The EU welcomes the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of a special adviser on Iraq and looks forward to a further strengthening of the UN's involvement in post-conflict Iraq, initially in the coordination of humanitarian assistance.

As part of the process of regional security and stability, the EU reaffirms its commitment to bring the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to a successful conclusion through the implementation of the steps foreseen in the Quartet's Roadmap, keeping within the established time lines.

It is essential that there is an early endorsement by Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Legislative Council of a Cabinet appointed by Abu Mazen and committed to reform.''

[04] EU Summit: France hopes for central UN role on Iraq, regional peace

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Chirac also said his country would examine "in a pragmatic way, and dossier-by-dossier", the issues that will be put forward, and expressed his support for the UN chief's activities.

Replying to press questions after the meeting on how France will cooperate with what he calls the "occupation forces" in Iraq, Chirac said that the manner of cooperation will be determined by the United Nations.

Questioned on US president George Bush's intentions regarding a lifting of the UN sanctions on Iraq, he said that "we have put forward that aspiration" some time ago, and referred questions on the substance of the issue to the UN.

[05] US secretary of state Powell: US to work closely with EU for Iraq reconstruction

The United States will work closely with the EU countries for the reconstruction of Iraq, and Greece (which currently holds the rotating EU presidency) will play an active role, US secretary of state Colin Powell said Wednesday night (early Thursday, Greek time) in Washington.

Replying to press questions during a reception at the Greek embassy in Washington marking of the signing of the EU accession treaty by 10 acceding members in Athens on Wednesday, Powell said that ''I'm sure of this (US-EU cooperation),'' he said, adding that even when differences of opinion arose, those differences were always sincere, open and noted in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

''I am absolutely convinced that as we proceed to the next phase, now that the Iraqi people have been liberated and need help to rebuild their country, not from the war, but from 30 years of dictatorship -- and one can see this in the faces of the Iraqis that they are happy to have been liberated from the oppression -- I am convinced that the EU, and particularly Greece, will play an active role,'' he said.

In reply to another question, Powell praised the role of the Greek EU presidency, noting his personal friendship with Greek foreign minister George Papandreou.

He said the US had been in close cooperation with the Greek EU presidency throughout its term, noting that Papandreou and he ''are close friends and colleagues'', and adding his belief that the Greek EU presidency had handled its responsibilities very well.

''We are working closely on the issue of Iraq and other matters, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Greek government and foreign minister George Papandreou for the excellent work they have done,'' Powell said, adding his belief that all the leaders of Greece were proud of the realization ''of this historic event'', referring to the EU enlargement.

Speaking earlier at the reception, Powell expressed strong US support for the EU enlargement, which included Cyprus, which he described as the only European state that ''remains divided'' and reiterated Washington's commitment to continue efforts for finding a solution to the problem.

Powell congratulated the Greek presidency on its active leadership role in the EU during ''this important phase of its enlargement'', noting that it befitted Athens, ''the birthplace of democracy'', to host this historic event for Europe and the rest of the world.

He said the EU's embracing of 10 new members reflected its institutional strength and self-confidence, and proved its important role as a force of democracy, prosperity and stability in Europe but also beyond Europe.

Due to the vision, devotion and hard work that built two exceptional organizations -- the EU and NATO -- the present generation of Europeans was not divided by violence and fear, Powell said, adding that, today, cement walls and secret police no longer obstructed the realization of their lofty visions.

Today, Powell continued, free peoples throughout Europe were, on their own will, devoting themselves to building their future, adding that the tackling of the challenges of the 21st century was founded on the broad, strong and lasting cooperation between Europe and the US.

"We must work together to combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction", to avert their development, for good governance, and to fight communicable diseases, Powell said.

From FYROM, to Afghanistan and the Middle East, "we are all working for lasting peace in problem areas', Powell said, adding that he had no doubt that the Americans and Europeans would also work together to help "the liberated people of Iraq" for a better future for themselves and their region.

With respect to Cyprus, Powell said that as Europe was uniting and cooperating with the US for peace and reconciliation all over the world, it was a common realization that "one of the members of the EU remains divided".

He said the US remained totally committed to cooperating "with you and others" to seek a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The US, he said, would continue to support further EU enlargement, which he said was of benefit for the countries involved, for Europe, and for cross-Atlantic relations, and as such "we welcome the target" for Romania's and Bulgaria's EU accession in 2007 and also the decision to begin negotiations with Turkey if the European Council deems, in December 2004, that Turkey has satisfied the Copenhagen criteria.

The US, he concluded, remained the EU's big supporter and firm partner in democracy, prosperity and peace.

[06] UN secretary general says he will do all he can to promote Cyprus solution

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

''If I ascertain that indeed there is determination and a political will to resolve the political problem (of Cyprus) I will do all I can to promote the effort. I hope efforts will continue since I believe that a peaceful solution can be achieved,'' the secretary general said.

Annan further spoke of the ''dream of seeing Cyprus united, which was revived recently but was dissolved due to the lack of political will. Amendments can be made to the plan we proposed, but the plan itself must be accepted as a basis for negotiating first.''

Referring to the situation in Iraq, Annan stressed the need for all to join forces to enable the Iraqis to be relieved, adding that the cooperation of all leaders in the region in this direction is essential.

''It is necessary for us to reach a consensus in the ranks of the Security Council to enable all of us to work for the common purpose,'' Annan said and stressed the significance he attributes to the ''road map'' decided on the settlement of the Middle East issue as a basic factor for stability in the wider region.

He went on to say that the two sides directly involved have the greatest responsibility, which must cooperate for peace and normalcy to be restored. He also thanked Greece's leadership for the support and appreciation it is showing for the Organization.

Commenting on Wednesday's signing of the Accession Treaty, Annan said ''if the word 'historic' could have lost its significance now, I think that yesterday we experienced a really historic moment and we should feel grateful for being here.''

Simitis thanked Annan for his presence in Greece at such an important conjuncture and, referring to the Cyprus issue, reiterated the Greek government's steadfast position for a solution to the political problem in the framework of the UN.

''Our seeking other paths is not suitable at the moment. We accept the Annan plan as a basis for negotiating but, as it is also noted by the recent Security Council resolution, this plan requires acceptance by both sides to enable it to be implemented successfully,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister further stressed that there can be no viable solution without cooperation and political will, adding that these preconditions are essential and it appeared at The Hague that they do not exist at this time.

''This time is crucial for Turkey's relations with the European Union and with the abolition of the dividing line in Cyprus the abolition of dividing lines between the European Union and Turkey will also be achieved,'' he said.

Simitis attached great importance to his meetings with representatives of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot parties during his stay in Cyprus on Friday and Saturday.

He also assured Annan that the UN will always have the support of the EU and the Greek presidency in its efforts.

[07] Papadopoulos pledges measures giving Turkish-Cypriots a share in benefits of EU

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

He said the measures would be announced in about a week's time, after they had been approved by the EU as well and said he did not expect that the Turkish-Cypriot side to take counter-measures that would exclude the participation of Turkish-Cypriots.

According to the Cypriot president, the measures would concern the interim until a solution to the political problem on the island was achieved and were necessary for both sides.

''No society can continue to prosper when a large part of it is suffering,'' he noted.

Papadopoulos also stressed that Denktash could not implement ''provocative measures without Turkey’s approval,'' while noting that such a move by Ankara would complicate what he called Turkey’s ongoing ''problems and obstacles in its own course towards the European Union.''

''In general, I consider and I hope that counter-measures or measures that endanger peace and public order will not be taken,'' newly elected Papadopoulos said in response to a press question at a briefing by the Cypriot delegation at downtown Athens' Zappeion Hall, where European leaders, including Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, met on Thursday.

He also deplored the Turkish-Cypriot regime's refusal to accept or allow Turkish-Cypriot opposition parties to attend a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who will visit Cyprus on Friday and Saturday.

The Greek premier had called the meeting in his capacity as EU president, in order to show that the EU was extending its hand toward the Turkish-Cypriot side, he said.

President of Cyprus says EU Accession ''most historic'' moment since independence: Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos in an interview to Greek state-owned NET TV channel on Thursday on the sidelines of the European Council in Athens, called the signature of the Cyprus Republic Accession Act with the European Union the ''most historic'' moment since his country's independence.

Asked by NET to comment on the absence of the Turkish delegation from the signing ceremony, Papadopoulos said he did not attribute any special importance to that.

''This is a problem of Turkey, not of Cyprus'', he said.

Replying to a question whether he had already met with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, the president of Cyprus Republic said he had not seen him yet, but did not rule out a meeting between them later in the day.

The official seal on the European Union's enlargement to 25 member-states was set in Athens on Wednesday, in a historic ceremony for the signing of accession treaties with the Union's 10 new member-states, including Cyprus, beneath the clear Attica skies and the Athens Acropolis.

[08] PM to receive warm welcome on his arrival in Cyprus on Friday

NICOSIA 18/04/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Simitis will arrive at 7 p.m. and shortly afterwards he will be welcomed by people at a short distance outside the city of Larnaca.

The Greek prime minister will hold talks on Saturday morning with President Tassos Papadopoulos at the Presidential Mansion and will lay a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios.

He will visit House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias at noon and at 1 p.m. he will address a special session of the House.

Simitis is expected to meet with opposition Turkish Cypriot politicians at the Greek ambassador's residence on Saturday afternoon, who responded to his desire to express their parties' views.

Republican Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat said he will meet Simitis and will not ask for the permission of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Community Liberation Party leader Hussein Agolemli also said he will meet the Greek prime minister.

[09] Turkish FM reportedly says Turkey will continue efforts for Cyprus solution

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Gul, who arrived in Athens on Wednesday night, appeared to disagree with the view of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that the UN secretary general's plan is inactive, saying that Turkey will utilize it if it can prove to be useful in achieving a permanent solution.

Reports said Gul opposed the tactic followed by governments in Ankara so far that ''not solving the Cyprus issue is the best solution'' and stressed that the new Turkish government does not desire to adopt this doctrine.

Referring to the visit Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis will be making to Cyprus on Friday and meetings he will be having with Turkish Cypriot opposition party leaders, Gul noted diplomatically, according to reports, that the pseudo-state in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus was a democratic country and parties can respond provided the government is aware of this.

On the question of Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Gul reportedly said Ankara did not succeed in preventing this development, but expressed certainty that this fact will not overshadow Turkey's relations with the EU.

Gul, who has been invited by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou to attend the Council of Ministers on the island of

Kastellorizo on May 2-4, said he will be present and termed the invitation a goodwill gesture on the part of Greece.

During his discussion with Turkish reporters, Gul also praised the hospitality and cordial welcome provided for him by Greece's political and state leadership.

In a statement on the occasion of the European Conference held in Athens, Gul said ''it is a pleasure to observe that the European Conference, which started as a modest initiative right after the Luxembourg European Council in December 1997, has evolved into a wider and diversified forum over time. Today, the European Conference is a platform that brings together all the peoples of Europe, sharing the same values and principles, determined to secure peace, prosperity and stability on the Continent.''

The Turkish foreign minister went on to say that ''enlargement is a fundamental step towards the elimination of dividing lines in Europe. However, enlargement also gives the Union a crucial responsibility. There is a need to act with a vision to create bonds of trust between the enlarged Union and its neighbors. We need a process in which everybody is involved in our common future at all times.''

Referring to his own country, Gul said in his statement ''as a country situated on a unique geography, Turkey could play a key role in the Union's new neighborhood policy. On the one hand, Turkey is a candidate country destined to join the European Union. On the other hand, due to cultural, historical or geographical reasons, she has special ties with many of the Union's Eastern and Southern neighbors. Turkey is determined to actively contribute to the promotion of democracy, stability, prosperity and security of a wider Europe.''

Turkish FM informally congratulates Cyprus spokesman on Cyprus' EU accession: Turkey ultimately congratulated Cyprus, even in an informal way, on its accession to the European Union when Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul congratulated Cyprus government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides during a brief meeting at an Athens hotel where the two delegations were staying on Thursday.

The meeting was also attended by House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, Foreign Minister George Iakovou and other members of the Cypriot delegation.

Chrysostomides said he was the last to turn up at the meeting and after greeting Gul, the Turkish foreign minister responded by saying ''congratulations for the day.''

Chrysostomides said Gul's congratulations constitute, in his view, a formal expression on the part of the Turkish foreign minister which does not reflect the position of the Turkish foreign ministry which has already announced that it does not recognize Cyprus' Accession Treaty.

[10] EU countries plant olive trees to underscore Olympic Truce message for peace

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

"The message is a symbolic one that means that during the Olympic Games, and using the possibility that the Olympic Games offer, we should explore all possible ways to encourage the peace movement, cooperation between different countries and peoples and to try and restore peace everywhere in the world," Greek Premier Costas Simitis said as the leaders of 24 European countries and the UN chief stood for a "family" portrait at the neo-classical Zappeion Hall.

"Today, for each of our countries, we will plant an olive tree, we will plant this olive tree in Athens, in a place called Goudi, where there were formerly military barracks … we have to try and have the possibility to secure peace and cooperation,`` the Greek prime minister and EU president-in-office added.

[11] KKE, Coalition leaders denounce EU presidency's statement on Iraq

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Papariga said the statement ''obviously and without any doubt gave full legality to the American-British invasion and occupation of Iraq.''

She added that the EU showed ''its real face, proclaiming the war as a means for peoples to live a better future,'' noting that ''not one word of sympathy is referred in the relevant statement for the victims in Iraq and the humanitarian destruction in this country.''

Papariga went on to say that the EU ''openly proclaims that the international organizations must finance the so-called reconstruction of Iraq so that the American-British conquerors not to bear a great burden.''

On his part, Coalition leader Constantopoulos said ''the positions of the EU on Iraq is a compromise which chooses the path of the legalization of the faits accomplis and are in complete contradiction to the demands and mobilizations of the European pacifist movement.''

He said the statement on Iraq ''does not condemn the military invasion by the U.S. and occupation troops and in practice accepts their illegal presence.''

He further noted that ''if there is no clear position in these issues, then the vague UN 'central role' will be a retroactive legalization of the flagrant violation of the UN Charter.''

[12] GSEE president refers to importance of EU Accession Treaty

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Evoking the crisis in Iraq, the GSEE president observed that the road towards European unification was difficult, noting however that he was optimistic that ''the peoples of Europe know that at the end the vision of Europe of the peoples, culture, the European Social Model and of full employment in an economy of knowledge constitutes a reality.''

[13] Greek minister: Albania's EU prospects linked to its treatment of Greek minority

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

He was responding to questions put by main opposition New Democracy MP Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

In talks recently begun between the EU troika and Albania on the possibility of an EU-Albania association and stability agreement, Foreign Minister George Papandreou had made respect for human rights in reference to Albania's ethnic Greek minority a condition for such a development, Loverdos said.

Unless Albania respected the fundamental rights of the Greek minority, this agreement with the EU and the entire association process would be dogged by problems, he added.

[14] Event on EU enlargement held at Greece's Liaison Office in

FYROM SKOPJE 18/04/2003 (ANA/N. Frangopoulos)

The meeting was also attended by the ambassadors of the 10 new EU member-states, following the signing of the EU Accession Treaty in Athens on Wednesday, and FYROM officials.

The head of Greece's Liaison Office, Ambassador Ioannis Economou, referred to the significance of the European Union's enlargement and the impact of this fact on the future of the countries of southeastern Europe.

[15] Gov’t announces measures to support shipbuilding sector

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Mr Anomeritis, accompanied by Development Deputy Minister Alekos Kalafatis and Piraeus Port Organization chairman, Sotiris Theofanis, announced the creation of a public company named Piraeus Shipbuilding and Repair Zone SA, and declared the zone industrial area.

The measures also include cooperation between municipal authorities in the area, with Merchant Marine ministry and Labor ministry to support employment.

"With the creation of the company, all shipbuilding and repair enterprises in the wider Piraeus zone will find a collective agency for their interests. The company will aim to organize, develop, manage and commercially promote its activities and offering support and financial services," the Greek minister said.

The Piraeus Port Organization SA will be the main shareholder of the new company and will undertake procedures for a share capital increase, attracting more investors in the company.

Core inflation of 3.0% seen feasible by end-2003, gov't says

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Thursday that core inflation of 3.0 percent was feasible by the end of 2003 after falling to 3.4 percent in March.

Addressing parliament's economy committee, the minister also said that productivity in 2002 rose by six times compared to the eurozone, with the rise seen at 2.5 times in 2003.

Real wages in 2002 rose by 3.1 percent at a time when the corresponding European average was half a percentage point higher. Greek real wages in 2003 are expected to post a 2.0 percent increase, Christodoulakis said.

For the third consecutive year, unemployment would decline in 2003, dropping to 0.3 percent above the eurozone average from 2.4 percent higher in 2001.

Finally, the Greek public debt is due to fall by 4-5 percentage points, the minister added.

[16] Greek stocks rise 0.65 percent on Thursday

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.65 percent higher at 1,633.06 points, with turnover a low 97.7 million euros.

The Retail (1.68 percent), Construction (1.09 percent) and Telecommunications (1.08 percent) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while the Textile, Wholesale and Metal sectors suffered the heaviest losses (3.79 percent, 1.75 percent and 1.73 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.86 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.09 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.57 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.47 percent up.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 225 to 93 with another 40 issues unchanged.

The Greek market will remain closed on Friday and next Monday on the occasion of the Easter holidays of the Catholic Church.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 104.0 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures:

Stock Futures:

Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers on Thursday

Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 17 2003

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,100 1,075

[17] Shipping tycoon Yiannis (John) Latsis dies of old age

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Latsis was 93 when he passed away and the family has yet to announce the time and place of the funeral, saying it will be a small, private service for the immediate family.

Yiannis or John Latsis was born in 1910 in Katakolo, in the Peloponnese prefecture of Ilia. He married Erietta Tsoukala, with whom he had three children - Spyros, Marianna and Margarita - and nine grandchildren.

He studied at the Pyrgos School of Commerce and at the School for Merchant Navy Captains.

According to a biography released by the Latsis group of companies, Yiannis Latsis started working while still a child and later worked as a seaman and ship's captain in the merchant fleet.

He quickly became one of the major Greek ship owners and from the 1970s he also became involved in oil refineries and the fuel trade, owning refineries in Greece and Saudi Arabia.

Within Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, the Latsis group also became heavily involved in construction and had a significant role in the development of Saudi infrastructure and private projects.

In 1980, the Latsis group bought the Swiss Bank de Depots based in Geneva, which acted as the foundation of a international bank network in several European cities, the United States, Asia and Greece.

These activities were the cornerstones for the development of the Latsis group and the significant legacy left by Ioannis Latsis to his children, who now continue its activities in other areas such as real estate, ship building, air transport and infrastructure development.

Latsis also has a significant track record in charitable works, donations and good works to reduce human suffering and has given moral and financial assistance to hundreds of initiatives by the governments of Greece and other countries, state organizations, the Church, hospitals, institutions, sports clubs, schools and others.

Particularly generous was his financial aid to earthquake victims in Kalamata, Pyrgos, Cairo, Grevena and Attica, to the Greek bid for the 2004 Olympics, in the building of a burns clinic at the Thriasio Hospital in Elefsina and in building the Latsio College.

He also made numerous donations to the Greek state, such as police vehicles and fire brigades, the Panhellenic Seamen’s' Federation and the seamen's insurance fund NAT.

He found and financed the Latsis Scholarships Institute in 1970 and an institute to assist ethnic Greeks in Albania in 1991.

Over the years, he also donated tens of millions of dollars to Greek seamen, children throughout the world and particularly his home town, Pyrgo in Ilia.

He has received the Golden Cross medal from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix medal by Greece and a prize from the Athens Academy.

Condolences over death of Latsis: Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis and ND deputy Miltiades Evert and Britain's Prince Charles on Thursday expressed their condolences and deep sorrow over the death of shipping tycoon Yiannis Latsis who died earlier in the day at the age of 93.

Anomeritis said ''Yiannis Latsis, himself a captain, served in the Navy and Merchant Shipping and linked his life with the sea and shipping. His business activity, along with his social contribution incorporate him in the category of the traditional shipowners.''

Venizelos said Latsis was ''a dynamic, popular and sincere person and his death is certainly a great loss.''

Karamanlis hailed the contribution of Latsis for his contribution ''to the development of business activity in Greece'' as well as for ''his great social contribution.''

Evert said that during his tenure as industry and energy minister he personally knew Latsis and that ''in two periods of great crisis, he hasted to effectively help for our country's supply of oil without seeking any financial benefit.''

According to an AFP dispatch from London, Prince Charles also expressed regret over the death of his friend Latsis who had often invited him on his luxury yacht ''Alexander''.

President extends condolences to Latsis family

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Thursday addressed a message of condolences to the Latsis family over the death of shipping tycoon Yiannis Latsis who passed away earlier in the day aged 93.

[18] Culture minister opens 'Cultures and Public Law' conference

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

The conference was organized by the European Centre for Public Law under the auspices of the culture ministry.

The culture minister also referred to the ''shadow of the war in Iraq'' that he said fell on ''a constitutional culture that was blossoming within the framework of a rapidly developing international environment.''

The minister stressed that globalization had more aspects than the economic dimension that was perceived by most people, such as the end of bipolarism with the collapse of existing socialism and a trend toward cultural and media homogeneity that he said led to ''one-dimensional thinking''.

He also noted the new roles of 'rogue states' wielding weapons of mass destruction and international terrorists, and a 'crusading' quality in the response of the United States.

Also present at the conference was Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, head of the Greek Orthodox Church, who stressed the risk that international law might give way to a ''new barbarism,'' even as the EU was expanding and discussing its constitution.

Addresses to the conference were also sent by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, while a brief address was made by the former president of Haiti Leslie Manigat.

[19] Experts on protection of Iraqi cultural heritage meet in Paris

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

Greece, according to Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, is closely watching, and as the EU's president as well, this issue and intervenes on an international level wherever possible to have relevant processes speeded up and practical results achieved.

The meeting of experts was attended by the heads of archaeological academies or archaeological missions active in Iraq, directors and representatives of major international museums which could become the recipients of antiquities seized from Iraq, as well as representatives of big international non-governmental organizations which are active in the field of cultural heritage.

[20] Committee monitoring Greek ships in Persian Gulf stops daily meetings

Athens, 18/04/2003 (ANA)

The committee's brief had been the electronic surveillance of some 65 merchant vessels owned by Greek interests, with 1,625 seamen on board.

It said that 45 of these had already left the Gulf and the rest were in safe anchorage.

According to Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, the daily surveillance and guidance offered by the committee had ensured that no Greek ship or any Greek seamen had been exposed to any danger.

[21] President Papadopoulos returns from Athens

LARNACA 18/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)

President Papadopoulos returned on Thursday night from Athens where on Wednesday he signed the treaty, together with Foreign Minister George Iacovou.

The leaders of nine other European countries also signed the Accession Treaty with the EU.

Papadopoulos noted that Cyprus (as the other nine countries) becomes a full-fledged member of the EU in May 2004.

He said of Wednesday's signing: ''it is the most historic moment since the island's independence (from British colonial rule in 1960), and I believe I express the feelings of the whole of the people by saying we welcome this historic moment with hope and aspirations for a Cyprus future with peace, welfare and security.''

Papadopoulos told the press at Larnaca Airport that he received no indication from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who was also in Athens, as to when he intends to resume talks for a Cyprus settlement based on his plan.

The Cypriot president said ''I reiterated our readiness to resume the dialogue, with the hope that a solution to the Cyprus problem will be found.''

To a question if Annan had indicated when he will resume his efforts based on his peace plan, President Papadopoulos said the Secretary-General ''reiterated his view that before he undertakes any initiative he wants proof, not indications, proof that there is a change of political will from both sides.''

To a remark that the Greek Cypriot side has the political will and it is the other side (the Turkish Cypriot), which must prove that, Papadopoulos said, ''that's what I pointed out too (to Annan),'' he added.

Invited to comment on the Turkish reaction as well as the absence of Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul from the signing of the Accession Treaty on Wednesday, Papadopoulos said he did not think it was important, neither was it a surprise for anyone.

''Turkey has a long-standing position on Cyprus, it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. For me it was natural, and I do not attach any significance to it, it is their problem, not ours,'' he remarked.

Regarding Greek Prime Minister and European Council President Costas Simitis' 24-hour visit to Cyprus beginning on Friday night, Papadopoulos said the talks agenda was ready, adding they would discuss ''all aspects and prospects.''

On the measures, which the government intends to announce for Turkish Cypriots, Papadopoulos said the Cabinet would discuss them and then with the EU presidency to ''see if they are compatible with the acquis communautaire.'' Then there will be deliberations with Turkish Cypriot parties and will be announced ''when we are ready to implement them the same day,'' he concluded.

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