Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM says strategy brought EU entry for Cyprus

[02] Greece wants to see reunified Cyprus joining EU

[03] PM has support for Cyprus line at EU summit, poll shows

[04] Warm welcome for EU's decision to admit Cyprus

[05] Communist party sees Cyprus' EU entry as seal on division

[06] Coalition of the Left welcomes EU entry approval for Cyprus

[07] Former PM welcomes EU entry for Cyprus

[08] Outcome of EU entry-okay for Cyprus to emerge Feb, politician says

[09] Archbishop calls EU entry for Cyprus a historic event

[10] Minister backs simultaneous national, European polls in 2004

[11] Coalition of the Left leader begins visit to Turkey

[12] Greek clout in EU to increase after enlargement, gov't says

[13] Ex-mental patient charged with attempted murder of Athens mayor

[14] Parliament opens debate on 2003 budget on Wednesday

[15] Greek investment outflows rising sharply

[16] EU cannot replace governments as welfare provider, minister says

[17] Athens Olympics organizer rejects talk of budget deficit

[18] Government to receive Olympic Truce signatures Monday

[19] UNICEF holds children's world peace parties in Athens

[20] Police launch probe into death of Iraqi migrant

[21] Clerides receives hero's welcome on return from EU Council

[22] De Soto to brief Tuesday UN Security Council on Cyprus

[01] PM says strategy brought EU entry for Cyprus

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''Cyprus has joined the EU and Copenhagen was a success, as we worked strategically, with planning, with a concrete concept of what we wanted to achieve,'' Simitis told reporters on arrival from the EU summit in the Danish capital.

''This is a lesson that success cannot be attained through rhetoric or vocal patriotic pronouncements. We cannot succeed if we see before us only party political expediency. We succeed if we have the belief and perception that Greece comes first,'' he said.

Foreign Minister George Papandreou said the summit's decision on Cyprus carried major historical significance both for the EU and for the region.

''The decisions have opened the way for peace and stability in the region, which has been sorely tried by wars, clashes and threats. Today, we are turning over a new leaf, forging a different path for the future of Cyprus and Greece, while our ties with neighboring Turkey have also changed for the better,'' Papandreou said.

He added that he believed it would be tough but not impossible to hammer out a solution to the Cyprus problem by February 28 based on a recent UN plan.

''Much hard work is still needed but there is a will for a solution, and the tools,'' he said.

''A year ago, there were intense anti-reactions from Turkey when the matter of resolving the Cyprus issue was raised, going as far as threats of incidents. Yesterday, the climate was completely different, with an intense will for resolution,'' the minister noted.

Asked to comment on the impact of the EU decision on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, he replied: ''If Rauf Denktash wished to, he could make history, not only for Turkey but for international politics. Unfortunately, not only has he failed to make history but history has relegated him to the sidelines.''

''Turkey has shown that it wants to move forward, and that it is capable of doing so,'' he added.

[02] Greece wants to see reunified Cyprus joining EU

NICOSIA 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou was speaking after an EU summit in Copenhagen approved Cyprus's entry into the 15-member bloc late on Friday.

The next task was to solve the island's political problem, the minister said. He also welcomed a desire by Turkish Cypriots to attain reunification and membership of the EU; and Turkey's response to the summit decision.

''Threats are no longer being heard. On the contrary, Turkey has said it will endeavor to find a solution to the Cyprus problem,'' Papandreou added.

[03] PM has support for Cyprus line at EU summit, poll shows

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Commissioned by the Sunday Vima newspaper, the poll was conducted in Athens, Cyprus, Istanbul, London and the Turkish-occupied territories in Cyprus by Kappa Research on Friday evening after approval of Cyprus' EU entry had been announced.

The telephone survey in three languages showed that 61.8 percent of respondents in Athens saw Simitis' handling as very positive; 85.6 percent in Cyprus; 56.5 percent in Istanbul; 57.1 percent in the Turkish-occupied territories; and 16.1 percent in London.

In Athens, 66.1 percent of people polled had the same opinion of Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' handling of the matter; 82.8 percent in Cyprus; 10.1 percent in Istanbul; 22.9 percent in the occupied territories; and 14.2 percent in London, according to the poll's findings.

In reply to the same question on the head of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, support was 10.3 percent in Athens; 13.8 percent in Nicosia; 76.8 percent in Istanbul; 74.1 percent in the occupied territories; and 16.7 percent in London.

Again in response to the same question, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash received support from 28.6 percent of respondents in the occupied sector of Cyprus against 50.7 percent of people polled in Istanbul.

Finally, 12.3 percent of respondents in Athens viewed US president Bush's handling as positive; 4.6 percent in Nicosia; 52.2 percent in Istanbul; and 60 percent in the occupied territories, the survey showed.

[04] Warm welcome for EU's decision to admit Cyprus

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''Cyprus' entry into the EU was a strategic goal in an endeavor to achieve a political solution to the Cyprus problem. As of tomorrow, therefore, much work remains for all, so that the right climate can be created to contribute to a solution,'' Tsohatzopoulos told reporters during a visit to Thessaloniki.

In Athens, Press Minister Christos Protopappas called Cyprus' entry into the EU a major success for the nation.

''This success was due to many years of methodical work by the Greek government, and to great efforts made by Cypriots themselves,'' Protopappas told the Sunday Eleftherotypia newspaper in an interview.

''Cyprus is now stronger and safer within the unified European family,'' he added.

Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis said in a statement that Cyprus' EU entry was a historic event.

Membership would also bring economic benefits to the Republic of Cyprus, and, especially, to the Turkish-occupied sector of the island, contributing to stability and security in the region.

In Australia, ethnic Greeks welcomed the news of Cyprus' entry, including a large community group in Melbourne.

[05] Communist party sees Cyprus' EU entry as seal on division

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''The division of Cyprus was formalized at the Copenhagen summit with entry of 62 percent of the island into the EU,'' the party said in a statement.

''The Copenhagen decision makes no mention of the 'Republic of Cyprus','' the statement said.

Negotiations on the Cyprus problem would be linked more directly to an entry date for Turkey into the 15-nation bloc, and with claims to the Aegean and Greek sovereign rights that the neighboring country has made at NATO, it added.

[06] Coalition of the Left welcomes EU entry approval for Cyprus

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''We must now make use of the momentum created by entry and the current juncture to ensure a just and viable solution to the island's political problem,'' party leader Nikos Konstantopoulos said in a statement.

''The solution would be operational and in line with European Union legislation and UN resolutions,'' Konstantopoulos said.

[07] Former PM welcomes EU entry for Cyprus

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''This was a good outcome for Cyprus,'' said Constantine Mitsotakis, ND's honorary president.

[08] Outcome of EU entry-okay for Cyprus to emerge Feb, politician says

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''What really happened at (the EU) Copenhagen (summit) will be judged then, and whether it is a question of entry for the whole of Cyprus, or of its definitive division,'' the party's head, Dimitris Tsovolas, said in a statement.

The EU has set February 28 as the date by which it would like to see a settlement of the Cyprus problem under a plan proposed by UN chief, Kofi Annan.

''Copenhagen granted EU entry only for the free part of Cyprus, and, unfortunately, it accepted the Annan plan as a basis for the resolution of the political problem,'' Tsovolas added.

[09] Archbishop calls EU entry for Cyprus a historic event

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

"This is the reward for a long-term struggle by Greek Cypriots, and the product of major efforts by the Cypriot and Greek governments," the archbishop told reporters.

[10] Minister backs simultaneous national, European polls in 2004

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Protopappas, who is also government spokesman, told the Eleftherotypia on Sunday newspaper in an interview that the key to success in elections for the ruling PASOK party lay in renewal.

At the same time, no plans were afoot to change the party's leader.

''There is no question of a change of leadership (for PASOK) before the next elections because (prime minister) Costas Simitis is our major weapon,'' he added.

[11] Coalition of the Left leader begins visit to Turkey

ANKARA 16/12/2002 (ANA / A. Kourkoulas)

In Istanbul, Constantopoulos met Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, who welcomed the politician's initiatives for friendship between Greece and Turkey.

The party leader is to meet senior government and ruling party officials in Ankara on Monday.

[12] Greek clout in EU to increase after enlargement, gov't says

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''In the new 25-country format, Greece will become a medium-sized to large country, with greater influence on operations and the decision-making process,'' the minister told the Vima on Sunday newspaper in an interview.

''Coupled with Cyprus' entry into the EU, the Greek factor will become more of a force to be reckoned with, both economically and institutionally,'' he said.

[13] Ex-mental patient charged with attempted murder of Athens mayor

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Dora Bakoyianni, a veteran deputy of the main opposition New Democracy party, suffered slight injuries to the face and hands from flying glass following the shot from a hunting rifle.

Her driver, a police officer, sustained more serious injuries.

The perpetrator, identified as George Sandalis, 35, was described by police as mentally unstable.

In 1997, Sandalis was committed to a psychiatric hospital for an unspecified time.

[14] Parliament opens debate on 2003 budget on Wednesday

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

The debate will culminate in a roll-call vote by midnight on Sunday.

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis told the Vima on Sunday newspaper that the highlights of the budget were the government's tax and social insurance overhaul.

Christodoulakis said in an interview that the budget also aimed to support farmers' income and agricultural production; back small and medium-sized enterprises; and boost economic alignment of the regions.

[15] Greek investment outflows rising sharply

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

"The country is going through a particularly significant phase during which investment capital outflows are becoming larger than inflows," Tsohatzopoulos said in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

The minister was speaking at the Money Show, a trade fair, as part of a presentation on financing to Balkan and Mediterranean countries.

He underlined the importance of the European Investment Bank in the region, including Greece.

[16] EU cannot replace governments as welfare provider, minister says

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Each EU member should build its own structures to help the needy in order to match the level of development in other member states, Efthymiou said in a greeting to a diplomatic seminar.

He was commenting on economic inequality among existing members, and with countries that will join the EU in the future.

In the seminar, the ambassadors of Italy, Spain and Germany to Greece debated forging the EU's future in the wake of enlargement. The three agreed that a democratically-operating social model was required to maintain the bloc's identity.

[17] Athens Olympics organizer rejects talk of budget deficit

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

''Management (of funds) is checked by a council of auditors and by an internal control mechanism,'' Daskalaki told the Sunday Kathimerini newspaper in an interview.

The committee's president said that she was personally in a position to confirm there would be no deviation from the budget.

[18] Government to receive Olympic Truce signatures Monday

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Due to sign in Athens are the European Union's education and culture commissioner, Viviane Reding; and the president of the Red Cross' international committee, Jakob Kellenberger, Papandreou's office said in statements on Sunday.

[19] UNICEF holds children's world peace parties in Athens

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

One party was held on Sunday and another is scheduled for Thursday.

Donations for a fund set up by UNICEF to help children with AIDS can be made at the National Bank of Greece, account number 169/480020-64.

[20] Police launch probe into death of Iraqi migrant

Athens, 16/12/2002 (ANA)

Arrested was an Athens truck driver who claimed that he had found the youth hiding in his truck, and struck him, police said on Sunday.

The youth leapt out of the trailer, hitting his head, said the truck driver, who drove away and was arrested in port later on Saturday, the day of the incident.

Police said the youth, who bore no external wounds, was dead on arrival in hospital after passers-by called an ambulance.

A post-mortem is to be conducted on Monday.

[21] Clerides receives hero's welcome on return from EU Council

LARNACA 16/12/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Expressing sadness because a solution to the Cyprus problem was not achieved and thus a united Cyprus did not enter the EU, he said the confidence which the EU membership provides will enable the government take bold steps in the next weeks which will help towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Clerides also promised the government will not overlook that Turkish Cypriot who are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus are entitled to enjoy the rights and advantages, which the acquis communautaire offers.

Accompanied by his entourage, the president's plane touched down late this afternoon as light rain fell in the coastal town of Larnaca.

All members of the Council of Ministers, deputies, prominent people in business, dignitaries and journalists packed the VIP lounge and applauded the president as he entered the room.

Speaking to the press, Clerides said, ''yesterday's day was historic, both for the European Union and for Cyprus''.

He explained that for the EU, despite the difficulties, intricacies, and the conflicting interests, its historic enlargement was attained with the inclusion of ten states to the already 15 member states.

''For the EU, a new dynamic is being created which leads to the further strengthening of the cohesive bonds between the peoples and its member states'', he said.

For Cyprus, Clerides added, ''after many years of efforts, a vision has come alive, the vision of Cyprus' entry to the EU, where within its ranks it will be an equal member with the other member states''.

''Our joy over this historic development would have been complete if a solution to the Cyprus problem was achieved. I am deeply saddened because an overall settlement to the Cyprus problem was not secured.

Despite our efforts in the last years, despite the flexibility which we have repeatedly showed, despite our willingness to compromise to find a solution to our problem, this aim could not be achieved'', he added.

''I express the hope that the Turkish Cypriot community and its leadership will realize the great advantages and prospects which derive from accession, and show the necessary flexibility in the immediate future to achieve the aim of solving the Cyprus problem'', Clerides said.

He remarked that Cyprus' accession to the EU provides ''an additional foundation of confidence to take bold steps in the next weeks, which will create a better climate and in turn will help towards a solution to the Cyprus problem''.

''Now comes the time for unity and contemplation and to strive for a better Cyprus, home for all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins'', the President said, and repeated the ''political commitment to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem the soonest''.

President Clerides also promised the Cyprus government will ''not overlook our Turkish Cypriot compatriots who are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus'', noting that those who are entitled to, ''will enjoy the rights and advantages which the acquis communautaire offers to the states and its people''.

Clerides reminded that ''Cyprus has demonstrated that it is ready to undertake its responsibilities and obligations, responsibilities that derive from its membership to the EU'' and is ready to ''contribute with all its strength, to the implementation of the aims of the EU and to further promote the European unification''.

The President of the Republic thanked the Prime Minister of Greece and his government, the Foreign Minister of Greece, ''for their great help in our course to join the EU. They were really close associates and with dexterity and perseverance promoted Cyprus' accession to the EU'', he added.

The president did not accept questions from the press, saying he will give a press conference in the coming days and answer to all kinds of questions.

Clerides was accompanied in Copenhagen by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Attorney-General Alecos Markides, Cyprus' Chief Negotiator with the EU, George Vassiliou, the leaders of six of the eight political parties represented in the House and National Council, Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros and Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou.

The European Council in Copenhagen decided Friday Cyprus, along with nine other candidate countries, to be invited to join the EU in May 2004.

However, the Council confirmed its strong preference for accession to the European Union by a united Cyprus and welcomed the commitment of the two sides on the island to continue to negotiate to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem by 28 February 2003 on the basis of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's proposals.

[22] De Soto to brief Tuesday UN Security Council on Cyprus

UNITED NATIONS 16/12/2002 (CNA)

A UN spokesman said the Cyprus problem would be the second issue on the 15-member body's agenda to be discussed during informal consultations.

According to the spokesman, Alvaro de Soto was scheduled to arrive in New York on Saturday.

Diplomatic sources said that de Soto will discuss Monday with Secretary General Kofi Annan next UN moves on Cyprus, in view of the Security Council session.

The Council's discussion on Cyprus follows a failure to achieve a settlement on the sidelines of the EU summit in Copenhagen because of the Turkish side's negative stance.

Although the Secretary General stated Friday that he had not yet decided as to whether he will suggest the Security Council to adopt in a resolution his Cyprus peace plan, including a timeframe he set for reaching a settlement, diplomatic sources said at this point the Security Council might decide for the issue of a statement by its president.

According to the same sources the president's statement is expected to express the body's support to the UN Secretary General's efforts and call upon the two parties in Cyprus to carry on the negotiations with an aim to reach a comprehensive solution by February 28, 2003.

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