Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis says policy aimed at preserving economic achievements

[02] Simitis: Greek economy doing well despite European slowdown

[03] Simitis: Greece will align itself with EU over Iraq

[04] Top N17 suspect again assumes 'political responsibility' for actions. Koufodinas transported to prison; declines answering questions

[05] PM confident Cyprus will join EU in next expansion

[06] FM Papandreou on upcoming Turkish elections; EU-Turkey ties

[07] PM Simitis visits appeals court and water refinery in Thessaloniki

[08] ND leader says government attempts to maintain ''a wasteful and corrupt state'

[09] ND leader says island regions' development a priority

[10] Press minister inaugurates Athens News Agency, Macedonian Press Agency pavilion

[11] Thessaloniki trade fair opens its doors to the public

[12] PM visits French pavilion at TIF; also tours ATHOC stand

[13] Ministers, US envoy inaugurate American pavilion at TIF

[14] Thessaloniki airport expansion project ready in three years

[15] President Clerides sees no way of approach on two issues

[16] Security Council's briefing by de Soto postponed

[01] Simitis says policy aimed at preserving economic achievements

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Addressing the political, economic, religious and military authorities of Thessaloniki, during a traditional dinner to mark the inauguration of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Mr. Simitis noted that the challenge facing the government today was ''to ensure with our policy that an international crisis will not undermine our achievements. To preserve unscathed our economy's new basis and to continue building upon it.''

The Greek premier sent a clear political message saying ‘‘we must not go back. We must move forward. To maintain the economy on a high-growth track that creates wealth, reduces unemployment and ensures social peace, fraternity and cohesion. We have to enhance our economy's ability to function equally with other European economies and guarantee the country's security in a difficult international environment.''

Mr. Simitis noted that government measures to promote structural reforms, to support business activity, to boost privatizations and to achieve a social security and tax reform in the country, were aiming to achieve economic convergence with the rest of EU.

''Today, however, I would like to address the business community and to refer to the role that Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, in general, could play in the wider region. This role surpasses the Greek boundaries as it covered the Balkan, European and international dimension of the city,'' he noted.

Simitis stressed that an activation of a Greek Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans, earmarking state subsidies ranging from 300,000 euros to 5,000,000 euros per investment, offered Northern Greek small- and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to expand their presence in the Balkans.

He noted that the government this week published a tender for monitoring and evaluating the Greek Plan.

''Since August 27, when we completed a process of signing contracts with six beneficiary Balkan states, we officially started the operation of the main program. According to these contracts, a national coordinator from each country will submit its proposals for specific project or programs and a Greek national coordinator will either accept or reject these proposals.''

Simitis urged Greek companies to take active part in this procedure. ''The Greek government will be at your side,'' he said.

He stressed that all projects must be agreed in the next 10-12 months.

''We are the only EMU member-state in the region and we are following a foreign policy that promotes partnership with neighboring countries,'' Simitis said.

He noted that the city of Thessaloniki has all preconditions to become a financial, commerce and services center in the Balkans. ''We have to exploit these advantages, immediately and creatively.''

A decision by the Greek government to hold an EU summit in Thessaloniki in June 2003, signaled the European dimension of Thessaloniki and of Northern Greece in general, Simitis said.

''The wider Thessaloniki region is the European heart of the Balkans,'' he noted.

The Greek premier also said he hoped that a successful bid to organize Expo 2008 in Thessaloniki could mark a successful completion of the government's plan to promote the Greek, Balkan and European dimension of Thessaloniki.

Simitis said that the government has proved in action the significance it places with Thessaloniki and Northern Greece in the country's economic development.

''Changes in our wider region, that started since the collapse of the Berlin Wall, are now taking a new turn. A forthcoming expansion of the European Union facilitates the creation of a new growth pole in the wider Balkan region. Thessaloniki must seize these opportunities. The business community has proven that it is able to identify and exploit opportunities. With our policy we create the preconditions to help its action. We mobilize all productive forces in the region and in the country seeking a better future, a more powerful economy, a stronger Greece. We call everyone of you to join our ranks and to deal with the future challenges facing Greece.''

The Greek prime minister made special mention to the government's plan for Northern Greece. ''Our growth plan aims at gradually balancing per capita income between Northern Greece regions with the country's highest levels. We seek convergence for all of the country, in all sectors, with EU's average. We ensure a steady growth in productivity and competitiveness through fiscal stability and social peace. We fulfill our pledge to earmark 80 percent of a Third Community Support Framework program to regional Greece.''

Simitis noted that all people traveling in Northern Greece's airports and harbors, all visitors to the region's hospitals, or students in universities and education institutes, bare witness of a new reality ''that we create with a plan and a systematic work.''

Simitis said that Egnatia Road planned to operate a road network of around 570 km by the end of 2004, with 110 km remaining to be constructed and said that the government was seeking to upgrade the country's railway network, a plan that was expected to benefit Northern Greece, as it accounted for 88 percent of all commercial railway activity in the country.

''Our aim is to complete an Athens-Thessaloniki railroad and road network by 2008,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister also referred to the region's energy facilities that would make Northern Greece a significant energy hub in Southeastern Europe.

Simitis said that the government was also placing particular interest in preserving and promoting protected areas in Northern Greece, while he noted the significance of major works to expand facilities in Thessaloniki international airport, harbor and road network.

He said he expected all interested parties to submit technical and financial offers in a tender for the construction of a sub-sea road by the end of the year.

''I reiterate our will for proceeding with the construction of a metro system in Thessaloniki, a project of vital issue for the city,'' Simitis said and added that the base both of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair and Helexpo was and would remain in Thessaloniki.

[02] Simitis: Greek economy doing well despite European slowdown

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

In pointing to the recent economic slowdown in Europe, the Greek prime minister said international economic trends have also affected Greece, with the government now forecasting GDP growth in 2002 of 3.8 percent as opposed to an initial estimate of 5 to 5.5 percent.

However, in pointing to those same figures, Simitis noted that the European Commission’s 4-percent GDP growth rate estimate for Greece lifts the country into first place amongst its European Union partners.

“Despite the secondary problems, therefore, our economy is doing well, and we’re hoping to work systematically because systematic work brings results,” he said during a nationally televised press conference at a TIF hall before reporters and most of his Cabinet members.

In terms of wage levels, Simitis responded that the rate of increases was high. “(Domestic) wages, in comparison to the average EU figure, show only a small variation. And this distance doesn’t exceed 20 percent.”

He also warned that his government will not proceed with any sort of “convergence fireworks” in terms of spending.

In answer to a question on the state’s level of social spending, Simitis offered figures he said demonstrated that Greece was first in terms of increases over the past few years amongst EU countries.

“Who benefits from this policy? It’s the wage-earners and pensioners, and those with low and middle incomes,” he said.

Asked about the poor performance of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), the prime minister said ASE’s indices “in comparison with many European ones over the past year or so have brought share prices to the level of market demand. ASE, therefore, more-or-less follows the same course of Europe’s and America’s bourses,” he said.

To make his point, he cited the examples of Enron and Vivendi as worsening the international economic climate.

Fight against terrorism: Regarding the timely issue of fighting terrorism, and in light of more than a dozen arrests of suspects linked to the elusive “November 17” urban terrorist group over the past two months, Simitis emphasized that “terrorists are not heroes, they are criminals who desire a regime of violence; they are a Mafia where the law of silence rules”.

In a direct reference to the ongoing efforts to eradicate “N17”, he also termed such ultra-leftists terrorists as “bootleggers” of the Left’s ideology, before promising that this group and other such bands will be eliminated.

“The country has benefited from terrorism’s eradication because the government’s goal in its efforts was for the country (Greece) hit by terrorism to win, and not for petty political criteria or for (ruling) PASOK to pick up points,” he added.

Additionally, he vehemently blasted the main opposition New Democracy party for its stance in the local anti-terrorism campaign, claiming it has tried to implicate PASOK’s cadres in an effort to “balance out impressions” in the public opinion with the 1960s-era activities by covert state mechanisms during a period, when the conservative side ruled, until the April 21, 1967 military coup.

He charged that such criticism by ND hurts the country, while also taking the main opposition to task for what he called various scenarios and rumors floated in recent weeks claming N17 ties to intelligence and police services.

Karamanlis lashes out at Simitis on anti-terrorism issue: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis on Sunday afternoon immediately responded to earlier high-profile criticism by Prime Minister Costas Simitis – during the latter’s nationally televised press conference in Thessaloniki – particularly taking exception with the premier’s remarks on ND’s record of fighting terrorism.

“It is audacious for Mr. Simitis to dare falsify New Democracy’s positions, especially on the major issue of terrorism. Because it is ND that has paid for terrorism dearly, and in blood; it was ND that pushed for the anti-terrorism legislation, and it is the same party that has always had, as its standing position, the complete eradication of terrorism,” Karamanlis said from the Cyclades island of Kimolos.

In continuing his counter attack, the ND leader said: “It is also audacious for Mr. Simitis to brag about his policy. Who? The same Mr. Simitis who has changed his position on social security reform three times; who observes education ministers overturning the so-called reforms of their predecessors. The same Mr. Simitis who tells farmers to get by on their own, leaving them to their fate,” he charged, before adding:

“Mr. Simitis should be ashamed of himself, because – without resolve - he’s just watching the muddy waters drowning our fellow citizens, three times in a month, on the Kifissos (river). I’ve told him this repeatedly, and I will say this again: ‘He will lose the elections’. As such, let him, finally, lose with dignity,” he stressed.

Coalition of the Left reaction: A Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) spokesman, meanwhile, said the premier’s speech was characterized by “political conceitedness, arrogance and an obvious self-complacency that hypocritically covers up the conservative decision for greater austerity, social debasement and the disdain of Greek citizens’ visions.”

[03] Simitis: Greece will align itself with EU over Iraq

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Simitis was commenting on US President George Bush's campaign to secure allies' support for a new military offensive to overthrow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. He spoke during his customary press conference in Thessaloniki during the inaugural weekend of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

Simitis said a war against Iraq harbors dangers for the wider Middle East region, as it will increase tension between Israel and the Palestinians even more and will intensify terrorist activities. For this reason, the Greek premier added, a possible war against Iraq should be fully justified and be carried out under the banner of international legality.

"We will take our decisions in accordance with our (EU) partners," Simitis said.

[04] Top N17 suspect again assumes 'political responsibility' for actions. Koufodinas transported to prison; declines answering questions

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

In echoing comments his attorney made on his behalf to dozens of reporters and TV crews only hours after his surrender, Koufodinas said he assumes responsibility for the notorious urban terror group’s actions as “described in N17’s proclamations”, an apparent denial of involvement in several armed robberies.

According to sources, Koufodinas’ statement reads, in part: “I am making use of my right to not answer any question. I will not answer; and I deny whatever charges they are accusing me of and whatever acts they are accusing me of. I have been a member of ‘November 17’ and I agree with the group’s political positions as expressed in its texts. All of my actions and my political choices have been determined by my faith in the building of a socialist society.

“My ideals were the motivation behind all of my actions and my goal was to contribute to the beginning of a process for a socialist transformation and a vision of a better world. Human life has great value for a militant who desires a better world, and I believe this as well. I did not have self-seeking objectives and I never aspired to personal gains from my action,” his statement reportedly read.

Following his appearance before a special appellate-level prosecutor Koufodinas was transported to an Athens-area prison where another 15 N17 suspects are being held pending trial.

According to reports, one of the few queries Koufodinas did answer was related to prosecutor Leonidas Zervobeakos’ reference to press claims citing links with intelligence services, to which the former firmly responded in the negative, saying such a thing would not conform to his ideology.

Additionally, the 44-year-old Serres native claimed that “criminal culpability is imposed by a court and incurred by a defendant”.

Finally, he reportedly said he does not have a preference amongst the other N17 suspects being held in a maximum-security cellblock at the Korydallos penitentiary.

Isle's beach apparently offered a refuge: Meanwhile, authorities are almost certain that Koufodinas avoided the unprecedented nationwide manhunt over the past two months by living, for the most part, in a tent on a tiny Saronic Gulf isle southwest of Athens’ port of Piraeus.

Several residents of Agistri, just off the southwest coast of popular holiday island Aegina, told police that a man who had camped out on a remote and inaccessible beach over the past 40 days was matched the description of fugitive Koufodinas.

Fingerprints later lifted off several discarded items – including a tent, a sleeping bag, clothes, two radios, maps and newspaper clippings – apparently pointed to the amateur beekeeper and self-described math tutor, dubbed by other “N17” suspects as “poison hand” for his purported marksmanship skills during assassinations. The items had reportedly been tossed in a rubbish bin on the sleepy island.

Television footage later aired on many Athens stations Saturday evening showed a narrow pebble beach and rock cavities beneath a steep cliff as the location Greece’s most wanted man, until Thursday afternoon, chose as his hideout.

Justice minister reiterates stance on terrorist trial procedure: ''An offence is penal and nothing changes,'' Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said in Thessaloniki on Saturday, commenting on the claim by ''November 17'' terrorist group fugitive Dimitris Koufodinas, who surrendered to police on Thursday, that he had taken political responsibility. The minister said this also applies to the retraction of testimony by the ''N17'' Xiros brothers.

Asked by reporters to comment on the latest developments on the issue of terrorism, the minister said specifically that ''the retraction of testimonies is a well known phenomenon in political trials, but this does not change the essence.''

With regard the political responsibility claimed by Koufodinas, the justice minister said that ''talk of political responsibility for hideous acts means nothing. The offence is penal and nothing changes.''

The minister made the comments during the inauguration of the new building of the Thessaloniki Appeals Court by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Public order minister praises successes of Greek Police against terrorism: ''We are proud of the work of the Greek Police for its great successes against terrorism,'' Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis said during the inauguration of the Greek Police's pavilion at the 67th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair on Saturday.

He noted that the Greek police is close to the citizens, reversing the negative climate which it had endured in the past years.

''We have an effective and democratic police which respects human rights,'' the minister said, adding the successes of the Greek police are not restricted only in the ''November 17'' terrorist group but is extended to all the sectors for the combatting of crime.

[05] PM confident Cyprus will join EU in next expansion

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Simitis spoke during the customary premier’s press conference in Thessaloniki held over the inaugural weekend of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, the country’s largest trade and commercial exhibition and the forum for announcing the government’s economic policy in the coming year.

The Greek prime minister added that the island republic’s accession course has so far progressed smoothly, but may still encounter difficulties emanating from both Turkey’s stance and even from Europe. In terms of the latter, he said government changes in Germany and Sweden cannot be ruled out, resulting in governments that may view pending EU expansion with more skepticism.

“We have prepared for such an occasion, though, and we will put on a tough fight; Cyprus will be among the first group of countries to accede to the European Union,” he stressed in answer to a relevant question.

Moreover, he said he does not expect any significant changes by Ankara or the Turkish Cypriot side before the Nov. 3 general elections in the neighboring country.

Asked about recent threats by Turkish officials to annex the portions of Cyprus occupied by the Turkish army in the event the free part of the island republic joins the EU, Simitis said he does consider such a development as a serious option, dismissing it as “negotiation table threats” and “efforts at creating impressions”.

Calls for more effective implementation by Turkey of migrant re-admittance protocol: Another Greek-Turkish issue that came up focused on the nagging problem of illegal migration and trafficking from Turkey to Greece.

Simitis told reporters that Athens was renegotiating a recently signed bilateral “migrant re-admittance” protocol with Ankara, as its implementation so far “has not brought about the desired results”.

He stressed that Athens wants Ankara to accept back any would-be migrant that illegally enters Greek territory from Turkey, even in the case where individuals do not carry documents certifying Turkish citizenship – often the reason behind Turkish authorities’ refusal to take back illegal immigrants entering Greece.

On a more positive note, he said Greece remains the only EU country to have signed such a re-admittance protocol, something praised by the Union.

Finally, he said a major influx of would-be migrants via the Greek-Turkish land borders in the Thrace region was observed during the period when the protocol was about to be signed, as Turkish migrant traffickers apparently tried to smuggle into Greece as many immigrants as they could.

Press minister says government determined to work for Cyprus' EU accession: Press and Mass Media Minister Christos Protopapas, in an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency on Saturday, said that the government was determined to work for Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

Asked whether there was a possibility of a change of stance by governments of EU countries on the issue of Cyprus' EU ac-cession, the minister said that ''fears are expressed but we do not have proof.''

He noted that contacts are being made with the international community and that Prime Minister Costas Simitis will undertake initiatives with all the EU countries.

''All we ask is for the Helsinki decisions to be implemented. In the event that the concerns are confirmed, we are ready for everything. We will be particularly determined,'' Protopapas said.

Greece concerned over lack of progress in Cyprus talks: Greece's Ambassador to Cyprus Christos Panagopoulos has expressed the Greek government's concern over the lack of progress in UN-led talks between Cyprus' President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to solve the Cyprus problem, according to a Cyprus News Agency (CNA) dispatch from Nicosia.

Speaking at a memorial service on Sunday, Panagopoulos expressed hope that ''even at the last moment the Turkish Cypriot side would show the necessary will and constructive spirit to negotiate a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with a single sovereignty and international identity, as provided for in relevant UN resolutions''.

He blamed Turkish intransigence for the lack of progress and said ''we are struggling for a solution that will be in line with the acquis communautaire, and will safeguard the respect of human rights and individual freedoms for all the inhabitants of Cyprus''.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Clerides and Denktash have been engaged in UN-led direct talks since mid January this year with a view to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[06] FM Papandreou on upcoming Turkish elections; EU-Turkey ties

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

“… for the first time in decades ‘Europe’ is at the center of political life in Turkey,” Papandreou was quoted in an interview published in the Sunday edition of the Athens daily “Ethnos”.

“Our goal is for progress in our relations to not be overturned during the pre-election campaign in Turkey. What is positive, though -- in contrast to the past where during every political crisis Ankara tried to export its internal problems at Greece’s expense -- is that we are not witnessing such phenomena,” he said.

In terms of Ankara’s request to set a date for the beginning of European Union accession negotiations – something expected to be discussed at an EU summit in December – Papandreou said the European Commission’s report for all candidate-countries must first be evaluated, along with the post-election political landscape in Turkey.

“The EU must look at the new (Turkish) government’s positions, and if it (new government) has the political will to promote Turkey’s European course; to take steps forward on a series of matters, including relations with Greece and the Cyprus question,” he said.

Anti-terrorism campaign: Regarding the recent breakthrough to eradicate the notorious “November 17” urban terrorist group in Greece and press reports citing ‘pressure’ by Washington, Papandreou noted that the issue of terrorism is not “a bilateral matter, but our problem, one however that extends into foreign policy, as there are victims from the United States and other countries…”

PM says all PASOK forces must rally together for local government elections: Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Thessaloniki on Saturday called on government and PASOK party cadres to rally in the battle for the local government elections in October.

Simitis was speaking during a working lunch attended by ministers, deputy ministers, members of the PASOK Central Committee and party members of Thessaloniki and northern Greece.

The prime minister said that all the forces of PASOK must rally together and not leave the candidate mayors and prefects to battle alone.

Simitis said that the government's work must be projected so as to counter-attack the danger mongering by the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party.

[07] PM Simitis visits appeals court and water refinery in Thessaloniki

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

The prime minister went on to visit the pilot operation of the water refinery station at Sindos, in the wider region of Thessaloniki.

Simitis later had a luncheon with government and party officials at a central hotel in the northern city and was due later in the evening to hold a working meeting with local government officials.

In the afternoon farmers and workers gathered outside the convention center to protest against the government's policy.

[08] ND leader says government attempts to maintain ''a wasteful and corrupt state'

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

He was responding to Prime Minister Costas Simitis' address at the inauguration of the Thessaloniki Trade Fair on Friday.

Addressing representatives of the island's producer classes, the ND leader said that the government's economic policy is at an impasse, with the government members seeking ''all the more revenue to maintain a wasteful and corrupt state.''

He added that the much published tax reform will constitute measures which will maintain injustices and inequalities which will harm middle incomes and small and medium-size enterprises.

Noting that there was an upsurge in unemployment, he said that three out of the seven poorest regions of the European Union were Greek and that one in four Greek families lived under the poverty line.

As for tourism, ''it has been basically left to its fate,'' Karamanlis remarked.

[09] ND leader says island regions' development a priority

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

He added that his party considers an economic boost for the islands as an absolute priority, “because Greece’s islands today feel abandoned, forgotten and helpless.”

Karamanlis cited changes in the development law as the means for attracting investment towards the islands, along with improving infrastructure, especially increased ferryboat service, roads and water supply.

[10] Press minister inaugurates Athens News Agency, Macedonian Press Agency pavilion

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Protopapas was welcomed at the pavilion by ANA General Director Andreas Christodoulides and MPA chairman and general director Paraskevas Paraskevopoulos and Spyros Kouzinopoulos respectively.

Protopapas was briefed on the new services being jointly advanced by the two agencies as well as on the possibility of transmitting picture and sound via Internet.

[11] Thessaloniki trade fair opens its doors to the public

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Twenty states are officially taking part and France is the honored country in this year's fair which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday evening. Participating in the fair are 1,234 exhibitors.

The trade fair will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

[12] PM visits French pavilion at TIF; also tours ATHOC stand

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Simitis was greeted by French ambassador to Athens Jean-Maurice Ripert, who guided him on a tour of the French pavilion.

Simitis, accompanied by large government delegation, later toured a stand operated the quasi-state organization vying to win the 2008 World Expo for Thessaloniki’s, as well as the pavilion of the 2004 Olympics organizing committee.

The Athens 2004 stand was also visited by numerous ministers, deputies, local politicians and ambassadors.

[13] Ministers, US envoy inaugurate American pavilion at TIF

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

[14] Thessaloniki airport expansion project ready in three years

Athens, 09/09/2002 (ANA)

Inaugurating Civil Aviation Authorities' pavilion at the 67th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Mr. Verelis said that projects so far included building of a cargo station, extending the airport's facilities, construction of a new runway and of a new main terminal.

He stressed that a tender for the construction of a new runway (budgeted at around 70 billion drachmas) - part of which will be build in the sea - offering the ability for transatlantic flights from Thessaloniki, was at its last stage.

"Combined with a project to build a new road link between the airport and Egnatia Road, the Macedonia airport would probably become one of the most modern and functional airports in Southeastern Europe," Verelis said.

[15] President Clerides sees no way of approach on two issues

LARNACA 09/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)

He added UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has implied that, if the two sides appear to be unable to agree, he may express views on how to bridge the gaps, and noted that the issues on which differences are smaller than they were when UN-led peace talks began in January are ''not very serious issues''.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on arrival from Paris, where he and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had separate and joint meetings with Annan, President Clerides said the UN chief ''listened to where there are serious points of disagreement, asked clarification questions and then said every effort should be made by October 3, so that at least fundamental issues, serious disagreements, can be overcome''.

Annan invited President Clerides and Denktash to meet him anew in New York on October 3 and 4. They both accepted the invitation.

Asked to comment on Annan's statement after the Paris meetings, that some gaps dividing the parties are quite a bit smaller than when talks began in January between President Clerides and Denktash, the president said ''of course there are issues in which the differences, because they are not very serious issues, are much smaller than those on the fundamental issues''.

He added that ''when the Secretary General makes this differentiation, he gives as the most fundamental issues those of sovereignty and whether there will be a new state or a continuation of the Republic of Cyprus''.

President Clerides noted that these issues ''were repeatedly discussed and there appears to be no way of approach''.

Asked if Annan urged the Greek Cypriot side to shift from its positions on the issue of sovereignty, President Clerides said the UN chief asked both sides to make moves.

Regarding the issues of sovereignty and the future form of the state, the president said ''we shifted neither on the one nor the other issue, we consider them equally serious''.

''Generally speaking, the Secretary General said our side shows willingness to take into consideration the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots but the other side is not responding'', he added.

Asked if Annan gave him a document similar to the one he appears to have given Denktash, President Clerides said it seems the Turkish Cypriot leader asked to have the speaking points the UN chief had in writing and was reading to the two parties.

He added ''the Secretary General implied that at some stage, if we cannot agree, he may express views on how the issues should be solved''.

[16] Security Council's briefing by de Soto postponed

UNITED NATIONS 09/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The UN chief's spokesman, Fred Eckhard, told CNA that no meeting is scheduled for this week. A UN source explained that after the meetings UN Secretary General Kofi Annan held Paris with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and the invitation to them to fly to New York for further talks on October 3 and 4, secretariat people found the briefing unnecessary.

During his presence in Paris, the Secretary General met with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique de Villepin. According to Eckhard, they discussed Cyprus, among other international issues.

He said the French minister ''reiterated his support of the Secretary General's efforts''.

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