Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-02-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Cyprus reaffirm close ties, joint coordination

[02] Cyprus president elect meets with opposition leaders in Athens

[03] PM to meet UN Secretary General in Athens on Tuesday

[04] Denktash aide intransigent over last Cyprus peace plan

[05] FM to visit US on Thursday as representative of the European Union troika

[06] State Department confirms Powell, Papandreou will meet on Thursday

[07] Greek, Italian and Spanish PMs discuss Iraq over the phone

[08] Deputy FM tours Middle East, meets with Lebanese leaders on Monday

[09] EU General Affairs Council discusses developments in the western Balkans

[10] DM to address University of California seminar in Athens

[11] President receives Coalition leader who complains on mass media standards

[12] EU praises IAEA resolution on North Korea

[13] EU president Greece to revitalize trans-European transport and energy schemes

[14] Gov’t seeks spending cuts, low prices from public sector enterprises

[15] Greek gov’t to sell two more issues of ''popular'' bonds this year

[16] Tsohatzopoulos urges more active participation of consumers

[17] Greek stocks end 1.01 percent lower on Monday

[18] PM Simitis himself to respond to latest IOC criticism

[19] Aliakmonas accident due to attempt to overtake, witness claims

[20] FM briefs EU counterparts of the electronic polling system e-vote

[21] Europarliament committee on gender equality conduct three-day visit in Turkey

[22] Efthymiou to table results of EU university students' meetings in EU summit

[23] DM meets with presidents of defense analysis institutes in Greece

[24] French MEP confident that N17 suspect Psaradellis is innocent

[25] Greece sends humanitarian aid to China following devastating quake

[26] Annan believes solution possible if sides willing

[27] National Council to convene on Wednesday, says spokesman

[28] Lord Hannay sees momentous week ahead for Cyprus

[29] Cox urges sides to give-and-take on Annan plan

[30] US envoy meets Turkish officials

[01] Greece, Cyprus reaffirm close ties, joint coordination

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

After his meeting with Papadopoulos, Simitis said close ties between Athens and Nicosia would remain close in the future, with the common aspiration of mutual consolidation and coordination of their moves.

On the memorandum submitted to the two sides by UN secretary general Kofi Annan, Simitis said it would be discussed by the Cyprus National Council, adding that ''Greece offers its opinion and support, but the Cypriot side is the one that decides and leads''.

He continued, however, that margins for success in the Cyprus talks were narrow and nearly non-existent within the timeframe that has been proposed.

Simitis further expressed certainty that Cyprus' EU accession course was not at threat, and that Cyprus, together with the other nine candidates countries approved for membership, would sign the act of accession in Athens on April 16.

Papadopoulos conveyed the Cypriot people's appreciation for Greece's contribution, and expressed his intention to take advantage of the historic conjuncture so that, in the event that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash altered his position, a solution to the Cyprus problem would be reached.

As for Annan's recent memorandum, Papadopoulos said it would be an object of negotiations with the UN special envoy on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto.

Simitis said that he did not expect to discuss with Annan, when the UN chief visits Greece for consultations on Tuesday, the substance of the arrangements he has proposed, adding that among the issues that would most likely be included in his talks with the UN secretary general was mainly the Cyprus security issue, which was also of concern to Greece.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that Annan's final proposals and proposed procedure for a Cyprus solution would be made known in Athens following Simitis' meeting with the UN chief in Athens on Tuesday afternoon.

Regarding Simitis' talks with Papadopoulos, the spokesman noted that the main problem at this juncture was the intransigence of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot side.

Press conference: “It’s impossible to hold a referendum over any plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem if the issue of security between Greece and Turkey isn’t first solved,” Papadopoulos later said during a press conference at the Foreign Press Association of Greece. He also expressed his concern and disappointment over what he called the intransigent stance of the Turkish side, which he said is promoting positions that are not foreseen in the Annan peace plan. Referring to prospects that security issues will be resolved through proposals tabled by UN chief Kofi Annan himself, Papadopoulos said:

“Mr. Annan is not entitled to submit his own proposals without the prior approval, or at least, an agreement by Greece and Turkey. This issue is covered by international treaties.”

Moreover, he referred to the Annan plan as a “sui generis". “I will not attempt to change the basic framework,” he stressed.

Asked about the possibility of a Cyprus solution before an UN-set deadline expires, Papadopoulos said it was “extremely unlikely that negotiations will have been completed by Feb. 28”, however, he categorically rejected any notion that a failure to reach an agreement by Feb. 28 will be “catastrophic” for prospects of any future resolution.

In response to another question, he expressed his satisfaction over Britain’s expressed intent to concede a portion of the territory it retains on the island republic – two sovereign bases – in order to assist in efforts to solve the problem, although he did mention his surprise at the timing of the announcement by outgoing Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

Finally, asked about any peace plan’s provisions for thousands of settlers brought into the Turkish-occupied areas from Anatolia over the past 29 years, Papadopoulos said:

“Even though settlers transported to an occupied country are the product of an international crime and essentially have no rights, we are ready to accept solutions that are compatible with the provisions for protecting human rights and the acquis communautaire, as it is defined by the European Union. Our goal, however, is to ensure the right of return of all the refugees...”

Papadopoulos, Stephanopoulos meeting: Cyprus' newly-elected president Tassos Papadopoulos on Monday met with President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos and parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Papadopoulos and Stephanopoulos discussed the latest developments in Cyprus during their half-hour meeting, but no statements were made to the press after the discussion.

Earlier, Papadopoulos met with Kaklamanis, who reaffirmed to the Cyprus president that the Hellenic parliament stood at the side of the new Cypriot leadership.

''We are aware of the seriousness of the situation,'' Papadopoulos said after the meeting, and reiterated his pre-electoral commitment that he would carry on the negotiations for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

''All the cooperating parties commit ourselves to finding a solution, and not being led to impasses,'' Papadopoulos said, expressing hope that the Turkish Cypriot side and its leader, Rauf Denktash, will realize that ''the common interest imposes a common solution''.

Papadopoulos further expressed appreciation for the assistance of the Hellenic parliament and the parliaments of the EU member states, noting that now that the process of ratification of Cyprus' EU accession by the national parliaments of the EU '15' was commencing, the role of the Greek parliament was not only important but also decisive for the ratification of Cyprus' accession treaty.

Kaklamanis said that the Hellenic parliament persisted in the firm stance it has followed to date concerning the completion of EU enlargement and resolving the Cyprus problem.

''We shall back the effort of the Cyprus Republic and Cypriot people for a viable and functional solution that will restore Cyprus' unity and create conditions for cooperation between and the progress of the two communities and the entire island,'' Kaklamanis said.

[02] Cyprus president elect meets with opposition leaders in Athens

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

According to sources, Papadopoulos said to Karamanlis that he did not have in his hands the new plan of the United Nations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue and stressed that there are many issues still to be clarified.

On his part, Karamanlis told Papadopoulos, that the UN plan should be functional, viable and in accordance with the European acquis communautaire and the decisions of the United Nations Security Council.

He stressed that ND will stand by Cyprus and its people for the achievement of this national aim, adding that a good understanding between all the political forces is a basic precondition for the achievement of this national goal.

According to the same sources, Karamanlis said to Papadopoulos that the Annan plan does not allow for a functional state, stressing, however, that the Greek Cypriot side should sit at the negotiating table to achieve as much as possible and noted that the new government of the republic of Cyprus needed more time.

Later in the day, Papadopoulos met with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga, who expressed her pessimism over a resolution of the Cyprus problem, right after the meeting.

Papariga said that we should wait for the new Annan plan so that we may state our final opinion, adding, however, that the war-like climate in the region, in Europe and internationally and if one examines the Annan plan one can not be optimistic that something better may appear.

Our sense says that the plan will probably be worse, taking into account the very negative circumstance that exists due to the war preparations in Iraq and the special relationship between the US and the leadership of Turkey.

Laliotis, Coalition leader meet Cyprus' president-elect: Ruling PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos had separate meetings in Athens on Monday with visiting Cyprus president-elect Tassos Papadopoulos.

In statements to reporters later, Laliotis noted that ''it is a known fact that the Cyprus issue is at a critical turning point, and for this reason what is required is the strongest possible rallying and the greatest political and social consensus for a just, viable and workable solution.''

Laliotis added that the citizens of Cyprus, through their verdict, have proclaimed the new president. ''Mr Papadopoulos is a man with knowledge, experience and capabilities. We believe there must be the greatest possible rallying of all the forces of Hellenism and in Greece and Cyprus and all of us must have confidence in the Greek government and Prime Minister Costas Simitis and of course the new president of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos,'' Laliotis concluded.

On his part, Constantopoulos told reporters after his meeting with Papadopoulos that his Coalition party supported the position of Cyprus' National Council for systematic and substantial negotiations in order for there to be a workable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will be viable and stand time.

''We believe there is scope for the momentum of Cyprus' EU accession to be properly utilized, so that Cyprus be an equal member state of the EU, securing the reunification of the island, the rapprochement of the two communities and the consolidation of the federal character in accordance with the decisions which have been taken, for a just solution to the Cyprus problem,'' Constantopoulos said.

[03] PM to meet UN Secretary General in Athens on Tuesday

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Outlining the premier's schedule for the coming week, the spokesman said that Simitis would be chairing a government meeting on combatting drug abuse at noon on Tuesday in which all government ministries involved in cracking down on the drug trade, prevention and dealing with substance abusers will be represented.

Protopapas said a planned visit by the prime minister to the northern Greek city of Alexandroupolis on Wednesday had been postponed and would probably take place on March 4.

On Thursday, the premier will chair a meeting of the cabinet to discuss issues pertaining to the environment, public works and town planning ministry, particularly with respects to land planning.

On Thursday afternoon, Simitis will address the Greek Parliament in an off-the-agenda debate about the measures the Greek EU presidency plans to take to deal with a possible crisis in Iraq.

On Friday, the prime minister will chair a ministerial meeting at 10:30 on water resources attended by Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis.

On the same day at 12:30, he will meet visiting Romanian president Ion Iliescu, while at 14:00 he is to have a meeting with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis.

[04] Denktash aide intransigent over last Cyprus peace plan

ISTANBUL 25/02/2003 (ANA – A. Kourkoulas)

Denktash aide Mumtaz Soysal said “territorial concessions to the Turkish side are nothing more than concessions of territory already belonging (to the Turkish Cypriots)”, a reference to the Karpassia peninsula.

Finally, Soysal also criticized the plan, because as he claimed, it does not state that the central government’s power emanates from the so-called “Turkish Cypriot state”.

[05] FM to visit US on Thursday as representative of the European Union troika

BRUSSELS 25/02/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The troika is composed of the presiding minister - who for the present six month period is Greece's George Papandreou, the EU high commissioner on foreign and defense policy Javier Solana and EU Commissioner on foreign relations Chris Patten.

Speaking to an audience of journalists after a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, the Greek minister under-lined that the upcoming actions will be decided by the United Nations Security Council.

Papandreou clarified that ''there is no secret agenda'' and that the European opinion was summarized during the recent EU Summit in Brussels and aims at disarming Iraq and not at changing the Saddam Hussein’s government, considering that violence is last resort, having first exhausted all other means and after the UN inspectors complete their work.

''We are on a course for the Common Foreign Policy, and it is our wish that this course continues and develops into a unified policy. Iraq is not the beginning or the end of EU's history. We wish to defend the unity and the ideals of Europe. Iraq will be the pretext for strengthening the course of deepening (this policy) that has begun,'' Papandreou said.

On his part, Solana said ''it is natural that we do not always agree. We tried, but I at least failed. The members of the European Union, which are also members of the UN Security Council, could coordinate their stance, but the Treaty does not bind them to do so''.

Arab League General Secretary General Amr Moussa and League presiding minister, the foreign minister of Lebanon, Mahmud Hammud participated in the dinner of the EU council of general affairs.

[06] State Department confirms Powell, Papandreou will meet on Thursday

WASHINGTON 25/02/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

''The U.S. and the European Union will have the semi-annual meeting in Washington on February 27. Secretary of State Colin Powell will receive Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, as president of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, along with the EU's Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Chris Patten and EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy Javier Solana,'' a State Department spokesman said.

The announcement added that ''this meeting is part of the established U.S.-EU contacts, and will be centered on Iraq, but will also include the studying of other issues of the wider agenda we have with the EU.''

Papandreou will stay in the U.S. capital for one day and will also visit the White House where he will meet with U.S. President George Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice.

[07] Greek, Italian and Spanish PMs discuss Iraq over the phone

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

He said that talks between the three government leaders on Sunday night had focused especially on Aznar's coming trip to Washington.

Meanwhile, the spokesman stressed again on Monday that neither the Greek government nor the Greek presidency of the European Union was in any way involved in a reported meeting between Americans and Iraqi military officers to be held in Athens.

Protopapas said that the meeting, which according to a report in the Sunday edition of the Greek newspaper ''To Vima'' had been an initiative organized by Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, was a private initiative organized by an international organization based in California.

The event in question was held in a different country every year and the Iraqis that would be attending were not representatives of Saddam Hussein's regime but its opponents, the spokesman clarified.

[08] Deputy FM tours Middle East, meets with Lebanese leaders on Monday

BEIRUT 25/02/2003 (ANA-E.Boukaouri)

A possible war in Iraq clouded over Loverdos’ meetings during his tour of the region, without however influencing the course of talks. Lebanon does not feel seriously threatened by negative repercussions, but Syria on the contrary fears a massive entry of hundreds of thousands of refuges in the event of a war.

Loverdos was asked why he chose the specific time for a tour - his third - in the region. He replied that as far as Greece was concerned, Lebanon symbolizes not the crisis, but development and a strategic partner. He pointed to the excellent relations between Athens and Beirut, and said that Lebanon had made large investments in Greece, it was an open society under development, was well aware of trade considerations and was a gate and the best mediator to the rest of the Middle East.

With the fear of war looming, Lebanon is seen as a safe harbor by the remaining countries in the region, many of which, Saudi Arabia for example, have taken their investments out of western nations (e.g. US) and poured them into Lebanon.

According to diplomatic sources, approximately 40% of direct foreign investments in Lebanon have been channeled in the tourism sector.

Middle Eastern countries appreciate Greece’s contribution as EU Presidency and the opening extended by Foreign Minister George Papandreou to Arab nations by participating in the recent Cairo Arab League meeting.

Loverdos extended an invitation to the Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa to attend the EU Brussels Council, and is scheduled to meet Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Tuesday.

[09] EU General Affairs Council discusses developments in the western Balkans

BRUSSELS 25/02/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Greek Foreign Minister and EU Council of Ministers President George Papandreou in statements underlined the need for the development of a relation of mutual trust with the western Balkan countries on the basis of European models. He stressed the promotion of dialogue and cooperation in certain sectors, such as energy, transport and immigration.

The minister cited as a successful example Greek-Turkish rapprochement, in such issues such as tourism, cross-border cooperation and the combatting of illegal immigration.

Papandreou said the aim of the Greek EU presidency was for there to be clear results at the EU summit in Thessaloniki in June on the prospects of the countries of this region joining the EU in the future.

With regard the European security and defense identity, Papandreou referred to the positive climate and the will of the EU to proceed in undertaking the military force in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the sending of an EU to Bosnia Herzegovina in replacement of the international SFOR force.

[10] DM to address University of California seminar in Athens

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou stressed that although he will address the event, his ministry was not co-organizing it, as some papers reported, saying that the misunderstanding was created by the university's press release that the event was under the auspices of the ministry.

He clarified that the university requested permission to hold the seminar and of the minister to address the event.

He called the possibility of Iraqi officials attending the event highly unlikely, adding that academics and representatives of institutes were invited.

[11] President receives Coalition leader who complains on mass media standards

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

In statements later, Constantopoulos expressed his opposition to the way with which certain mass media projected major events, referring to the manner with which television covered the visit to Athens by the former royal family in comparison to that of the anti-war rally which was held in the capital the same day.

The Coalition leader called for changes to be made in the television landscape and for the laws and rules to be implemented.

Constantopoulos noted that ''in the critical times which are coming, as a crime against humanity is being prepared, that is, the Iraq war, the institutions must measure to their standards and respond to the gravity of the circumstances.''

[12] EU praises IAEA resolution on North Korea

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

The statement is as follows:

“The European Union notes on Monday with satisfaction a Resolution adopted by the IAEA 12 February 2003 finding that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) is in breach of its obligations and that the Agency is unable to fulfill its verification role under its safeguards agreement with the DPRK and in the context of the NPT, and requesting the IAEA Director General to report these facts to the Security Council.

“The European Union believes that the Security Council can make a useful contribution to the diplomatic settlement of this issue under its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Union also calls on North Korea to refrain from any further step that might aggravate the situation.

“The European Union restates its firm resolve to contribute to the search for a peaceful solution. Acting in close liaison with all countries concerned, it plans to send a high-level delegation to Pyongyang, when conditions are conducive in order to promote the settlement of the current problem.”

[13] EU president Greece to revitalize trans-European transport and energy schemes

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Greece, currently holding the rotating six-month EU presidency through June, said that deregulation and the integration of the internal market, both geared toward boosting the competitiveness of the European economy, cannot be carried out successfully without first processing cross-border TEN projects.

Funding for the new networks will be provided from EU fiscal resources and new financial tools launched by the European Investments Bank EIB), as well as from private investments.

[14] Gov’t seeks spending cuts, low prices from public sector enterprises

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis is expected to present five new directives to the boards of public sector enterprises in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

The meeting will discuss public sector enterprises' goals for the year.

Mr Christodoulakis is expected to ask the boards to limit all borrowing needs only for investment purposes, to adjust their incomes policies with the government's incomes policy for 2003, to prohibit any new pension adjustments, to cut subsidies to public sector enterprises and to adhere to a very strict pricing policy.

[15] Greek gov’t to sell two more issues of ''popular'' bonds this year

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Mr Christodoulakis stressed that the results of the first issue of ''popular'' bonds, launched last week, was ''significant enough'' and that demand for the new category of state securities totalled 800 million euros, one of the largest public offerings in the last few years.

The Greek minister said that the next two bond issues would be set at 800 million euros each, raising the total value of the issue to 2.5 billion euros, as originally planned.

The government has set a goal of selling bonds worth 1.0 billion euros last week. Mr Christodoulakis attributed the slightly lowest demand to procedural issues.

[16] Tsohatzopoulos urges more active participation of consumers

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a European seminar on "Administrative cooperation and consumer protection", organized by the development ministry, Mr Tsohatzopoulos noted that "we are talking about deregulating the banking and insurance markets. We are talking of a single EU market on financial services. We ask for common supervisory commissions. But only a cross-border cooperation between consumer protection groups, along with exploiting all data, can offer the necessary defense against other practices".

[17] Greek stocks end 1.01 percent lower on Monday

Athens, 25/02/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 1.01 percent to end at 1,663.52 points, with turnover a low 52 million euros.

The IT Solution sector was the only one to score gains (up 0.59 percent), while the Insurance, Publication, Textile and Cement sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.57 percent, 2.46 percent, 2.34 percent, 2.23 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.17 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.35 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.81 percent. The wider FTSE/ASE 140 index fell 1.27 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 261 to 46 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 47.1 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: