Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM tells press conference in Nicosia Annan plan basis for negotiating Cyprus issue

[02] Greek FM to T/C parties: 'Look at actual problems in efforts to reunify Cyprus'

[03] PM addresses Cyprus House of Representatives on Cyprus issue, EU accession

[04] Post cites symbolism of Powell visit to Greek embassy for 'accession' reception

[05] ND leader speaks of cost of living and unemployment in visit to Aegaleo

[06] Stephanopoulos lauds sacrifice of Messolonghi defenders during Independence War

[07] DM says deepening of democratic institutions requires continuous struggle

[08] Parliament president attends event in memory of Armenian genocide

[09] Truck driver testifies before magistrate for tragic traffic accident

[10] One man killed in drug-related shootout

[01] PM tells press conference in Nicosia Annan plan basis for negotiating Cyprus issue

NICOSIA 21/04/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas/CNA)

Speaking at a joint press conference after his talks with President Papadopoulos, Simitis said that Greece and Cyprus are seeking improvements to a UN peace proposal on a comprehensive settlement to render the state that would emerge more functional.

Simitis expressed the view that a strong Cyprus, within the EU, would help the Republic deal more effectively with other issues that concern it.

Asked if certain provisions in the UN proposal have actually been overtaken by events, through the accession of Cyprus to the EU, Simitis said that ''each day creates some new circumstances that must be taken into consideration but it would be rather risky to say that now one or the other provision cannot be applied.''

''Nonetheless I believe that the possibilities are now better'' than in the past, he added.

Asked how the UN peace proposal can become more compatible with the acquis communautaire, Simitis said ''the plan is a basis for negotiations, some issues are regulated in such a way that we believe should be improved to render the solution more viable and make the state function more effectively.''

''We believe that there could be an improvement of arrangements relating to the implementation of the acquis communautaire and as we have said in the past, we shall seek in any future negotiations to have such improvements,'' Simitis explained.

Improved application of the acquis communautaire will ensure better integration of Cyprus into EU processes, he explained, stressing that ''this is why we want an adjustment of the solutions to the acquis communautaire.''

''One must not think that a system can work within the EU if this system does not have the same principles, the same arrangements and the same directions as those of the EU,'' Simitis explained.

''I would like to point out that as of Wednesday (when Cyprus signed the Accession Treaty in Athens) there are plenty of problems that affect Cyprus, relate to the EU, which will play a role in formulating a policy of Cyprus which should concern us all, such as funds, resources and labor policy,'' Simitis noted.

He said that ''the political question of Cyprus has now been placed in a wider framework, and here in Cyprus we have to be careful of this because if Cyprus becomes a strong partner, through initiatives, with opinions, for example on Mediterranean issues, then Cyprus can facilitate to a great extent its position on other issues.''

Simitis dismissed Turkish Cypriot claims that Cyprus' accession is illegal, pointing out that it does not contradict existing treaties and stressing that the continuation of the current division and occupation is illegal.

Commenting on the same claims, President Papadopoulos said that the EU has examined these claims three times and rejected them as unfounded legally and politically.

''As for the Turkish Cypriots I have said repeatedly that we want to see them participate through a reunited Cyprus in the benefits the Union will offer our country,'' he said.

Replying to questions, Simitis said he does not intend to call on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to assume new initiatives on Cyprus and said political will for a solution must exist before any moves are made.

''We shall act in a way to create a better climate and show to the other side that its positions lead to deadlock and create the conviction that a solution can be achieved, we need to change the environment for the better,'' he added.

Simitis said in the effort to find a settlement there are some important landmarks, such as 1 May 2004 when Cyprus formally joins the EU, and said pressure for solution as time passes will increase.

''As time passes Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots will begin to feel the need to create the preconditions that would enable them to achieve other goals, relating to the start of accession negotiations,'' between Ankara and the EU, Simitis said.

Asked if he thought Turkey and Greece should be more involved in the peace process, the premier said that the island's two communities should have the initiative to discuss the solution, a discussion that will bear fruit only if Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash accepts the key elements of the Annan plan.

On the use of Turkish as an EU language, Simitis said the EU will decide on that when there is a solution in Cyprus.

A joint communique, read by Simitis after the talks, said that the two leaders ''reviewed the question of Cyprus, following the collapse of the UN-led talks, and we agreed on our future steps, how to handle the issue.''

''We reiterated our joint adherence to the search for a peaceful solution through negotiations and stressed that we both consider a UN peace proposal as basis for negotiations to find a workable and viable solution in line with UN resolutions and the principles on which the EU is founded,'' it said.

''We underlined our support to the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General and expressed our view that the accession of Cyprus to the EU will contribute substantially to making headway towards a solution,'' the two heads of state noted.

''We both believe that the present stalemate in the peace effort as well as the continuation of the current unacceptable situation are due to delaying tactics on the part of the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot sides,'' the communique said.

If these two sides, particularly the Turkish Cypriot side continues its intransigent stance, it will prevent a settlement and the reunification of Cyprus and it will also deny the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to benefit from the prosperity which accession to the EU will bring, it remarked.

Both leaders expressed hope ''that the Turkish government will review its policy in a fundamental way and that it will understand that it is in its own interests to solve the Cyprus question as soon as possible.''

''The solution of the problem will facilitate relations between Athens and Ankara and will help Turkey's course for European integration and it will create stability and security in the region,'' it said.

''We stressed the need to intensify our efforts so that by 1 May 2004 Cyprus will be in a position to implement the acquis communautaire and be aligned with all its contractual obligations towards the Union,'' it said.

Simitis said that President Papadopoulos briefed him on government policy towards the Turkish Cypriots and in particular the first package of measures the government intends to announce to improve living conditions of the Turkish Cypriot community and safeguard the rights and benefits emanating from the EU for the Turkish Cypriots.

The two leaders agreed on their positions with regard to Iraq and the situation in the Middle East and on joint initiatives to help boost security and stability.

Greek PM and Cyprus president discuss future handling of Cyprus issue: Greek Prime Minister and European Council President Costas Simitis and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos discussed the future handling of the Cyprus issue, in light of Cyprus' accession to the EU, as well as measures being examined by the government to support the Turkish Cypriots in talks held at the presidential mansion on Saturday morning. The talks were attended by delegations of the two countries.

A joint meeting was held after the talks between leaders of Parliamentary parties, Simitis and Papadopoulos. Also attending the talks were Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Cyprus counterpart George Iakovou.

Talks at the presidential mansion and the meeting with party leaders were also given coverage by Turkish Cypriot reporters.

On arrival at the presidential mansion, Simitis laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Cyprus. The Greek prime minister also laid a wreath in the morning at the tombs of nine Cypriot fighters hanged by the British and of four others killed in battles during the 1955-1959 struggle for independence from British rule. The tombs are located at the central prison in Nicosia, next to the hall where the hangings took place.

Replying at an official dinner given for him here on Friday night by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek premier warned that any ''discussion of the Cyprus question outside the UN framework, as suggested either at bilateral or five-party level, is dangerous.''

Simitis flew to Cyprus just two days after Cyprus and nine other European countries signed in Athens their Accession Treaty to the EU.

Cyprus is his first stop of a 24-nation tour that will take him to the other 14 EU member-states and the ten countries that they will fully join the Union on 1 May 2004. The aim of his European tour is to prepare the ground for the next European Council to be held in June 2003 in Salonica, northern Greece.

''Our vision is Cyprus Republic free and reunited, a state of prosperity and democracy, a state of justice which will completely respect the rights of the whole of the people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, that will offer equal opportunities, a state-bastion of the EU in eastern Mediterranean, a bridge of peace between the EU and the Middle East,'' Simitis said.

The Greek premier pledged to continue offering assistance to the efforts for a achieving a workable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and in accordance with the EU principles.

Simitis congratulated Cyprus for showing impressive economic indicators despite the calamities of the 1974 Turkish invasion, which resulted to the occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

Simitis concludes historic meeting with most T/C party leaders in Nicosia: Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot party leaders expressed their political will to settle the Cyprus question during a historic meeting here on Saturday with visiting Greek Prime Minister and EU president-in-office Costas Simitis.

Speaking after the 90-minute meeting at the Greek ambassador's residence with party leaders from both sides of the only remaining divided capital in Europe – Nicosia -- Simitis said he would convey this willingness to solve the Cyprus problem to his EU partners and others in order to maintain momentum.

''There is common will to solve the problem along the lines indicated by the UN peace proposal Secretary General Kofi Annan has submitted to the two sides in Cyprus for a comprehensive settlement,'' Simitis said in reference to the recent high-profile UN initiative, which however, was more-or-less scuttled by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Describing his meeting as ''very interesting'', Simitis noted that this was the first time a Greek premier and EU president has met with opposition Turkish Cypriot leaders.

Fresh from the successful informal EU Summit in Athens, where Cyprus and another nine Acceding States signed their EU Accession Acts, he said it was clear to him that there is the political will on the part of his interlocutors to proceed with a solution.

''The views of the Turkish Cypriots in opposition and all the Greek Cypriots coincide, namely, that they all want a solution; we need this to move Cyprus ahead united and use all opportunities available, within the EU,'' he said.

Simitis added that this message was communicated to him ''loud and clear.''

In statements to reporters, the Greek PM said a large part of the Turkish Cypriot community sees that progress towards a solution is not possible unless the division is overcome and unless a new situation is created, adding that the basis of this situation is the Annan peace plan.

The plan, he reiterated, needs to be completed, it needs corrections, amendments and discussion to make it more workable but it is a basis for negotiations.

He also acknowledged that views may now differ on one or another point but there is common will to solve the problem on the course indicated by the Annan plan.

''I think this is very important and I will convey this to our partners, to the EU to keep the momentum to a high degree and discuss matters in order to reach an arrangement that would meet everybody's expectations,'' he said.

Turkish Cypriot representatives: According to reports, attending representatives of Turkish Cypriot parties asked to continue consultations with the Greek government in Athens, something which reportedly was viewed favorably by Simitis.

The T/C party leaders also expressed their satisfaction over the fact that Athens was not resting on its laurels after Cyprus’ EU accession but remains committed to a solution.

They also asked for heightened efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, while some cited a solution based on the Annan plan and others for negotiations based on a UN peace plan.

Other reports state that the T/C politicians were especially critical of Denktash, noting that they now mainly rest their hopes on Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Additionally, they further raised questions over the measures which the Cypriot government intends to announce to assist the Turkish Cypriot community, noting however, that they consider them a step towards improving the situation.

This was the first time Simitis had a meeting with Turkish Cypriot party leaders. All Greek Cypriot leaders of the eight parliamentary parties attended today's meeting but not all Turkish Cypriot party leaders.

Two Turkish Cypriots, the leader of the National Unity Party Dervis Eroglu and of the Democratic Party Serdar Denktash declined Simitis' invitation to participate in the meeting. Both are members of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish-occupied Cyprus.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party, Huseyin Agolemli, leader of the Communal Liberation Party, Alpay Durduran, leader of the Movement of Patriotic Unity, Izzet Izcan, of the United Cyprus party, Mehmet Suleymanoglu of the Socialist Party and so-called mayor of occupied Nicosia and Kutlay Erk, of the Republican Turkish Party.

As Simitis was entering the residence of the Greek Ambassador in Nicosia, he was greeted by relatives of missing persons who told him that they look up to him for assistance in their efforts to establish the fate of their loved ones, missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

Meeting with Clerides, top ecclesiastical leaders: During a meeting with former Cyprus president Glafcos Cle-rides, who oversaw much of the island republic’s efforts to join the European Union, Simitis expressed his appreciation for the last six years of their cooperation.

''I remember those years as six years of very good and very friendly cooperation,'' Simitis said after a half-hour long meeting with Clerides at the latter's residence in Nicosia.

Finally, the Greek premier also met with the Holy Synod members of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Cyprus.

Greece-Cyprus work group: On the sidelines of Simitis’ high-profile one-day visit here, the governments of Cyprus and Greece agreed to set up a working group of experts to deal with the question of Cyprus and the Republic's EU accession.

According to sources, the decision was taken at Saturday's talks here between Cyprus President Papadopoulos and Simitis.

During the talks, it was also decided that Papadopoulos will visit Athens in the near future for a working visit to discuss issues related to accession.

[02] Greek FM to T/C parties: 'Look at actual problems in efforts to reunify Cyprus'

NICOSIA 21/04/2003 (ANA-G. Leonidas/CNA)

Speaking after an unprecedented meeting at the Greek ambassador’s residence between Greek Prime Minister and EU president-in-office Costas Simitis with many Turkish Cypriot and practically all Greek Cypriot party leaders, Papandreou said the contacts were symbolic, with all participants agreeing that a solution must be found using the UN Secretary General’s plan as a basis.

Asked what he foresees for the Turkish Cypriot community now that Cyprus has entered the EU, Papandreou said both he and Simitis told the Turkish Cypriot party leaders “that the entry of Cyprus into the European Union is not something which will allow us to forget ... On the contrary, symbolically, the fact that we have met with the Turkish Cypriots for the first time, even after 16 April (the day Cyprus signed the Accession Act), shows us that it is of grave concern for us to make sure that Cyprus is reunited and that the Turkish Cypriots can be part of the EU as full citizens, with all their rights and all the benefits that this will bring.

“Secondly, we believe that we need to work closely with Turkey and its government in helping Turkey and its European path”, the Greek minister said, noting that Turkey’s European path “is very important for us, it is important for the Turkish people, it is important for the stability of the region, important for Greek and Turkish relations, even for Europe”.

He also explained that Turkey “can become a model, a secular country yes, but of a Muslim population which is also European. This is of great importance, not just for Europe but also for Muslim and Arab world. I would say for us it is of strategic importance that we continue this.

“So, I am very happy to see that all in this meeting said we must find a solution, use the Kofi Annan plan, use the UN and that for us has been a message of optimism and hope”, he added.

Asked whether Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash was bypassed in regards to the Saturday meeting, Papandreou said “our effort is not to bypass because the UN works with the leaders of both communities, so we very much understand that it is absolutely necessary to work with the leaders of both communities ... However, this was a first meeting, a symbolic one and I think one with hope.”

Asked about reports that Washington is drafting a new Cyprus peace plan, Papandreou said he was sure that “the UN will continue to be in the driver’s seat on this issue, and I am sure that the United States is working closely with all parties, as it has been in the previous past and with the Annan plan in order to help. So I think we should not raise fears, at least at this point”.

However, Papandreou said he could not exclude “any possible initiative, but I think that initiatives will need to be based on very strong political will...”

T/C political leader Talat: On his part, Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat told reporters that the Turkish Cypriots “want to be equal partners for a solution”.

He said the Turkish Cypriots do not reject “measures such as freedom of trade, getting passports, citizenship rights'' but are only ''very concerned on the issues which create a kind of conception that Turkish Cypriots are a minority. We are against those measures, the ones that were leaked to the press, although they were not officially declared''.

Asked if he will have any contacts with the Cypriot government on the measures, Talat said it “depends on them, they never invited us for such a discussion, they didn’t bring anything to the party leaders meetings, so if they want to consult Turkish Cypriots, we will be ready to help”.

Regarding a question over whether the Greek Cypriots want amendments as far as human rights are concerned, such as return of their property, the Turkish Cypriot politician replied “that is a matter of a solution. In a solution, we will discuss those”.

[03] PM addresses Cyprus House of Representatives on Cyprus issue, EU accession

NICOSIA 21/04/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Simitis, addressing a special session of the House of Representatives in the presence of over 250 dignitaries, including ambassadors accredited to Nicosia, said a solution to the Cyprus issue is an essential precondition for peace and stability in the region.

The Greek prime minister said the failure of talks at The Hague was not the end of the path, adding that there will be renewed efforts to achieve a solution to the political problem of Cyprus.

Simitis further said the historic moment of the signing of Cyprus' Accession Treaty with the EU (which took place in Athens last Wednesday) constitutes a success reflecting the efforts of all the people of Cyprus and of the leaderships of Cyprus in past years.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Simitis said that while it had been an issue of inconvenience for the EU, its solution has now become a request of the EU itself.

House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias, who held 30-minute talks with Simitis, expressed the gratitude of the people and of the political leadership of Cyprus, adding that Simitis' visit to Cyprus underlines Greece's undiminishing interest and wholehearted solidarity for the people of Cyprus.

On the question of Cyprus' EU accession, Christofias said it opens a new era and prospects for its people and called on all to work hard for the implementation of harmonization commitments.

Simitis, who visited the House of Representatives accompanied by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, was enthusiastically welcomed by crowds outside the building.

On his departure from the House, Simitis was approached by relatives of Cypriots missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, who briefed him on their problems and called for his assistance to find a solution. They also thanked him for all that he has done for Cyprus.

[04] Post cites symbolism of Powell visit to Greek embassy for 'accession' reception

WASHINGTON 21/04/2003 (ANA – T. Ellis)

"I applaud the Greek Presidency on its energetic leadership of the European Union during this important time of expansion ... It is fitting, indeed, that Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is host to this path-breaking event, a path-breaking event for Europe and for the rest of the world, as well,” Powell said at the embassy.

The “Post” also noted that the US Secretary’s presence was his first official appearance following the fall of Baghdad not linked directly to the Iraq conflict.

In focusing on two issues of major importance for Greece, Powell mentioned the long-standing Cyprus problem, as well as Turkey’s prospects for joining the Union.

“Even as Europe unites, and works with us for peace and reconciliation across the globe, all of us are aware that one of the European Union's new members remains divided. The United States remains firmly committed to working with you and others to find a just and durable settlement for Cyprus and on Cyprus ...”

“...And the United States will continue to be a strong proponent of the European Union's further expansion. Expansion is good for the individual countries involved, good for Europe as a whole, and good for our transatlantic relationship.

”We welcome, therefore, the European Union's goal of membership for Romania and Bulgaria in 2007 ... We also welcome your decision to begin accession negotiations with Turkey, if in December 2004 the European Council decides that Turkey has fulfilled the Copenhagen criteria. As we have said, ‘This is a visionary decision, a visionary decision by European leaders to build a truly inclusive European Union’. And we urge our Turkish friends to meet the Copenhagen criteria,” Powell stress.

Powell was greeted at the embassy by Greek ambassador George Savvaides.

“In essence this (enlargement) means a harmonious and secure future for them as members of a community of values, prospects for their economic and social development and a fair share in political decision making in European and international affairs,” Savvaides said, adding:

“The EU enlargement will also contribute substantially to increased security, stability and predictability in Europe and will certainly have a beneficial effect in transatlantic relations.”

[05] ND leader speaks of cost of living and unemployment in visit to Aegaleo

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

The ND leader said the quality of life of residents in the greater Athens area, as well as in the country, requires improvement and mentioned, as modern-day scourges, the indebtedness of households and businesses, the high cost of living, unemployment, inflation and the fact that thousands of Greeks live below poverty level.

Referring to the state of the Athens Stock Exchange, Karamanlis spoke of a ''crime'' and placed responsibility on the government.

Also present was Kyriakos Mitsotakis, son of former Prime Minister and ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis, who will be an ND candidate in the next general elections.

Commenting later on Karamanlis' statements in Aegaleo, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said "matters in Greece are moving ahead without looking at his melancholy."

[06] Stephanopoulos lauds sacrifice of Messolonghi defenders during Independence War

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos said the sacrifice of the ''Free Besieged'', as the defenders of the town were hailed in the following century, was unsurpassed.

“Once again, we have arrived as pilgrims to the sacred site of Messologhi, where sacrifice serves as an example,” he said following a series of events in the region in the presence of residents, local authorities and several Parliament deputies.

[07] DM says deepening of democratic institutions requires continuous struggle

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou said today the armed forces are unbreakably linked to Greek society and are a carrier of social solidarity which has helped citizens from the consequences of natural disasters on many occasions.

The minister further said the upgrading of the armed forces coincides with the country's modern-day image. He added that Greece, the cradle of democracy, is currently at the focal point of the European Union and is a strong country and a force of peace and stability in the wider region.

Coalition party issues message on anniversary of April 21, 1967 military coup: The Coalition of the Left and Progress party, in a message on the anniversary of the April 21, 1967 military coup in Greece, refers to the great challenges and risks of our era.

The Coalition stresses the need for resistance to the onslaught of ''single thought'' ideas, the wars of the ''new empire'', the underminers of the UN and international law, the deniers of European unification and the omnipotent apparatuses shaping public opinion and the factors of vested interests and political money.

[08] Parliament president attends event in memory of Armenian genocide

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

''This year's event on the 88th anniversary of the genocide of the Armenians links in our memory and conscience the tragedy of the Armenian nation with the drama of the peoples of the Middle East, the Iraqis and the Palestinians,'' he said in his address.

''There and nations and peoples who refuse to sacrifice dignity on the altar of subservient survival,'' Kaklamanis added.

''A few days ago we were watching the slaughter of people in the Middle East with real awe. But also the creation of a new prospect for Europe and the world, here in Athens,'' he further said and noted that all should work together for a peaceful and democratic world and a world in which cooperation for progress and development will prevail.

[09] Truck driver testifies before magistrate for tragic traffic accident

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

On entering the magistrate's office, Dolas burst into tears, saying ''put me in prison. I am responsible for the deaths of so many children.''

After Dolas' testimony ended, eight members of the ''Akritas'' company, to which the truck belonged, began making their own testimonies in the case.

The 21 teenagers died after the truck Dolas was driving ripped through a coach bringing them back home at the end of a three-day school excursion.

[10] One man killed in drug-related shootout

Athens, 21/04/2003 (ANA)

The victim’s body was found in a vehicle shortly after the incident, while a 20-year-old female companion was found injured in the passenger’s seat.

Another three individuals – two 27-year-olds and another man, 22 -- were injured in Thessaloniki a few hours later and charged in relation to the incident, while more than 300 grams of heroin was confiscated.

Police said more information will be announced later.

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