Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou: War avoidable if Iraqi side fully cooperates

[02] FM Papandreou briefs PM Simitis on his Ankara visit, Iraq crisis

[03] Defense minister tells French journalists Greece opposes unilateral decisions

[04] Coalition leader slams joint statement by the '8' European leaders

[05] First non-'N17' terrorist arrests announced; Stasi link reported

[06] President, Greek EU presidency offer condolences over Columbia tragedy

[07] Alternate FM to receive Lithuanian counterpart; EBRD president

[08] Deputy FM Loverdos attends meeting on the reconstruction of the Balkans

[09] ATHOC chief outlines importance of security at Athens 2004 Olympic Games

[10] Archbishop Dimitrios on planning for preservation of Greek language in the

[11] President Clerides: I do not expect a solution by February 28

[12] Markides: Greek Cypriot side cannot accept Denktash's proposals

[01] Papandreou: War avoidable if Iraqi side fully cooperates

DAMASCUS 03/02/2003 (ANA – F. Karaviti)

Papandreou added that there are still margins for a “peaceful resolution of the crisis in Iraq.”

He also reiterated that the European Union has a clear-cut position regarding Iraq, one that falls completely within the framework of resolution 1441.

The Greek foreign minister, who was accompanied by the EU special envoy for the Middle East Miguel Angel Moratinos, arrived in Damascus over the weekend for the first stop of his crucial regional tour.

He was first received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad before giving a joint press conference with this counterpart, where both men reiterated their support for the complete implementation of 1441.

Moreover, in response to a press question, al-Shara said the resolution on disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction involves all of the UN’s members and not just one, whereas the results of UN inspectors’ checks so far in no way warrants a unilateral military strike by Washington.

The Syrian minister also said there is no need for a second UN resolution at the moment, what’s necessary is more time for UN inspectors to conclude their mission and reliably brief the international community.

Papandreou said the international community must also demand from Saddam Hussein that he conform with the UN resolution, adding that the Union is willing to cooperate with Mideast countries and Israel towards the direction of a political resolution to the crisis.

Additionally, the Syrian minister expressed his concern over the possible repercussions on the region that a war in Iraq would have, leading to “more violence, more terrorism, more anarchy, less prosperity more division, more bloodshed," as he noted.

He emphasized that any evidence provided by Washington at the Security Council forum this week must be backed up by “tangible documents”, and should not replace the work of UN weapons inspectors.

''If this attempt is not supported by actual evidence -- tangible documents -- it will only be adding to the series of allegations that we have been hearing too much of over the last few months,'' he said.

The Greek minister and current EU Council of Ministers president added that it “was not true” that war is unavoidable, as some quarters maintain. However, he said a political resolution depends on the complete and full cooperation by the Iraqi side.

Papandreou’s Mideast tour will also take him to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon.

Athens hints at latest initiatives over Iraq: Athens on Sunday pointed to a latest round of initiatives by the Greek EU presidency amid the ongoing Iraq crisis and the likelihood of an extraordinary EU summit convening.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the Greek EU presidency will announce its next steps after a meeting of the UN Security Council this week.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) Euro-deputy will join another 100 Euro-MPs for contacts in Baghdad.

In statements before departing, Euro-MP Alekos Alavanos cal-led last week’s text by eight European leaders regarding Iraq and mostly supporting Washington’s position as “subservient”, while adding the Baghdad visit aims at meeting with Iraqi citizens, humanitarian groups, UN inspectors and diplomats from the EU countries.

[02] FM Papandreou briefs PM Simitis on his Ankara visit, Iraq crisis

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou made the announcement following a lengthy meeting he had with Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Maximos Mansion on Saturday morning.

The meeting focused on developments in Iraq and also on developments in Greek-Turkish relations, European-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.

Also present at the meeting were Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, the director of the prime minister's diplomatic office Ambassador Theodoros Sotiropoulos and professors Christos Rozakis and Argyris Fatouros.

At the end of the meeting, which lasted three and a half hours, Papandreou underlined in statements to reporters that the Greek EU presidency will continue consultations with its partners in the direction of creating a common position of the ''15''.

The foreign minister left open the possibility of an emergency European summit to discuss the Iraqi crisis. He noted that ''if it is necessary for us to send a strong message to Iraq to abide by the UN decisions or for us to prepare for a military clash, then a summit will be held. On the other hand, if there is a smooth development, such an issue is not raised.''

Papandreou also left open the possibility of the Greek EU presidency convening a meeting of the ''15'' foreign ministers with their counterparts from the accession candidate countries, noting that ''we will explore this issue.''

Papandreou also left open the possibility of a meeting between prime minister Simitis and U.S. President George W. Bush, but noted that in any event, the scene on developments in Iraq will become clear after February 5.

According to diplomatic sources in New York, which he will visit immediately after a tour of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt starting on Sunday, Papandreou will have talks on the Iraq crisis with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, U.S Secretary of State Colin Powell and other European counterparts whose countries are participating in the Security Council.

During Saturday's meeting, Papandreou briefed Simitis on the results of his visit to Ankara and the Turkish government's disposition to cooperate with the European Union on the Iraq crisis.

Asked finally whether after Friday's meeting between President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair he was less or more optimistic, Papandreou stressed he continued to believe that there was scope for a peaceful settlement providing Iraq abides by the Security Council decisions.

[03] Defense minister tells French journalists Greece opposes unilateral decisions

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou received journalists from the newspapers Le Monde, La Tribune, La Croix and La Provence and from the radio stations Radio France, RTL and Radio France International.

The minister was referring to the letter on the Iraq crisis signed by eight European countries just three days after the EU General Affairs Council had reached a common position on Monday.

The letter, which urged support for US efforts to ensure Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions, was signed by EU member-states Britain, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Denmark and by candidate states Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Noting that the initiative of the eight European leaders raised the issue of Europe's cohesion, Papantoniou underlined that Greece, as EU president, will not support unilateral initiatives which are contrary to UN resolutions.

[04] Coalition leader slams joint statement by the '8' European leaders

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

Constantopoulos described the ''8'' as a ''Trojan Horse'' who ''offered Mr Bush the first victory in his imperial plans the defeat of Europe.''

The Coalition leader was referring to the letter on the Iraq crisis signed by eight European countries just three days after the EU General Affairs Council had reached a common position on Monday.

The letter, which urged support for US efforts to ensure Iraq's compliance with Security Council resolutions, was signed by EU member-states Britain, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Denmark and by candidate states Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

''The Greek government should speak in the name of Peace and Europe, in the name of democratic values. To make clear that Greece does not intend in any way to support or facilitate the war,'' Constantopoulos concluded.

[05] First non-'N17' terrorist arrests announced; Stasi link reported

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

Among the three suspects was the community president of a small Cyclades island.

Anti-terrorism unit officers arrested Aggeletos Kanas late Saturday night at a metro station platform following a day of almost non-stop television coverage of the man’s activities in the Greek capital, as his alleged ties with the terrorist group – known more for its bombings in contrast to the more lethal “November 17” -- had been the object of intense local speculation and media reports.

Kanas, an electrician by trade, is the community president of the remote western Aegean island of Kimolos.

Another two suspects were later identified on Sunday as civil engineer Constantinos Agapios, 56, and Irini Athanasaki, 48, a private employee, both Athens residents. Four women and another man, reportedly family members of those taken into custody or in their company at the time of the arrests, were also questioned and later released.

In later comments on Sunday, Kanas' attorney said his client denied any link with the terrorist group, while authorities said the other two suspects also denied any involvement with criminal activities. All three were charged with terrorism-related counts.

Stasi link reported: According to sources, meanwhile, authorities believe Agapiou is one of three individuals that led “ELA” following the death of the terror band’s alleged founder, Christos Kassimis, who died in a shootout with police in October 1977. Other information points to Agapiou as the individual identified with the code-name “Philippe” in various files of the notorious East German intelligence agency “Stasi”.

The other two co-leaders of “ELA” have been identified with the code-names of “Andrew” and “Nicholas”.

Other sources said the real names and identities of the latter two individuals have been known to authorities since 1995 following information given to the Greek public order minister at the time.

In addition, all three alleged ELA leaders are believed to have cooperated with notorious international terrorist “Carlos the Jackal” in the latter’s attacks in Greece, including a bomb attack against the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Athens (1983) and the bombing of a bar frequented by American servicemen in the upscale Glyfada district (1988).

Kanas is reportedly identified with the Stasi code-name of “George”, and is believed to have served as ELA’s bomb-maker and the procurer of explosive materials.

Athanasaki was identified, according to sources, by the code-name “Myrto”, charged with “composing” the ultra-leftist group’s proclamations and keeping the keys to its safe houses. Another report has authorities in possession of a fingerprint match linking Athanasaki to a decades-old ELA proclamation.

Finally, the arrest of another nine one-time members of two lesser known but seminal urban terrorist groups in Greece, “May 1” and “Revolutionary Nuclei” -- part of a handful of terrorist cells that primarily struck in the greater Athens area and plagued the country since 1975 -- are also imminent, according to police sources.

In a statement over the weekend, the government spokesman called for patience, noting that authorities are proceeding in the most crucial phase of the latest investigation. Spokesman Christos Protopapas said official announcements by police are pending.

[06] President, Greek EU presidency offer condolences over Columbia tragedy

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

The Greek EU presidency and main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis also sent telegrams of condolences to President Bush earlier in the day.

[07] Alternate FM to receive Lithuanian counterpart; EBRD president

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

The Lithuanian official is responsible for the Baltic state’s European affairs portfolio.

Later in the day, Yiannitsis will receive Jean Lemierre, the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

[08] Deputy FM Loverdos attends meeting on the reconstruction of the Balkans

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

Present at the meeting were Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos, the Secretary General of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region, Aris Papadopoulos, and on the part of the Yugoslav side Deputy Economic Relations Minister Gordana Lazarevic, Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Miodrag Jojie and the Secretary General of the Industrialists Association of Yugoslavia, Mr. Simic.

On the part of the Greek side, it was stressed that it was an undisputed fact that the positive course of a country's economy depends to a great degree on the strength of the private sector, which in Greece has shown credit worthy action these past few years particularly in the markets of the Balkans, southeast Europe and the Mediterranean zone, with industrial and high technology products being at the forefront.

In his address, Loverdos noted, among other things, Greece's active stabilizing role in the Balkans.

[09] ATHOC chief outlines importance of security at Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 03/02/2003 (ANA)

The ATHOC president also underlined the effort which must be made in the sector of security, noting that ''three decades after Munich, the Olympic tradition obliges us, more than ever before, to take the necessary measures for the security of the Olympic Games, so that the athletes and the spectators participate in a climate of confidence and security. Greece faces this responsibility with great seriousness.''

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said Greece ''will spend more than 600 million dollars in infrastructures and security equipment for the 2004 Games - a sum which constitutes by far the highest security budget in Olympic history.''

[10] Archbishop Dimitrios on planning for preservation of Greek language in the

US WASHINGTON 03/02/2003 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

The archbishop said ''with planning and seriousness the prospects are being examined for the creation of a strong central fund which will constitute the support of the community schools and in general all the program for Greek education.''

The archbishop said there are 23 day schools under the auspices of the Archbishopric of America in various states in the US and that the number of pupils in the academic year 2002-2003 totalled only 4,370. ''We do not deny the problem. The problem is how we deal with it,'' he said.

March held in solidarity with jailed 'N17' suspects

An estimated 200 people marched to Athens' top security Korydallos prison on Saturday morning to voice their solidarity with jailed ''November 17'' terrorist group suspects.

The march started from the Athens district of Korydallos's Eleftheria (Freedom) Square and ended in front of the prison.

After chanting slogans of support to the 19 'N17' inmates, the demonstrators dispersed peacefully and no incidents were reported.

The date of the trial for the 19 "N17" suspects has been set for March 3.

[11] President Clerides: I do not expect a solution by February 28

LARNACA 03/02/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Answering questions by the press, Clerides said the territorial issue was not yet discussed at the ongoing UN-led talks between him and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, because the latter refused as of January 2002 and until October 2002, to discuss it. Now he said that he is ready to discuss it and we will do so within the next days, Clerides added.

Invited to say whether UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to submit a new revised peace plan at the negotiations, Clerides said that it seems that Annan has not yet decided about this but is still thinking about it.

He is the one, who will decide and right now ''he is looking into this issue,'' Clerides added.

Asked about the stance of the leader of the Turkish ruling party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Cyprus, Clerides said Erdogan is expected when he becomes Prime Minster, to say which policy he will follow.

Invited to comment on a decision by the Turkish Security National Council, which expressed its strong support to Denktash, Clerides recalled that ''one of the conditions the EU has set out for Turkey is that the involvement of the military in political issues must be reduced - or even eliminated - and this is perhaps one of the issues Erdogan will refer to when the right time comes.''

Answering another question Clerides said ''I do not expect that there will be a solution by February 28.''

I expect, he added, ''that 2003 will be a year of historic developments for the Cyprus issue and I believe that both the EU Greek Presidency and Turkey's efforts to get aligned with EU demands, with a view to move on with her accession, will affect positively the settlement of the Cyprus problem.''

In a speech earlier during a ceremony at Saint Marina's and Saint Raphael's Church, in Xylotybou, Larnaca, Clerides said that the opportunity which exists for a solution to the Cyprus problem must not be lost.

Clerides said that ''a united Cyprus will serve the rights of all of us, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and a right solution will bring us much closer than ever before.''

''A united Cyprus will be a secure Cyprus,'' Clerides said adding that ''we devote all of our potentials to reach a solution the soonest possible.''

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

[12] Markides: Greek Cypriot side cannot accept Denktash's proposals

NICOSIA 03/02/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on Denktash's statements that the Greek Cypriot side rejected all of his proposals, Markides said that ''our side did not accept any of the so many things Denktash was asking, with regard to his demand for two independent sovereign states, cooperating at the centre, aiming to use our side as a vehicle that will lead its side to Europe.''

Markides said ''the Greek Cypriot side will continue the talks in the same way as they've been going on since last February.''

The Greek Cypriot side, Markides said, shows constantly its good will, its modesty, its will to reach a solution and this effort is faced with obstacles created by the other side.

President Clerides and Denktash are engaged in direct negotiations on a UN proposal for a comprehensive settlement.

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