Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-06-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime Minister reports progress in aligning with EU

[02] FM briefs Archbishop Christodoulos on national issues

[03] Deputy DM praises importance of Aegean patrols

[04] New health minister Prof. Stefanis sworn in

[05] FM spokesman says EU enlargement to be discussed at summit

[06] Alternate FM, Cypriot deputies discuss Cyprus EU accession

[07] Coalition leader meets Cyprus Parl't Euro-affairs committee delegation

[08] EU Justice Council discusses illegal immigration

[09] European Conference in Athens on the problems of Balkan minorities

[10] New social security bill ratified by Parliamentary committee

[11] Cabinet discussed measures for protecting the public, gov't spokesman says

[12] Greece has highest rate of self-employed in

[13] Mount Parnes casino tender will not be interrupted, gov't says

[14] State to sell fresh stake in OTE telecom, football pools

[15] Turkish business delegation in Thessaloniki

[16] Unions renew call to strike over pensions

[17] Air traffic controllers to strike June 19

[18] Greek stocks end 0.62 percent lower on Thursday

[19] Gov't backs ATHOC's requests for tax breaks, 'red tape' reduction

[20] Athens 2004 organizers unveil events schedule

[21] Press minister to discuss television program on Greece

[22] Shooter in incident outside PM's residence remanded in custody

[23] Ecumenical Patriarch to begin private visit to Crete

[24] Security Council adopts resolution on

[25] President-US envoy discuss ways to make headway in peace talks

[26] Government shares view of Secretary General on direct talks

[27] Verheugen commends Greek Cypriot stance at talks

[01] Prime Minister reports progress in aligning with EU

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a four-hour cabinet meeting to discuss economic convergence, Mr. Simitis said that economic figures confirmed the government's policy successes.

"Greece has made many successes in the last few year, clear for all to see around us. But the figures are that prove our country's significant improvement compared with EU standards, figures that measured its wealth and dynamism," Simitis told reporters.

Economic growth rates in the last six years were significantly higher compared with EU average growth rates. "Greece recorded the second highest growth rate in the EU in 2001, pushing Greek per capita income to more than 70 percent of the EU average from 64 percent a few years ago. Labor productivity also jumped to 84.5 percent last year from 74 percent in 1993, recording the second largest growth after Ireland," he said.

Mr. Simitis said that the average salary in Greece rose to 80 percent of the EU average, inflation has fallen significantly, budget deficits were turned into surpluses and the country's public debt was steadily shrinking. "This is a growth that allowed Greece's social sector to strengthen and to converge closer to our EU partners," Simitis noted.

Greece spends around 25 percent of its Gross Domestic Product on social solidarity programs, the highest rate in southern Europe, based on 1999 figures. "This is a policy that makes us different from other conservative governments ... We spend more on health care, education and new technologies despite the fact that also have the biggest defense spending in the EU," he said.

Greece was also winning the battle against unemployment in the last couple of year, Simitis said. He expressed the hope that the unemployment rate would fall below 10 percent soon.

"Problems still persist and we still need a lot to do ... Our main priority is to further strengthen Greek economy and the society to enhance social justice and solidarity. We want to create a more strong society, we build a strong Greece based on a strong economy and a strong society," Simitis stressed.

Real convergence with the EU is accelerating, gov’t says: Greece's real convergence with the rest of the European Union is accelerating following progress made in all economic indicators in the country, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christo-doulakis told a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Christodoulakis said that Greece's successful economic course would be continued, at the same growth rates, in the next few years because of increasing spending by both the public and the private sectors, driven mainly through a Third Community Support Frame-work.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, reviewed Greek economic convergence with the EU.

According to figures presented by economy and finance ministry, per capita income in Greece currently exceeded 70 percent of the EU average, compared with 60 percent at the beginning of the 1990s. In 2001, the average gross salary of a Greek worker accounted for 80 percent of the EU average in purchasing power units, up from 68 percent in 1993.

A report presented to cabinet members by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis also showed that the country's public debt fell to 100 percent of GDP, from 103 percent in 2000, 104 percent in 1999, 105 percent in 1998, and is predicted to drop to 90 percent of GDP in 2004.

Public investment spending totalled 1.3 trillion drachmas in 2001 from 600 billion drachmas in 19909, labor cost per product unit was steadily falling since 1996, inflation plunged from 19 percent in 1991 to 3.4 percent last year (it is expected to ease to 3.0 percent in 2002).

Mr. Christodoulakis told the cabinet meeting that the government's economic policy priorities was the deregulation of markets, ensuring competitiveness and creating the necessary institutional framework for the smooth function of product and capital markets.

Christodoulakis said that the government has implemented significant reforms in the utility services' market in 2001. In the energy sector, the government's priority is to strengthen competition in the market, while it is also seeking a deregulation of the natural gas market. Abolition of cabotage regulation in Greece's passenger shipping market will begin November 1, 2002.

"All these achievements in the Greek economy were made despite the fact that the country spends relatively higher sums in defense compared with all other European countries. Greece spends 5.0 percent of its GDP for its defense, followed by France with 2.9 percent and the UK with 2.2 percent," the report said.

Christodoulakis said that unemployment fell to 10.5 percent of the workforce in 2001, from 12 percent in 1999, and it was expected to drop to 9.0 percent by 2004. Despite improvement made in the labor market, Greek unemployment remained the highest in the EU, along with Spain.

[02] FM briefs Archbishop Christodoulos on national issues

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Archbishop Christodoulos later said the Church is watching closely and with particular interest.

On his part, Archbishop Christodoulos briefed Papandreou on the initiative undertaken by the Greek Church to send humanitarian aid to the Balkans and the Patriarchate in Jerusalem.

He also briefed Papandreou on the inter-religion conference to take place in Athens, in the presence of representatives of the three monotheistic religions, on terrorism.

Papandreou said the efforts of the Church on this issue are compatible with the efforts of the state, country and government for dialogue between different cultures, which highlights Greece as a bridge of communication and cooperation, a bridge of peace and a bridge of understanding.

Papandreou said the Church has a role in international politics, while the extroversion it is showing constitutes a basic tool for the country.

[03] Deputy DM praises importance of Aegean patrols

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Lotidis praised the importance of patrols in the region of the Aegean, both for the protection of sea borders and the handling of illegal immigration, also in the wake of the European Union's decision to create a European police force to combat it.

Lotidis clarified that there are no ''gray zones'' in the Aegean, adding that ''gray zones'' constitute a steadfast tactic of the neighboring country for unilateral and illegal claims against all its neighbors.

He further said that Turkey is observing an intransigent position towards Greece, despite the fact that Turkey's Security Council decided recently that the country's main target is EU accession and solving all problems with Greece.

Lotidis expressed certainty that the Republic of Cyprus will join the EU, regardless of a solution to the political problem, and assured that the country's armed forces are ready to face any eventuality and defend its sovereign rights.

[04] New health minister Prof. Stefanis sworn in

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Stefanis was sworn in by Christoupolis Metropolitan Petros, in the presence of Prime Minister Costas Simitis and of President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, who has also served in the same post in the past.

Athens University professor of psychiatry Stefanis was born in 1928. He is married and has two sons and a daughter.

He conducted post-graduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

He has published a series of studies, including ''Hashish-Studies of long term use'', 1977, ''Recent advances in Depression'', 1983, ''Prolactin and prolactenomas'', 1983, ''Schizophrenia - Recent Biosocial Develop-ments'', 1987 and ''Biological aspects of suicide'', 1988. He was elected in September 1996 as a Deputy of State of the ruling PASOK party. He took up the chairmanship of the Onassion Cardiological Center in 2001.

[05] FM spokesman says EU enlargement to be discussed at summit

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Beglitis said the second important issue to be discussed, and which was the object of a long discussion with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar when he visited Athens, is the issue of illegal immigration and asylum.

The third issue to be discussed at Seville, and which will be prepared at the General Affairs Council, is the environment summit to take place in Johannesburg at the end of August 2002, while wider developments in the region will also be discussed, with emphasis being placed on developments in the Middle East.

According to all indications, the issue of the so-called European army is not included in the Seville summit's agenda, Beglitis said, but he did not rule out the possibility of it being discussed with the Spanish presidency on the sidelines in the direction of finding a mutually acceptable solution.

''On our part, I would like to say that we want the negotiations to be concluded in a satisfactory way for all and we have worked a great deal in the direction of finding a mutually acceptable solution.''

Replying to a questioner on the issue of 5,000 fresh Turkish troops who have arrived recently in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus, Beglitis referred to statements made by Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday and said that in any case ''we must face all these provocations by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides with coolness. Our target at the moment is to contribute to a solution to the political problem and on our part we should not contribute to this tension which the Turkish side is aiming at.''

[06] Alternate FM, Cypriot deputies discuss Cyprus EU accession

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Giannitsis expressed the hope that the obstacles of enlargement, such as the issue of Common Agricultural Policy, will be overcome by October to enable the process to continue as normal in November.

Papadopoulos said the process of direct talks on the Cyprus issue highlighted the intransigence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the eyes of the international community.

EU commissioner sees no delay in Cyprus' membership: European Union Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said on Thursday that she foresaw no delay in Cyprus' entry into the 15-member bloc.

Membership would entail a major change for the island republic, as current realities linked to politics and the economy would change radically, Diamantopoulou told a EU seminar on enlargement held in Thessaloniki.

The EU backed ongoing attempts to resolve the island's political problem before entry, although its resolution was not a condition for membership, the labor and social affairs commissioner added.

[07] Coalition leader meets Cyprus Parl't Euro-affairs committee delegation

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

According to a Coalition party press release, they discussed recent developments in the Cyprus problem and the island republic's efforts to join the European Union.

After the meeting, Constantopoulos said that Cyprus' EU accession was a top priority and had to go ahead without impediments, but expressed concern that EU enlargement as a whole might be delayed.

[08] EU Justice Council discusses illegal immigration

BRUSSELS, 14/06/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Greece was represented at the Council by Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

The council discussed a Spanish presidency report on progress achieved in tackling the problem over the past six months and approved measures to be taken to combat illegal immigration and the trafficking of people by sea, as well as against third countries failing to cooperate with the EU in this sector.

A proposal by the presidency on preparing a plan on managing the external borders of EU member-states, and on the need for cooperation in the taking of operational measures by the EU, was also ratified.

Chrysohoidis said in his address that consolidating a feeling of security for the citizens of Europe must be the concern of all. He added that the unified managing of external borders, primarily at operational level, is a necessity in handling illegal immigration, organized crime, terrorism and the policy of asylum.

He further spoke of a rationalistic and fair allocation of burdens as an offset for the increased responsibility of certain countries, such as Greece, which have extensive and vulnerable borders.

Chrysohoidis also pointed out that cooperation with third countries, which are countries of origin or passage of illegal immigrants, particularly by sea, should be a priority for the EU.

[09] European Conference in Athens on the problems of Balkan minorities

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The conference is being organized by the Federation of Balkan Non-Governmental Organizations, the InterBalkan Cooperation pact and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while it is taking place under the aegis of Council of European (CoE) General Secretary Walter Schwimmer and with the support of Greek Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

The conference will discuss the economic situation in the Balkans, while representatives of business, finance and banking and government circles in seven Balkan countries with substantial minorities have been invited to attend.

Second phase of EU EQUAL initiative to begin in July: The second and most important phase in implementing the European Union EQUAL initiative will begin in early July with the coordinated effort of 24 agencies and representatives of foreign communities in the country.

The program's main aim is handling phenomena of racism and xenophobia and, consequently, the creation of preconditions for the shaping of a multicultural society at EU level.

In this context, the organization Development Solidarity for Equality and Social Cohesion has been created in Greece, which has undertaken the application of the task ''Forum for Social Cohesion'' which is aimed at solving the problems of immigrants and refugees, primarily in the Attica region, and their smooth incorporation in the labor market and society.

The program is budgeted at 1.7 million euros and will last for three years, while the Athens News Agency (ANA) has undertaken a coordinating role.

Addressing a conference on the occasion of the beginning of the program's second phase, ANA general director Andreas Christodoulides referred to the significance of the program's implementation for the smooth inclusion of immigrants and refugees in society.

Each of the 24 agencies participating in the program will undertake the implementation of specific work and activities, including the operation of structures for supporting immigrants and refugees.

[10] New social security bill ratified by Parliamentary committee

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

[11] Cabinet discussed measures for protecting the public, gov't spokesman says

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

A more detailed announcement of the measures would be made on Monday by Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis, he added.

[12] Greece has highest rate of self-employed in

EU BRUSSELS, 14/06/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Greece has 31.2 percent of working males working self-employed in the industrial and services sectors against a EU average of 15.8 percent.

The total for women in the same sectors is 16.7 percent for women in Greece against an EU average of 7.9 percent, the Eurostat report said.

[13] Mount Parnes casino tender will not be interrupted, gov't says

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The spokesman was responding to questions regarding a new bid submitted on Wednesday by the Club Hotel Loutraki-Piraeus Bank consortium.

Protopapas stressed that the tender had clear rules and was a long process, while it was now in full swing and already heading toward its conclusion. The process could not be stopped now that the bids had been opened just because someone came along and suddenly expressed interest, he added.

The consortium that submitted Wednesday's bid claims it was originally chosen as interim winner of the tender, while its new bid for 49 percent of stock in the facility and its management was for 162 million euros.

It said recently that it would take legal action over the tender's second phase, in which it says it was ousted, and that its original financial bid was never opened.

Officially declared interim winner of the tender was a consortium comprising Hyatt in Greece of the world hotels chain and Athens quoted engineering contractor Hellenic Technodomiki, which had bid 92.1 million euros.

The tender was called by Hellenic Tourism Real Estate SA, a subsidiary of the state-owned Greek National Tourism Organization, which is overseen by the development ministry.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said recently that negotiations would be held with Club Hotel Loutraki and Piraeus Bank in order to improve their offer.

[14] State to sell fresh stake in OTE telecom, football pools

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The stock is to be offered from today until July 13, OTE said in a statement.

The stake to be sold by the state, which currently holds 41.76 percent of OTE, represents about 40.3 million shares. Traded on the bourse so far are 504,054,199 shares.

In addition, the government is to float 19 percent of Football Pools Organization (OPAP)in a coordinated public offer in Greece to retail and institutional buyers, and in a separate sale to institutionals abroad.

The offers, handled by Schroder Salomon Smith Barney, Alpha Finance and EFG Eurobank Ergasias, are due in the middle of July.

[15] Turkish business delegation in Thessaloniki

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The business delegation was organized by ISHAD, Turkey's Federation of Business Development and was headed by its vice-chairman Mr. Ahmet Ciger.

Ioannis Dambasinas, first vice-chairman of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressing a special event, expressed his satisfaction over a recent improvement in bilateral trade relations and urged Greek and Turkish businessmen to cooperate in sectors with great opportunities, such as infrastructure projects and particularly telecommunications, energy and transport.

[16] Unions renew call to strike over pensions

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

After the state Auditing Council rejected articles in the bill as unconstitutional, Social Security Minister Dimitris Reppas ordered the introduction of last-minute amendments on the first day of parliamentary debate on the reform plan.

Among the changes were measures to hasten the merger of bank and public utility insurance funds with a single fund for supplementary insurance, and amendment of a procedure granting working mothers extra coverage.

The bank workers' union (OTOE) dismissed the changes as inadequate, saying it would continue a rolling 24-hour strike to press for its demands.

The civil servants' union (ADEDY) described the minister's amendments as 'a provocation' and said it would join a strike on Tuesday over the pensions bill called by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), Greece's largest umbrella trade union organization.

In the parliamentary debate on the government bill, GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos, a member of a faction aligned to the ruling PASOK party, backed the overall content of the reform package.

The GSEE strike was called by factions aligned with the opposition.

Speaking against the bill were representatives of civil servants and of pensioners insured under the main state fund (IKA), who charged that the overhaul effectively wrote off debts to the organization of employers and the state.

The general director of the Federation of Greek Industry (SEB), Yiannis Drapaniotis, told parliament that the bill did not go far enough.

''The bill is inadequate. It is not a reform (of the pension system) but merely the beginning of reform,'' Drapaniotis said.

[17] Air traffic controllers to strike June 19

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

On strike are air traffic controllers in France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Hungary in concerted action against the privatization of aviation services under a plan entitled Single European Skies.

Workers at the headquarters of Eurocontrol, the continent-wide air traffic control agency, are also expected to strike.

[18] Greek stocks end 0.62 percent lower on Thursday

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.62 percent to end at 2,277.55 points, with turnover a low 76.5 million euros.

The Telecommunications, Insurance and Food-Beverage sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (1.80 percent, 1.79 percent and 1.17 percent, respectively), while the Investment, Metals and Holding sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (0.78 percent, 0.46 percent and 0.30 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.72 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.38 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.30 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 178 to 112 with another 62 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Coca Cola HBC and Klonatex (common and preferred).

Equity index futures at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday ended at a discount on both indexes.

Turnover was 52.6 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.71 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.38 percent.

In individual stock futures, players focused on Intracom and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

Bond prices up in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in active trade focusing on seven-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.36 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.1 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of trade.

[19] Gov't backs ATHOC's requests for tax breaks, 'red tape' reduction

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos made the announcement after the conclusion of Wednesday's inter-ministerial committee meeting focusing on Athens 2004 preparations, a session again chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

According to the minister, ATHOC's proposals will be included in a soon-to-be-tabled bill, expected to come up for vote during Parliament's first summer session.

Speaking before Parliament's cultural affairs committee on Tuesday, ATHOC executives called for a provision allowing free use of certain sites and buildings belonging to state-run or state-affiliated enterprises (i.e. Piraeus Port Authority, the Helexpo exhibition center in Maroussi etc.), with expenditures for the renovation and upgrading of such sites exempted from increased assessment taxes or being considered revenue for their respective owners.

Other measures cited by ATHOC's legal adviser in his appearance before the committee include the abeyance of value added tax (18%) for goods and equipment to be purchased by the Athens 2004 organizing committee; tax deductions applied to local sponsors' gross revenues; a reduced 4-percent VAT on ticket prices, as well as reduced bureaucracy in the issuance of building permits for 2004-related projects -- especially in the hospitality sector -- and a tax abatement for individuals leasing lodgings to visitors during the Games.

Inter-ministerial session: Wednesday's session dealt primarily with the course of several 2004-related projects (sports venues, highways etc.), as yet another International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspection team is expected in Athens at the end of the month.

According to reports, only the projects at the coastal Hellenikon site - on and near the now disused former Athens airport - generated concern and criticism amongst the committee members, which include several top ministers and ATHOC's leadership.

Deputy Press Minister Telemachos Chytiris later told reporters that environmental issues were also discussed, especially Athens' notorious smog problem, while noting that a handful of major infrastructure and transportation projects related to the Games - the suburban rail line, a new tram network, a fleet of natural gas-burning buses etc. - will decisively improve air quality and "leave a lasting legacy for the greater Athens area's residents."

Volunteerism: Another ATHOC proposal, namely, to award participating volunteers with a vocational training certificate also earned a remark by Venizelos, who denied recent media criticism that this could be used as added points in the current point-system employed for filling public service spots.

Finally, he referred to a new collective bargaining agreement between employers' and employee groups allowing for an extra paid vacation of 10 days for 2004 volunteers, before forecasting a similar measure for the public sector.

[20] Athens 2004 organizers unveil events schedule

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Besides cycling, which replaces the traditional Olympic opening event of archery, the diving competitions, beach volleyball in the evening, basketball, several men's and women's sailing events as well as gymnastics will inaugurate the first day of the Athens Games - 108 years after the modern Olympics were revived in the same ancient city.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Athens 2004 organizing committee's (ATHOC) Nea Ionia district headquarters, organizers said specific start times for the events now remain to be set. Among others, the start time for the Marathon race - customarily the last event of the summer Olympics - must be finalized. ATHOC has proposed a 5 p.m. start time (15.00 GMT), with the final decision now resting with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

ATHOC executives also said ticket sales for the extended "Olympic Family" would commence in roughly two months.

Tennis, baseball, men's water polo and the "Mistral" sailing competition will kick-off the second day of the Athens Olympics.

Finally, ATHOC's media and communications director, Serafim Kotrotsos, told reporters during the same briefing that the organizing committee remains adamantly opposed to any concept of remuneration for Athens 2004 volunteers.

"ATHOC has expressed its position (on this issue), namely, that volunteerism in exchange for something doesn't mix," he said.

[21] Press minister to discuss television program on Greece

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

The program will be presented by Kanakaridis in the framework of a program entitled ''Greece through the eyes of children'' and includes a visit to Greece by young American and Greek American pupils who, guided by the actress, will become acquainted with the country, its culture and its Olympic tradition.

[22] Shooter in incident outside PM's residence remanded in custody

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Dimitris Aivatzidis faces criminal charges over the victimless shooting, while his defense counsel has asked for a psychiatric evaluation to assess whether he can plead diminished responsibility.

According to his lawyer, Aivatzidis fired the shots as a protest against the treatment of addicts at the hands of the authorities.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon and began when Aivatzidis apparently first robbed and then shot up a drug detoxification center in central Athens, before going on a mini rampage through Exarchia. Among his other exploits, Aivatzidis forced a guard outside the Exarchia police station to surrender his firearm at gun point, hijacked a passing vehicle and drove a few blocks away to the plush Kolonaki district, where he took aim at Prime Minister Costas Simitis' apartment residence and a handful of sentries posted outside. He was arrested shortly afterwards in Koukaki, near the Acropolis.

The prime minister was reportedly at home at the time, while heads are said to have rolled at the police station in whose jurisdiction Aivatzidis mainly acted.

Gov't: Traffic ban in front of PM's residence a temporary measure: The government responded to a bevy of queries on Thursday regarding a controversial police decision to block-off a stretch of roadway in front of Prime Minister Costas Simitis' residence, a development that follows an unprecedented shooting incident over the weekend at the location.

According to the government spokesman, police took the decision to block traffic on the specific portion of Anagnostopoulou Street prior to a comprehensive re-appraisal of security measures for area surrounding the PM's residence.

Spokesman Christos Protopapas emphasized that the measure is "temporary", and will be in effect until June 30.

[23] Ecumenical Patriarch to begin private visit to Crete

Athens, 14/06/2002 (ANA)

Bartholomew will be the guest of economist Minos Zombanakis at Kalyves, in Hania.

The Ecumenical Patriarch will visit Heraklion on Saturday, where he will be presented with this year's Annual Award of the Crete TEI (technical education institution), and will also inaugurate the Crete Archdiocese's radio station.

On Sunday, Bartholomew will be declared an honorary resident of Hania, while on Monday he will visit the world-famous Samaria Gorge.

On Wednesday he will visit the nearby island of Gavdos, while on Thursday he will be in Rethymnon to deliver a message on environmental protection.

[24] Security Council adopts resolution on

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted resolution 1416, by which it ''decides to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a further period ending 15 December 2002''.

In its resolution, the Security Council ''reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus'' and ''welcomes the report of the Secretary General of 30 May 2002 on the UN operation in Cyprus, and in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness''.

It also notes that ''the government of Cyprus has agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 16 June 2002''.

The Security Council ''requests the Secretary General to submit a report by 1 December 2002 on the implementation of this resolution'' and ''urges the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to rescind the restrictions imposed on 30 June 2000 on the operations of UNFICYP and to restore the military status quo ante at Strovilia''.

The Turkish occupation forces illegally put up a checkpoint in the southeastern area of Strovilia as part of measures against UNFICYP in retaliation to the non-inclusion of an addendum in a report by UN chief Kofi Annan for an earlier renewal of the Force's mandate with a Turkish demand for separate discussions with UNFICYP.

[25] President-US envoy discuss ways to make headway in peace talks

NICOSIA, 14/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

He said that Weston, in Cyprus after talks in Ankara and Athens, appeared optimistic that the current process can lead to a negotiated settlement and added that the President stressed his firm determination to achieve a solution but also pointed out that absence of a settlement cannot halt Cyprus' accession course to the European Union.

''The President and Weston reviewed developments in the peace effort and exchanged views on how this process can move forward and become more productive,'' Papapetrou said after Thursday morning's Presidential Palace meeting. Both said that time restraints are very pressing, he added.

He said his impression from the meeting is that the US does not have any negative remarks to make about the way the Greek Cypriot side is handling the talks.

''The president reiterated his wish and determination to work for an agreement on Cyprus and said he is not at the negotiation table for tactical reasons with a view to serving other political objectives but to settle the problem,'' Papapetrou said.

President Clerides made it clear to Weston that Cyprus' goal to join the EU cannot be obstructed by possible lack of progress towards a settlement, as this is stipulated in EU decisions in Helsinki (that a political settlement would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition for it).

Replying to questions, the spokesman said Weston appeared to be generally optimistic that there is a chance to see this process lead to a settlement. ''However this assessment is based more on an evaluation of the situation rather than concrete moves. We have no specific facts, decisions or moves to justify this view,'' he added.

Papapetrou said this rather optimistic outlook is shared by British envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay, who commended the Greek Cypriot side on its flexibility at the talks and expressed regret at Denktash's refusal to understand that progress can be achieved by end of June.

European Parliament adopts resolution on Cyprus STRASBURG, 14/06/2002 (CNA)

The European Parliament on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution on Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

The resolution, based on a report by rapporteur to the European Parliament Jacques Poos, ''reaffirms that only a single sovereign Cypriot state will be permitted to accede''.

It also notes that the Cypriot state, ''as provided for in the UN Security Council resolutions, may be bizonal and bicommunal, but it has to be a fully functioning entity at international level and must be in a position to exercise decision-making power''.

The European Parliament ''welcomes the fact that, since 16 January 2002, Clerides and Denktash have been engaged in intensive direct negotiations and hopes that the prospect of Cyprus' accession will contribute to a new momentum for resolving the Cyprus question''.

The resolution notes that ''the time factor cannot serve as a pretext for delaying the conclusion of the (EU accession) negotiations, which are due to be completed at the end of 2002''.

Furthermore, the European Parliament is ''firmly convinced that responsibilities for foreign policy, European policy, economic and monetary policy, citizenship, and security and defense policy must be delegated to a common structure''.

In its resolution, it also calls on the two sides on the island ''to continue to negotiate in good faith and, wishing to promote compromise and a spirit of conciliation based on the relevant UN resolutions, supports the statement by the President of the UN Security Council that 'the members of the Council share the view expressed by each of the two leaders that it should be the objective to reach agreement by June 2002 and that this objective is a feasible one'''.

It also ''maintains that, whatever constitutional arrangements the parties might lay down, the acquis communautaire, fundamental freedoms, and human rights must be observed in full, and that exceptions to the acquis resulting from a settlement can be accommodated in the accession framework, whereas there can be no derogation from the principles on which the EU is founded.

The European Parliament ''reiterates its view that the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council, which Parliament has endorsed, will apply fully should an agreement prove impossible to achieve within the requisite timeframe''.

It ''underlines the fact that Turkey has to actively support the ongoing talks on the Cyprus problem in order for a just and lasting settlement to be reached in the near future, on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions''.

The European Parliament notes that 27 negotiating chapters have so far been provisionally closed, making Cyprus ''yet again one of the front runners in this respect'' and recognizes, however, that ''progress in closing chapters has to be seen in the context of how well transposition and implementation are being carried out''.

It also notes that ''the alignment process has gradually accelerated, but urges Cyprus to pay full attention to adopting the considerable number of laws still outstanding''.

Furthermore, it expresses its ''deep concern at the situation in the northern part of the island with regard to freedom of statement and lawsuits and mounting pressure against some independent media''.

The European Parliament calls on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash not to hinder the work of EU representatives, recognizing their diplomatic status and allowing them to enter the Turkish Cypriot part so as to carry out their duties and contribute effectively to the development of bicommunal projects.

It reiterates its support for contacts, projects and dialogues at all levels between the two communities as necessary confidence-building elements and asks Denktash to ''drop his opposition to such contacts''.

However, it finds ''in the recent meeting held between trade union groups from either side, as well as in the breakthrough meeting between political parties from the two sides, a reason for optimism''.

[26] Government shares view of Secretary General on direct talks

NICOSIA, 14/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

This view, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said, is out of the question as far as the Greek Cypriot side is concerned.

The government has said, through its spokesman, that the status of the Turkish Cypriots will be determined through the ongoing negotiations and this means that the Turkish Cypriots will participate on an equal footing in the creation of a composite state, a federal state of Cyprus.

His comments come after Kofi Annan said Wednesday in New York that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash wanted the recognition status clarified ''as soon as possible''.

''The Secretary General's position is correct and for us, and I believe for the international community, this point is out of the question,'' Papapetrou told the press when invited to comment on Annan's remarks.

Denktash insists on the recognition of his regime in occupied Cyprus at the direct talks, which began in mid January here. The UN has branded it ''legally invalid'' and called on all states not to recognize it.

Addressing himself to the Turkish Cypriots, the spokesman assured them that there is no reason for them to insist on divisive options since it is crystal clear that the two communities can coexist in the framework of a member state of the European Union, with their legitimate rights protected and they can build together their future with full respect for each other.

Asked to comment on Annan's statement that the ''question of recognition of the 'Turkish Cypriot state' is part of the discussions'', Papapetrou said he believed the Secretary General was referring to Denktash's complaints that the Turkish Cypriots have no status and no recognition by the world community.

''The essence of Annan's remarks is that the Turkish Cypriots can gain a status only through a solution and this solution and the outcome of the talks will determine this status,'' the spokesman added.

Outlining the government's position on the status of the Turkish Cypriots, he said ''this status will be the status of a community which will participate equally in the creation of a composite state, a federal state.''

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

[27] Verheugen commends Greek Cypriot stance at talks

NICOSIA, 14/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Verheugen also said he did not expect a solution of the Cyprus question in June, as originally anticipated, and said peace talks are set to continue further than the June target date.

The EU Commissioner, who was speaking after a meeting in Strasbourg with leader of the Social Democrats Movement Yiannakis Omirou, briefed leaders of socialist parties of candidate countries about EU enlargement and accession negotiations.

He welcomed the constructive approach of the Greek Cypriot side at the peace talks and said consequently the Helsinki decision on Cyprus' accession will not pose any obstacles to the country's membership course.

His comments were made as Turkey, which occupies one third of Cyprus' territory since 1974, is trying to create tension in the region with the dispatch of more troops to the island and the arrival of search vessels in the territorial waters of the Republic as well as violations of Greek air space.

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