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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-20Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>September 20, 2002CONTENTS
[01] Gov't seeks to contain petrol, fruit & veg pricesAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The government said on Thursday that it would work to contain a surge in petrol and fruit and vegetable prices through a package of measures that it devised earlier this month.Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told reporters after a cabinet meeting that a unified pricing scale from farm to retail outlet would be imposed, coupled with tax relief and growth incentives for producers. In addition, tighter controls would be ordered for the central Athens and Thessaloniki fruit and vegetable markets, accompanied by modernization of the two wholesale outlets, Tsohatzopoulos said. Furthermore, from October 1 the government would release petrol prices at 1,500 gas stations in Athens and Thessaloniki; and throughout the country from January 1, 2003. The project is to be undertaken by Metron Analysis, Tsohatzopoulos added. Other measures included stating indicative prices on products agreed with industries; upgrading the role of the fair competition commission by law, and of the state foodstuffs watchdog; and opening a price-monitoring agency at the start of 2003. Finally, street market sellers of non-farm products will be obliged to use electronic cash registers from January 1, 2003. Another factor for study was the introduction of one- and two-euro banknotes, a matter due for discussion with other European Union countries, Tsohatzopoulos said. Many consumers were still undervaluing euros, and the switch to paper for lower denominations would help, he added. Main opposition blasts gov't price measures: The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party on Thursday sharply criticized the government's price restraint measures, saying they failed to tackle the root of the problem. ''The government has shown, once again, that it is flailing. Today's so-called measures can in no way touch the root of inflation, unemployment and other problems in the economy,'' said George Alogoskoufis, ND's economic spokesman. ''A change in economic policy is required. Each time the government decides to make an announcement, it merely demonstrates its inability to rise to the occasion,'' Alogoskoufis said in a statement. He called on the government to withdraw rate rises introduced by state-owned utility corporations, and rescind tax measures that burdened enterprises. [02] NYC, Wash. D.C. mayors arrive in Athens for int'l conferenceAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Mayors representing many of the world’s major cities began gathering in Athens on Thursday for the beginning of the International Conference of Mayors on Friday, with the emphasis expected to revolve around the 2004 Olympics in the Greek capital as well as security concerns and common problems faced by large municipalities.Among the delegates that arrived on Thursday were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Washington D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and their counterpart from Istanbul, Ali Mufit Gurtuna, as all three men were received by outgoing Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos at the city's ceremonial town hall. Earlier, Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos received the NYC and D.C. mayors. “Your presence honors the conference,” the Athens mayor said in greeting Bloomberg, a reference to the perseverance shown by the "Big Apple's" local government and emergency services in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Among others, mayor delegates are expected to hold a moment of silence in honor of terror victims in NYC, Washington D.C. and around the world, while the nagging issue of terrorism will also be discussed. On his part, Bloomberg said he couldn’t image “a more ideal city for a mayors’ conference ... as it was Athens that gave us democracy.” He also praised Greece’s role in the ongoing international anti-terrorism campaign. Avramopoulos later received Istanbul Mayor Gurtuna, who said he considers the conference as a “major step” towards international peace and solidarity. [03] Mayors of the world received by President StephanopoulosAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)President Kostis Stephanopoulos on Thursday night received mayors due to participate in the mayors of the world conference scheduled to begin at the Old Parliament mansion in Athens on Friday morning.Welcoming the mayors, President Stephanopoulos expressed satisfaction over the meeting and said he is certain of its satisfactory outcome. The mayors of the world conference will be addressed by UNESCO and UN representatives. [04] FM Papandreou to meet in Athens with UN Cyprus envoy in early OctoberAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou will meet on Monday in Athens with Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary General's special adviser on Cyprus, ahead of the UN chief's meetings with Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York early next month.Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that de Soto would meet with Papandreou in Athens on September 23 as part of UN secretary general Kofi Annan's and de Soto's ''intensive deliberations'' ahead of the UN chief's meeting with Clerides in NY on October 3 and the Turkish Cypriot leader the following day. The Papandreou-de Soto meeting was taking place during a ''particularly important period for the Cyprus issue'', Beglitis added. Referring to Papandreou's talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Assistant Secretary of State Marc Grossman and Anan during his recent US visit, Beglitis stressed that the Greek side ''took note'' of the international community's will to continue the efforts for a Cyprus settlement before the EU summit in Copenhagen Beglitis further noted that Powell had assured Papandreou that the US remained firmly devoted to the need for settlement of the Cyprus issue, and that the US called on the Turkish side, at all their meetings, to contribute to finding a Cyprus solution. Regarding the document recently submitted by Denktash, Beglitis pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side's positions set out in the document remained unaltered, adding that both the Greek Cypriot side and the Greek side refused to discuss those positions as they remained outside the framework of the resolutions on the Cyprus issue passed by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. Beglitis said the time ahead would be ''especially critical'' for the two aspects of the Cyprus issue, meaning Cyprus' EU accession course and the procedure for a settlement of the island republic's political problem, and reiterated the Greek side's firm position in favor of completion of Cyprus' accession negotiation's and the country's membership in the EU. The spokesman said that the European Council in Brussels and the Copenhagen summit were expected to reaffirm the positions put forward at the Helsinki summit on Cyprus' EU accession. Beglitis also reaffirmed that the Greek and Greek Cypriot sides remained firmly devoted to a continuation of the Cyprus settlement efforts, and noted that the ''positive and constructive'' stance maintained by the Cyprus president was recognized by the entire national community, the EU and the US. Further, he said, the Cyprus and Greek governments were in agreement on continuing their cooperation and coordination, both at foreign ministry level and between Clerides and Greek premier Simitis. In reply to questions, he said the date for the imminent Simitis-Clerides meeting remained open, but added that the meeting would take place after Annan's talks in NY with the Cyprus president and Denktash. Asked whether at any time during Papandreou's US talks either Powell or British Foreign Office envoy for Cyprus, Lord David Hannay had described the Denktash text as a basis for discussion, Beglitis replied in the negative, adding that there were one or two points on which the US side had noted a relative move by Denktash from his firm positions. According to Beglitis, those points concerned the backing of Cyprus' single international character and Cyprus having a single voice within the EU. On the other hand, the spokesman said, Denktash's insistence on the recognition of two separate entities was categorically rejected. Replying to questions, Beglitis said that at none of Papandreou's meetings was it announced that Annan intended to table a draft settlement or report at his upcoming meetings with Clerides and Denktash in New York. The spokesman noted, however, that during the recent Paris meeting the UN chief had submitted a summary draft evaluation on the course of the direct talks process. Asked whether a new timetable for the conclusion of the talks, beyond the extension of the initial timetable setting June as the conclusion date, had been forthcoming, Beglitis said that the UN had not presented a new timetable, and added that a momentum had developed in the direct negotiations, in light of the Copenhagen EU summit (slated for December), which necessitated a continuation of the negotiations. He said that the international community's target was to exhaust all the time margins until December, adding that "the realistic and objective approach imposes that we approach the entire process beyond the initial timetables". Beglitis further said that the Cyprus settlement efforts should not be terminated after the Copenhagen summit given that, until Cyprus' accession to the EU, "there is time to find a solution to the political problem". To another question on whether the Greek side feared possible extreme reactions by Turkey in the event of Cyprus joining the EU before a solution to the political problem was found, Beglitis said that "we fear neither the reactions nor the threats", adding that "we have a high degree of preparedness and are studying all the scenarios for a possible crisis". The foreign ministry spokesman expressed, however, the Greek side's conviction that following the Helsinki summit the factors had been created to avert a crisis. [05] Greek minister gives interview to CNN Turk stationISTANBUL 20/09/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in an interview broadcast by the CNN Turk station on Thursday, said Greece is hoping and working for a solution to the Cyprus issue prior to Cyprus' entry to the European Union, but believes that accession even before a solution is found will help in handling the Cyprus issue.''The top priority for us is a political solution for the Cyprus issue and the second is the accession of Cyprus to the EU without a solution. One way or another, this will be the beginning of a good political solution to the problem,'' he said. ''Cyprus' accession to the EU will be a very important element for a solution to the Cyprus issue as well,'' he added. Commenting on whether Greece will veto EU enlargement if Cyprus is not included, Venizelos said ''it is not possible for us to accept enlargement without the participation of Cyprus, which currently fulfills accession preconditions.'' [06] Eurochamber briefed over Greek EU presidency aimsAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The ambition of the Greek presidency is to proceed with negotiations with the 10 candidate members and to ratify the EU's expansion, and in particular the accession of Cyprus, George Kasimatis, chairman of Greece's Central Union of Chambers and deputy chairman of the Eurochamber said on Thursday.Addressing the assembly of Eurochamber in Brussels, Mr. Kasimatis presented the aims and priorities of the Greek presidency in the European Union in the first half of 2003. Mr. Kasimatis noted that a significant priority of the Greek presidency was to promote talks over the "future of Europe". "Our biggest priority is to promote the election right with the wider possible consensus during the 2004 Intergovernmental Conference." The Greek presidency will present a first report of the Laeken summit and will proceed with a parliamentary process to support initiatives aimed to draft a European Constitution. The Eurochamber approved a proposal by Mr. Kasimatis to accept the chambers of Ukraine, Moldova and Byelorussia as it new members, raising its membership total to 40. [07] Evert criticizes broadcasts of accused terrorists' statementsAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Former New Democracy (ND) minister and leader Miltiades Evert on Thursday expressed his opposition to the broadcasting of interviews taken from accused “November 17” terrorist suspects, underlining that “lives were lost” during the notorious terror band’s 27-year reign.Evert, a top ND cadre and former minister, said he clearly recognizes the need for a free press and media, although adding: “everything has its boundaries.” He also appeared critical of the publication of terrorist groups’ proclamations, saying: “They kill for us to read what they’re saying. Are we going to say bravo to them?” [08] Greek EU commissioner lashes out at white slave tradeBRUSSELS 20/09/2002 (ANA)Greek European Union Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, speaking at a conference on ''Preventing and combatting the white slave trade'' at the European Parliament here on Thursday, said ''western Europe lies at the center of the modern-day form of the white slave trade.''She said this trade is international, organized and on the increase, noting that ''up to a million women and children are the object of illegal trafficking in the region of western Europe every year.'' Diamantopoulou further said these people are bought and sold with the purpose of forced prostitution, being used as servants or experiencing ''travesty weddings'' in which case they are raped and held as prisoners. She also said emphasis should be placed on supporting the victims of sexual exploitation, adding that poverty and the lack of opportunities should be highlighted as reasons leading many women to falling victims of sexual exploitation rings. [09] PM presses Cabinet to use CSF funds in deflecting int'l economic downturnAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday urged his Cabinet to fully exploit projected 3rd Community Framework Support funds, warning that Greece is “battling” for development and real convergence amid an ongoing “negative international environment”.According to the government spokesman, Simitis cited what he called the “general decline” of stock markets worldwide and the expected effect on Greece in prefacing his the comments before a presentation by the relevant development minister. “The impact of this instability, something that is having a noticeable effect on Greek exports, should not however be allowed to intensify, nor should instability be exported to Greece, particularly through a rise in oil prices,” spokesman Christos Protopapas quoted Simitis as saying. The prime minister also reportedly stressed that rising inflation must be countered through an increase in competitiveness. In touching on Greece’s inflation rate – amongst the highest in the ‘euro zone’ – Simitis said it, nevertheless, remains at the lowest levels in 30 years, although a roughly 1.5-percent divergence from the ‘euro zone’ average “creates certain constraints”. He also rejected recent high-profile criticism by main opposition New Democracy, namely, that state-run utilities were feeding inflation’s rise by increasing their flat rates. Simitis noted that public utilities’ rates account for only 1.1 percent of all the factors that comprise the general price index, as opposed to private sector services (which account for 5.9 percent) and farm goods prices (5.7 percent). Finally, he said state bureaucracy must decreased in order to attract more foreign investments to Greece. [10] State investments center backs UNCTAD potential index for GreeceAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The state-run Greek Investments Center said on Monday that Greek data in UNCTAD's FDI Potential Index gave a better indication of the country's economy than the world organization’s FDI Performance Index.Released earlier this week, an UNCTAD report for 2001 said that Greece ranked 125th out of 140 countries on the performance index, which indicates a country's success in attracting foreign investments. At the same time, Greece took 35th place in the FDI Potential Index, which ranks potential in drawing investments from abroad, leading Portugal by one place and lagging Cyprus by one. The Greek Investments Center said in a statement that the performance index permitted no broad conclusions as it was not linked to other economic indicators. On the other hand, the potential index was based on eight variables that incorporated factors including gross domestic product per inhabitant, real increase in GDP over the last ten years, exports as a percentage of GDP, investment risk, and commercial use of energy per inhabitant. The UNCTAD report also said that direct foreign investments in Greece raised by 43 percent in 2001 to 1.56 billion US dollars from 1.089 billion dollars a year earlier, posting the highest rise among developed economies. A key reason for the increase was Greece's entry into the euro zone, which drew interest from businesses abroad, UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2002 said. [11] Deputy FM Loverdos to visit CyprusNICOSIA 20/09/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos, responsible for economic issues, will visit Cyprus and address an event organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce on September 25.The event will focus on the theme ''The Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan and incentives provided.'' The plan is also open for the participation of Cypriot businesses as well. [12] Greek stocks' plunge continues on ThursdayAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Greek stocks continued breaking new record-low levels in the Athens Stock Exchange on Thursday, with sentiment undermined by a negative climate in other European markets.Hellenic Telecommunications Organization’s share price fell 3.11 percent to 11.20 euros, below its listing price of 11.74 euros (April 19, 1996). The general index dropped 1.57 percent to end at 1,868.74 points, with turnover an improved 118.5 million euros. The Textile index was the only one to score gains (0.41 percent), while the Telecommunications, Retail and Publication sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.25 percent, 2.89 percent and 2.49 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 1.56 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.31 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.05 percent lower. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 241 to 85 with another 35 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Kotsovolos, Football Pools Organization, and Informatics. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 115.5 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Day's Market Turnover: 115.5 mln euros Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond Most Active Bond: 5-yr (380 mln euros) [13] ATHOC president gives NY mayor tour of Olympic facilitiesAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki on Thursday gave New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg a guided tour of installations under construction at the main press center, the international radio and television center and the indoor Olympic stadium.Bloomberg, who was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller and a number of American senators of Greek origin, was also briefed by Daskalaki on the course of preparations to host the Olympic Games in 2004. Bloomberg had expressed his desire for a briefing on the course of preparations since New York will make a bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Daskalaki, in a statement after the tour, said New York, a city with a very big Greek community, constitutes a source of inspiration since it managed to be reborn through a tragedy (the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001). Referring to Bloomberg's recent address at the United Nations, where he had underlined the need for peaceful coexistence among people, Daskalaki said this is precisely the message of the Athens Olympic Games and also mentioned the Olympic Truce which moves in the same direction. On his part, Bloomberg wished on behalf of all New Yorkers ''good luck and success'' to Athens and expressed his conviction that Athens will be ready for the Games. He further expressed his hope that New York will succeed in hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, adding that ''America was established on the principle of coexistence on democratic bases, which Athens has shown to us, and this is something we shall remember both as visitors and spectators of the Games.'' Referring to the issue of security, Bloomberg also mentioned recent developments concerning the November 17 terrorist organization, saying that Greece is combatting terrorism. On the question of New York, he said life has returned to normal and New York police are in a position to handle any security problem which makes New York the safest city in the United States and one of the safest in the world. [14] NYC mayor Bloomberg touches on city's 2012 Olympic bid; WTC siteAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg arrived in Athens on Thursday to participate at an international conference of mayors, although his first day in the Greek capital was dominated by contacts with top Greek leadership as well as reporters' queries on how the vibrant US metropolis is moving ahead following 9/11.Bloomberg, who took over at New York's city hall some seven months ago as the successor to Rudolf Guiliani, will also tour several 2004 Olympic venues this week, as New York City is one of two US cities -- along with San Francisco -- still vying to host the 2012 Olympics. Speaking at an afternoon event at US ambassador Thomas Miller's official residence, the New York City mayor emphasized that the dastardly Sept. 11 strikes were ''attacks against all the peoples of the western hemisphere. ''We'll come out of this stronger but the 2,800 people that died that day (at the WTC centers) won't return,'' he said. Bloomberg also appeared optimistic as far as his city's efforts to win the 2012 summer Olympics. ''New York City stands for everything that the Olympics stand for: meritocracy and international standing,'' he said. Finally, asked what he would like to see on the spot where the World Trade Centers once stood in Manhattan, he mostly defined a set of criteria he said should be used, including ''taking our time to decide'', and building a memorial on part, ''not all'', of the 16-acre site. However, Bloomberg said he couldn't rule out some form of high-rise housing being built on only portion of the 16 acres as well, something the NYC mayor said is definitely needed in Manhattan. ''I think it's important to tell the terrorists that 'you won't win, we will go on'.'' [15] IOC official satisfied with Olympic Games preparationsAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The chief official of an international Olympic Games Coordinating Committee delegation, briefed on Thursday by the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee on construction projects and hospitality, expressed satisfaction over overall progress achieved in preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.''Regarding preparations for the functioning of installations, I would say that progress has been achieved in accordance with the Olympic Games Organizing Committee's new program with which I am very satisfied. The same applies to progress in the Olympic functions sector,'' Gilbert Felli said after the briefing. Felli also said, concerning the issue of hospitality, that one is beginning to see ''light at the end of the tunnel'', but warned that the remaining time is limited. An analytical presentation was further made on the issue of hospitality for the Olympic Family's various groups whose needs have been fully met. Organizing Committee members also provided information on each group and hospitality facility. [16] Justice ministry backs bill on assisted reproductionAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The justice ministry, in an announcement, underlined on Thursday that the bill on assisted reproduction tabled in Parliament this month is aimed at strengthening and not weakening the family, since it provides couples that are at the age of reproduction but are unable to have children for physical reasons with the opportunity of having them.The announcement was made in response to a call from Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos for the bill's withdrawal. Among others, the announcement said the bill strictly forbids cloning and the selection of gender. In the case of artificial insemination, practiced in the country for decades, no case appeared concerning the seeking of the donor. Moreover, it said scientists believe that the possibility of marriage between people coming from the genetic material of the same person is statistically impossible. Article 1, it was added, only permits artificial insemination in the case of inability to acquire children in the natural way and not to reasons linked to the existence of a homosexual relationship. Lastly, posthumous artificial insemination is also subject to strict preconditions by the bill. Archbishop Christodoulos, who was addressing an international conference on the family organized by the Family Support Center, called for the bill's withdrawal on grounds that it ''undermines the principles governing the family and relations between its members.'' [17] Six-year action program in Greece in support of GypsiesAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Gypsies are residing in all of the European Union's member-states but also in EU candidate countries, mainly in Romania. A six-year (2002-2008) comprehensive action program is underway in Greece concerning the sectors of housing, education, training and employment, health and welfare, culture and sports. The completed action program is estimated to totally cost about 308.15 million euros.According to the program, 1,260 prefabricated homes have already been made available in various regions of the country while another 850 will be delivered soon in the regions of Chrysoupoli, Mytilini, Rio, Farsala, Argostoli, Rhodes, Tripoli, Lamia, Kalamata and elsewhere. Furthermore, procedures are underway for the creation of new permanent settlements in the municipalities of Nea Alikarnassos, Florina, Xanthi, and other regions. A total of 3,500 loans will also be granted (15 million drachmas for each) with the objective of housing Gypsies. [18] Fixed-line and mobile phone numbers to changeAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Phone numbers for fixed-line and mobile telephones will change as of November 3 this year and January 19, 2003 respectively, according to an announcement by the National Telecommunications and Post Offices Committee (EETT) on Thursday.As of November 3, the initial digit ''0'' in fixed-line telephone numbers will be replaced by a ''2''. Consequently, as an example, the number 010-1234567 will become 210-1234567. The same number will apply to calls from abroad as well. As of January 19 next year, the initial digit ''0'' in mobile telephone numbers will be replaced by a ''6'', while the method of calling emergency telephone numbers (police, fire brigade, etc.) will not change. Regarding access to the Internet, the first digit in the number 096 will be replaced by an ''8'' and consequently the number 896 will be used. [19] Queen Rania of Jordan inaugurates exhibition by Moslem women artistsAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)Queen Rania of Jordan on Thursday inaugurated on the Dodecannese island of Rhodes an exhibition of paintings by women from Moslem countries, entitled ''Revealing the Face''.The inauguration of the exhibition marked the start of the ''2nd International Conference on Culture and Peace'' which will conclude its sessions on Saturday. The forum and exhibition aim at conveying the message of peace and friendship among peoples, in a world which is facing intolerance, war, hostilities and differences. The exhibition, which began in Rhodes, will for the first time make a world tour, carrying the message of peace and brotherhood among peoples. The exhibition of works by 51 artists from 21 Moslem countries was jointly organized by Jordan's Royal Society of Fine Arts and the Mediterranean Network of women Creators (FAM) and held under the auspices of Queen Rania. The queen said that art links people ''and makes us discover new truths and helps to enlighten humanity.'' Queen Rania added that ''before a year ago, many people on the planet asked themselves on the true nature of Islam,'' stressing that ''it is necessary for a message to be sent of peace, tolerance and respect to what is different.'' [20] Gov't to consider hosting informal EU sports ministers summitAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)New deputy culture minister George Lianis, who was again tapped to head the ministry’s sports portfolio earlier in the month, said on Thursday that he will promote a Coalition of the Left initiative to host an informal summit of EU sports ministers in Greece during the country’s six-month rotating Union presidency next year.According to Lianis, the main issue to be discussed at such a summit would be the campaign to curb doping in sports, especially in light of the Athens 2004 Olympics. [21] Sports bill ratified in principleAthens, 20/09/2002 (ANA)The culture ministry's bill on sports was voted in principle and by article on Thursday, while Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos had tabled amendments on Athens 2004 Athens Olympic Games volunteers and outdoor advertisements.Deputy defense Minister Lazaros Lotidis said measures concerning recruits and draft dodgers participating as volunteers in the Games will not reduce the country's defense capacity. On his part, Venizelos said article 2, paragraph 1 of law 2833/2000 rules that outdoor advertisements of a commercial or political content are forbidden in the historical center of Athens, adding that the amendment only adds secondary elements. He added that special terms are determined for placing advertisements in specially prepared municipal locations and passenger terminals, including the advertising of political messages. [22] Foreign Minister meets US Undersecretary of StateUNITED NATIONS 20/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)The United States have reaffirmed their desire to contribute to a Cyprus settlement and their support for Cyprus' entry to the European Union.US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Mark Grossman expressed the American position on Wednesday, after a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides. In statements to CNA, Kasoulides said he was satisfied with the warm conversation he had with the US official, which ''underlined that the US position concerning their desire to contribute to a Cyprus settlement and mainly their support for Cyprus' accession to the EU, was reaffirmed''. The discussion covered the efforts underway for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the island's accession to the EU, within the deadline of the ''window of opportunity'', the minister said. Invited to comment on Greek press reports that the Americans believe Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's proposals contain some positive elements, Kasoulides said that was not the case. He pointed out that during his meetings with US officials, he never ascertained any effort to improve or promote the Turkish positions or that these contribute to a solution. Kasoulides pointed out that the situation has not changed with Denktash's positions, neither is it expected during this period. All efforts, he said, will concentrate after November 3 when the elections in Turkey are over, and a serious preparation is preceded for the meeting between Denktash and President Glafcos Clerides with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York in early October. [23] UN-led direct talks continueNICOSIA 20/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)UN-led direct talks on the Cyprus problem will continue with the discussion of the territorial issue, as talks on the executive and legal authority of a central state were completed here on Thursday.CNA has learned that the territorial issue will be discussed during the next two meetings left before President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash meet UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York on October 3 and 4. The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto will be flying to Athens and Ankara for meetings with the ministers of foreign affairs of both countries. His travels are part of Kofi Annan's intense negotiations in view of the New York mee Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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