed that ''Greece as a member state of the European Union aligns itself fully with the statement made by the Spanish Presidency ,'' regarding the rights of children and thanked United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan for the organization's report entitled ''We the Children: Fulfilling the obligations of the International Conference for Children.''

''Making sure that all Children enjoy healthy lives, quality education and protection within a stable environment, is a significant aim to direct policy. It is a given fact that the children's perspective and the children's best interest have become more visible in policies, administrative procedures and day-to-day practice,'' Thanos stressed.

He added, however, that despite positive developments the ''present state of society falls short of its objectives, even in the most developed countries''.

''Greece's urgent priorities for children are to develop sustainable health and social systems and to guarantee full access to them, without discrimination,'' he said, adding that ''Greece has constantly been taking a number of measures'' toward that goal.

Those measures included emphasis being placed on the primary healthcare and prevention medicine through the National Health System's reform, family planning, maternal health HIV/AIDS/STD prevention and management, as well as sexual education and counseling.

''In order to tackle poverty and social exclusion, last year the (Greek) government presented the National Action Plan on Social inclusion that contains measures with great impact on children, such as the benefit for large families,'' the deputy minister said.

Thanos also made mention of the country's educational efforts and the integration of different policies and mechanisms to better coordinate actions for the benefit of children.

[23] Acropolis rally sets 2002 world participation record with 89 crews

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Twenty-nine of the crews that will participate in the July 13 to 16 rally are Greek, while of the 60 foreign ones 19 are crews of sponsored by seven car makers, who are participating in the World Racing Circuit (WRC), while another 26 are crews of the junior WRC.

[24] "Archbishop Spyridon Foundation" makes first donation to Montreal's Greek school

MONTREAL 11/08/2002 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

The foundation was set up by Greek-American community leaders and former associates of Spyridon, who held for a period the Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of America.

The focus of the new foundation will be the support of Greek educational institutions, the organization of conferences and the promotion of the Greek Orthodox spirit, as well as the publishing of books.

[25] Feasibility study on int'l university in Thessaloniki

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

''I was informed today on the course of the feasibility study's preparation and we shall have the complete study, as the university group has the contractual obligation to deliver to us, at the end of June. What I can say today is that, according to data obtained so far, the necessity appears to establish this International University,'' Paschalidis said adding that the ministry of Macedonia and Thrace has financed the study and is notifying the education ministry and the prime minister's office on the steps of this effort.

[26] Greek Opera House to perform 'Zorba' ballet in Australia

MELBOURNE 11/08/2002 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Speaking on the tour in Australia, Greek Opera House artistic director Loukas Karytinos said ''we asked of the Olympiad's Organizing Committee to visit Australia with 'Zorba', because only the Greek spirit, only the Greeks can feel and perform such a great work as this.''

[27] Conference of Balkan, Cypriot lawyers begins in Patras

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

The conference entitled ''Justice-Peace-Development'' will conclude on Sunday in Ancient Olympia, where a declaration on the principles of the Balkan Countries' Jurists' Federation will be made public.

The conference aims at contributing toward the course of democratization and development of the Balkans and South-eastern Europe.

[28] Britain's Charles departs from Mt. Athos

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Charles stayed at the Vatopedion monastery and this was his fourth visit to Orthodoxy's multi ethnic autonomous self-governed monastic community, in his capacity as High Protector of the work team "Friends of Holy Mount" of Britain, the members of which have been working to maintain the paths connecting the monasteries.

[29] Palestinians arrive in Cyprus under tight security

LARNACA 11/08/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The Palestinians were taken to a Larnaca hotel under tight security, while one of them was taken to the Larnaca General Hospital, where he will undergo surgery on a bullet wound on his leg.

The injured Palestinian was accompanied to hospital by his brother, who is among the group of thirteen who were brought to the island.

The brother later returned to the hotel, to join the other eleven. The British military airplane, Hercules C-130, which brought the Palestinians to Cyprus, was met with tight Police security, including units of the Headquarters' anti-terrorist squad and special forces men.

An armoured car was also stationed on the runway, along with two buses with local and foreign reporters and TV crews aboard, three police patrol cars, an ambulance and two Civil Aviation vehicles.

When the airplane's door opened, the ambulance and a police patrol car approached the aircraft, along with anti-terrorist squad officers.

The reporters were not allowed to get off the buses, which were parked 100 meters from the airplane.

The first to come out of the plane were the members of the crew, followed by the Palestinians, some of whom were wearing the Palestinian flag.

The Palestinians then boarded a bus. Two nurses entered the plane and brought out the wounded Palestinian All passed through the VIP lounge.

The Cyprus Police accompanied the Palestinians to their hotel and the injured to hospital.

[30] Yasser Arafat expresses appreciation for Cyprus

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Minister Kasoulides said that with its decision to contribute to the agreement reached, Cyprus highlights its geographical location and contributes to the end of the suffering at the Church of Nativity.

''The agreement was to collapse if there was not Cyprus' offer to accept those people on a temporary basis since they would have to wait until Monday'' when the EU General Affairs Council will convene to decide the places to which the 13 Palestinians will be hosted on a long-term basis, Kasoulides said.

He noted that once the General Affairs Council takes its decisions, the process for the Palestinians transportation should begin.

Kasoulides said that last night he was in contact with all involved to this effort until early in the morning and had talked with Spanish Foreign Minister and President of the General Affairs Council Josep Pique, General Secretary of the European Council Javier Solana, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, EU's Middle East peace envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos and ambassadors of other countries involved, such as the US and Britain, as well as with Palestinian and Israeli officials.

[31] Spanish EU presidency expresses 'profound gratitude' to Cyprus government

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to the Spanish news agency EFE, the president of the Council of Ministers of the EU, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique said that ''the contribution of Cyprus has been especially valuable at this moment.''

Pique noted that ''thanks to this contribution, it has been possible to make the first step to unblock this delicate situation.''

The Spanish foreign minister referred to a telephone conversation he had on the issue with Cypriot foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides and said Cyprus had offered to host ''temporarily'' the 13 Palestinians expelled from the Palestinian territories until final destinations had been decided.

Pique said that as a result of his conversation with Kasoulides and of the offer of Cyprus, ''the Palestinian refugees are expected in Cyprus within the next few hours, on board a British aircraft.'' (They have already arrived in Cyprus.)

EFE, quoting diplomatic sources, said that the 13 Palestinians were expected to be hosted eventually in six countries, namely Spain, Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Greece, all EU members, and Canada.

The same sources said that final decisions regarding their destinations would be taken at the meeting in Brussels on Monday of the EU General Affairs Council.

[32] House President welcomes arrival of Palestinians

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to CNA at Larnaca Airport, after the departure of President of the European Parliament Pat Cox from the island, Christofias said the presence of the Palestinians shows that Cyprus is a ''bridge of contact for the peoples of the region''.

''My hope extends further, for the termination of the tragedy of the Palestinian people and for the Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in the framework of two independent and sovereign states'', he added.

[33] Palestinian representative says Cypriot measures accurate

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Speaking through an interpreter, Ghazalleh who visited the 12 Palestinians staying temporarily in a hotel in the coastal town of Larnaca, said that they have a ''very high moral and they strongly believe that they are going back to their homeland''.

''Every citizen has the right to go back to his home'', Ghazalleh noted, adding that over the past 24 hours Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides informed him about the countries that may host the Palestinians.Ghazalleh added that the Palestinians will stay at the hotel in Larnaca for a ''few days'' before being moved elsewhere.

[34] Cox welcomes Cyprus' decision to host 13 Palestinians

Athens, 11/08/2002 (ANA)

Speaking from Nicosia, where he concluded on Friday a three-day official visit, Cox said that ''by this act, Cyprus is already cooperating effectively with the EU, even before the enlargement''.

''Cyprus' geographical position and historical links with the Middle East should help to strengthen the EU's strategic presence in the region,'' Cox noted.

He also commended Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides on his ''swift and effective action''.

Although he was scheduled to leave Cyprus on Friday morning, Cox departed early in the afternoon.

In the morning, Cox met with Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zambelas and visited the ceasefire line. Later on he visited the Headquarters of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and also met with representatives of Non Governmental Organizations from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

[35] President Clerides meets UN envoy

NICOSIA 11/08/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In short statements to the press, after the 30-minute Presidential Palace meeting, the UN envoy said he discussed with the President "about a number of things." He did not elaborate and declined to say whether there was something new to announce.

Asked whether the way has been cleared for the UN chief Kofi Annan, who arrives in Cyprus next Tuesday (14 May), the Peruvian diplomat replied "there are ongoing consultations..."

To a question whether the way the UN would assist the Cyprus peace talks had been decided, Alvaro de Soto said "let wait until the Secretary-General arrives, about that. I am continuing my usual approach."

Friday's Clerides-de Soto meeting followed two meetings this week within the framework of the fourth round of direct talks between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. The talks take place in Alvaro de Soto's presence.

Annan will visit Cyprus from 14 to 16 May for separate meetings with Clerides and Denktash. He will also see them jointly over a dinner.

The Turkish Cypriot leader flew yesterday to Ankara for consultations with Turkish leaders.

[36] South Australia calls on Turkey to influence Denktash

NICOSIA 11/08/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In a message to the Turkish government, South Australian Premier Mike Rann also calls ''on all parties to work towards an accelerated resolution of the Cyprus problem, in a way that guarantees to all people the three basic freedoms of movement, settlement and property ownership, in addition to ensuring the right to all Cypriot refugees to return to their homes in safety and without discrimination''.

The message was conveyed by Attorney General of the Government of South Australia Michael Atkinson to the Ambassador of Turkey in Australia Tansu Okandan, during the Ambassador's first official visit to South Australia.

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