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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-07-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

July 8, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM tells new cabinet he will brook no delays in government's work
  • [02] DMs of Greece and Serbia-Montenegro examine military cooperation possibilities
  • [03] Athens condemns twin suicide bombings in Moscow
  • [04] Economy ministry to take control of Post Savings Bank
  • [05] Greek exports showed signs of recovery in 1st quarter
  • [06] Greek producer price index rises 0.2 pct in May, yr/yr
  • [07] Survey: Hotels industry shows falling profits, rising labor costs
  • [08] Greek exporters' union to participate in intl trade fairs
  • [09] Larco ferronickel in consortium to take over northern gold project
  • [10] Greek car market down 4.3 percent in 1st half
  • [11] Communist party criticizes employee dismissals in many municipalities in country
  • [12] Athens, Cyprus bourses work for tighter links
  • [13] ASE ends above 2,000 mark on Monday
  • [14] Deputy FM outlines foreign ministry's Olympic Games policy
  • [15] Former public order minister Chrysohoidis honored by Fire Brigade
  • [16] Deputy FM briefs expatriate journalists on foreign policy issues
  • [17] Schwimmer to discuss CoE role in Cyprus solution with Annan
  • [18] Euro-Med youth seminar for finding common ground opens
  • [19] Pope hopes for new push in Cyprus question

  • [01] PM tells new cabinet he will brook no delays in government's work

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Addressing the new cabinet during its first meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis told ministers that he would brook no delays or lost time in carrying out the government program and would not hesitate to make further changes ''to make things run faster.''

    Relaying the prime minister's speech during the meeting, which was held immediately after Monday's swearing-in ceremony, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said Simitis had asked ministers for ''a fast pace'' in carrying out their work, noting that the government had nine months in which to meet the commitments it had undertaken before the Greek electorate.

    ''The present government composition is the result of a real need to push ahead with the government's work, for more effectiveness and continued intensive efforts,'' the premier said.

    Apart from producing results, Simitis also emphasized the need to address problems that had a negative impact on the public's everyday life, such as long queues at public services, and new forms of exploitation and unethical business practices, such as banks issuing credit cards without any application via phone book listings.

    ''Such practices are unacceptable and must be dealt with, as must exploitative behavior toward immigrants,'' he said.

    The prime minister also stressed the ''Greece 2004'' program, which outlines targets in each area of policy, saying he intended to work closely with his government to overcome present difficulties in its implementation and stressing that the pace would have to be accelerated.

    ''I will be in constant contact with all of you and whenever you wish you can come into contact with me. I am available and you will have my support but you must know that any form of procrastination, delay or postponement will be judged by the Greek people. There can be no loss of time,'' Simitis underlined.

    He urged his government to show the same zeal in this as it had shown for Greece's successful EU presidency, and particularly stressed the need to promote the government's views.

    ''There must be continual mobilization; there must be answers from the government side for all issues that are raised. The government cannot react by considering its answers self-evident, because then the self-evident will cease to exist,'' he told ministers.

    He also called on the new cabinet to increase the frequency of its visits to the regions, Attica and the Thessaloniki area, urging them to coordinate their visits in July and August with the Minister of State.

    For his own part, Simitis said he would be more closely monitoring the progress of preparations for the Olympic Games in 2004, starting with a meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Coordinating Olympic Games Preparations (DESOP) later in the week, and the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF), where he would continue monthly meetings with the ministers involved in view of a mid-term review of the 3rd CSF in July.

    In addition, the premier said he will be having weekly meetings with the new PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

    He made it clear that there would be no need for a government 'directorate' since there would be regular meetings of both the full cabinet and Inner Cabinet, starting with a further 'working' meeting of the cabinet later in the week.

    Finally, Simitis said that he intended to present the government's strategy for a 'Convergence Charter' outlining achievements in economic and social sectors before the Thessaloniki International Fair in September.

    He instructed all ministers to present an outline with the program proposals for their respective ministries by the end of August, so that public debate might begin.

    ''We must send out a message of a strong economy and a strong social state. The citizens want a climate of confidence and well-defined prospects. If we guarantee society more prospects and safety, it will walk with us...but the imperfect tense is not appealing. We must send all the citizens a strong message of trust, optimism and confidence,'' Simitis concluded.

    Incoming cabinet members assume new offices on Monday :

    The newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers on Monday assumed their offices from their outgoing colleagues after the swearing-in and a first meeting of the new Cabinet members earlier in the day, following Friday's mini-reshuffle.

    The new Merchant Marine Minister George Paschalidis, transferred from his post at the head of Macedonia-Thrace ministry, said that life and boat safety, as well as the quality of services and environmental protection would be the focus of his new ministry.

    Incoming Deputy Development Minister Kimon Koulouris assumed his new duties vowing an uncompromising battle against illicit profiteering, while Finance Minister Christos Christodoulakis in his welcoming speech for newcomer deputy Finance Minister Nikos Pharmacies ruled ''irrational fiscal policy excesses'' as election political stunts.

    At the education ministry, incoming Deputy Education Minister George Thomas took over from outgoing Eleni Kourkoula, who vowed to continue ''the battle for the success of the government work'', while the new Deputy Welfare Minister Vasilis Kontogiannopoulos was introduced to the ministry staff by Health Minister Costas Stephanis.

    Newcomer Public Order Minister George Floridis took over from Michalis Chrysohoidis who was on Friday elected to head the Executive Committee of ruling PASOK party.

    DHKKI leader slams gov't reshuffle, invites PASOK supporters to join his party:

    Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas on Monday slammed the government for its recent ''mini reshuffling'' and called on the ''pure fighters'' of ruling PASOK to join his party.

    Tsovolas, himself a former PASOK deputy and cabinet minister in the 80's, said the ''government's highly publicized reshuffle was a low comedy that disappointed even the staunchest of PASOK supporters'', and called on his former colleagues to ''rid themselves of their sentimentalism'' and ''join him in building a new, pure and democratic front''.

    The leader of DHKKI said his party will claim a strong Parliament representation at the next national elections, which he forecast to take place shortly before the government announces its new budget plan (around mid-September).

    [02] DMs of Greece and Serbia-Montenegro examine military cooperation possibilities

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou held talks on Monday with his counterpart from Serbia-Montenegro Boris Tadic on possibilities of military cooperation between the two countries, while Papantoniou reiterated Greece's support for Serbia-Montenegro's claim for accession to Euro-Atlantic structures.

    The Greek defense minister said the presence of a Greek officer in Belgrade was agreed to help efforts to modernize the armed forces of Serbia-Montenegro.

    Also agreed were exchanges of visits by members of the two countries' armed forces, the training of Serbs and Montenegrins at Greek armed forces academies and the creation of an experts committee of the two ministries' General Armaments Department to probe the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry sector.

    Papantoniou said that at a diplomatic level Greece supports the accession of the republic to SEDM, the initiative for cooperation between the countries of southeastern Europe, as well as to Partnership for Peace operations which constitutes the antechamber for its accession to NATO.

    In addition, Greece will support the claim of Serbia-Montenegro for observer status at NATO's ministerial sessions.

    Papantoniou also reminded of efforts being made by the Greek government at bilateral and EU level to enable the western Balkans to be helped economically to meet criteria for their accession to the EU.

    Tadic said the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro attributes great importance to Greece's support for its claims for accession to Euro-Atlantic structures and always examines in good faith the indications of our country for the effort to modernize Serbia-Montenegro.

    He invited Papantoniou to visit Belgrade at a time to be determined through diplomatic channels.

    Tadic was also received on Monday night by President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    [03] Athens condemns twin suicide bombings in Moscow

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis on Monday expressed the Greek government's opposition to all forms of violence, responding to the twin suicide bombings in Moscow over the weekend.

    ''Greece strongly condemns the latest terrorist attack in Moscow, which caused the deaths of several innocent victims,'' he said.

    The Greek government also expressed its sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy for the Russian government and reiterated its opposition to all forms of violence, which it said could in no way be justified.

    ''It is clear that such actions undermine efforts to normalize the situation and find a political solution, which Greece continues to support without reservations,'' the spokesman added.

    Thirteen people died and dozens were injured in double suicide bomber hits at an open-air concert in Moscow over the weekend, carried out by two women believed to be linked to rebel Chechen separatists.

    [04] Economy ministry to take control of Post Savings Bank

    Athens 8/07/2003

    The Post Savings Bank should be transferred under the full control of the Greek economy ministry after completion of a procedure to fully transform the Post Savings Bank into a financial company, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said on Monday.

    In his recommendation to the Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the government's economic team, Mr Verelis said that both the bank's management and staff were showing extremely high adaptation rates to a new law, recently voted in parliament and gradually implemented, and stressed that an independent auditor was beginning a valuation survey of the company.

    According to government sources, the government plans to list the Post Savings Bank with the Athens Stock Exchange, either as an independent company or in some kind of cooperation with another financial institution.

    The Post Savings Bank has made significant restructuring steps in the last few years and is currently operating as a modern financial institution.

    [05] Greek exports showed signs of recovery in 1st quarter

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Greek exports showed signs of recovery in the first three months of 2003, both in euro or in US dollar terms, the Panhellenic Exporters' Union said on Monday.

    A report on export performance in the January-March period, based on National Statistics Service data, showed that the value of Greek exports in the first quarter totalled 2.908 billion euros, or 3.119 billion US dollars, from 2.730 billion euros or 2.393 billion dollars, an increase of 6.5 percent and 30.4 percent, respectively.

    The Union stressed, however, that imports' growth exceeded export growth rate (21 percent and 41 percent, respectively) over the same period.

    The Union noted that a 6.5 percent rise in exports, in euro currency, was a significant development for the country's exports as it was measured on a strong currency.

    [06] Greek producer price index rises 0.2 pct in May, yr/yr

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Greek manufacturing companies are slashing their export prices to boost their competitiveness in international markets, but continue to raise their domestic prices moderately, official figures showed on Monday.

    The National Statistics Service said that the Greek producer price index rose 1.4 percent in May, compared with the same month last year, while the price index for international markets fell 3.1 percent over the same period.

    The composite producer price index rose 0.2 percent in May from the same month in 2002, for a decline of 0.4 percent from the previous month. Greek retail sales' value up 8.6 pctin Jan-April Athens 8/07/2003 Greek retail sales' value rose 8.6 percent in the first four months of 2003 compared with the same period last year, although the January-April figure was slightly slower compared with the January-March period (9.1 percent), the National Statistics Service said on Monday.

    In its monthly report, NSS said that sales in the book-office paper products-gift product sector recorded the biggest growth rate in the first four months of 2003 (14.9 percent), followed by supermarkets (12.5 percent), medicines-cosmetics (11.8 percent), department stores (9.0 percent) and the furniture-electric appliances sector (8.0 percent).

    The food-beverage-tobacco and the clothing-footwear sectors' turnover rose by 3.7 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively, both below the annual inflation rate in the country.

    NSS said that the value of retail sales in April rose 7.2 percent compared with the same month last year.

    Intracom completes supply project with Agricultural Bank Athens 8/07/2003 Intracom Group on Monday announced the completion of a supply, transfer, installation and operation of 1,280 Olivetti's passbook printers to Agricultural Bank's branches around the country.

    Intracom took over the project after winning an international tender.

    [07] Survey: Hotels industry shows falling profits, rising labor costs

    Athens 8/07/2003

    The domestic hotels industry showed a decline in earnings and increase in labor costs in 2002, the provisional findings of a survey released on Monday showed.

    Commissioned by the SETE trade group and Travel Daily News, Hotel Study 2003 said that expenditure on marketing and management had also dropped, while gross operating profit fell an average four percentage points to 20-30 percent.

    Worst hit were A and resort class hotels, which showed a slump in gross operation profit of 5-10 percent.

    The report added that the decline in gross operating profit was especially disquieting as it had occurred despite a rise in revenue.

    [08] Greek exporters' union to participate in intl trade fairs

    Athens 8/07/2003

    The Exporters' Union of Northern Greece (SEBE) on Monday announced plans for new business missions to Turkey, Poland and Romania in September and November this year, as part of SEBE's "Expoassistance" service aimed to support Greek business activity abroad.

    SEBE will participate in the CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia annual trade fair to be held in Istanbul, September 2-7, Polagra, the biggest food and beverage trade fair in Eastern Europe to be held in Poznan, Poland, September 16-19, and Indagra, an annual food and beverage trade fair in Bucarest, Romania, to be held November 5-9.

    [09] Larco ferronickel in consortium to take over northern gold project

    Athens 8/07/2003

    A consortium including Larco SA, a state-owned ferronickel engineering contractors, local authorities and foreign investors are to take over a gold mining operation in the north.

    TVX Hellas Mines and Gold Industry SA, which had declared bankruptcy in May, said in a statement on Monday that the Greek government had informed Kinross, its multinational owner, that the move to find investors had borne fruit.

    Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas had finalized composition of the consortium that was to continue operation of the mines, the statement said.

    In coming days, a memorandum of agreement would be signed by the Greek government, Kinross and the consortium setting terms for the transfer of ownership, TVX added.

    [10] Greek car market down 4.3 percent in 1st half

    Athens 8/07/2003

    The Greek car market shrank in the first half of 2003, although it managed to reduce its earlier heavy losses, official figures showed on Monday.

    A monthly report by the Federation of Car Importers-Dealers, said that the Greek car market shrank by 4.3 percent in the first six months of the year, with sales totalling 141.220 units, down from 147,543 units in the same period last year.

    The domestic car market had dropped by as much as 32 percent in the January-February period.

    The Iraqi crisis and a slowdown in consumer demand, also hitting other sectors of the economy, were the main factors behind the disappointing first half figures, the report said. It noted, however, that a combination of favorable financial programs and more flexible marketing moves by companies, managed to stabilize the market in the last two months.

    Toyota topped the list of the most successful car company in Greece in the first half of 2003, with 13,510 sales, followed by Hyundai (11,987) and Opel (11,257).

    Ford jumped from the 11th position last year to fourth with 9,951 sales, while Volkswagen reported sales of 9.267 units in the January-June period.

    The Federation said it expected the domestic car market to end 2003 around last year's levels.

    [11] Communist party criticizes employee dismissals in many municipalities in country

    Athens 8/07/2003

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in an announcement on Monday the mass dismissals of employees in dozens of municipalities in the country confirm that local administration is a lever for the implementation of ant popular policy and the abolition of labor rights.

    The announcement added that thousands of extra employees hired through the ''Help at Home'' program remain unpaid, school guards lack social security and all these employees are being led to unemployment or have to stay with part-time work.

    KKE called on working people, extra employees and those dismissed to draw the necessary political conclusions and give their reply with their votes in the elections.

    Greek and Bulgarian labor unions launch common action Athens 8/07/2003 Labor unions from the northern Greek regions of eastern Macedonia and Thrace and their counterparts from southern Bulgaria on Monday agreed to launch common action, while top labor union officials from both regions submitted a joint application to the European Community Initiative Interreg III.

    The initiative includes common action in a number of projects, including retraining of Bulgarian trade unionists, labor market surveys, exchange of information and teleconferences, and the development of an information network and the establishment of information offices in both regions.

    [12] Athens, Cyprus bourses work for tighter links

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Senior officials of the Athens and Cyprus stock exchanges met on Monday to discuss tightening links between the two bourses.

    On the agenda for future talks is the possibility of establishing cross membership, beyond cooperation already agreed.

    [13] ASE ends above 2,000 mark on Monday

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Greek stocks soared to new highs for the year in the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday supported by strong buying interest and a positive trend in other European markets.

    The general index soared 3.54 percent to end above the 2,000 level for the first time in months, at 2,015.66 points, with turnover an improved 199.5 million euros.

    The Publication, Insurance, Bank, Holding, Construction and Investment sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (11.25 percent, 7.86 percent, 4.91 percent, 4.84 percent, 4.83 percent and 4.44 percent, respectively).

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks jumped 3.65 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 3.90 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index soared 4.37 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 3.77 percent up.

    Broadly, advancers led decliners by 337 to 17 with another 13 issues unchanged.

    The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Alpha Bank, Football Pools Organization, Lambrakis Press Organization, and National Bank of Greece.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 114.0 mln euros Monday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At premium

  • Underlying Index: +3.60 percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At premium

  • Underlying Index: +3.90 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Intracom (791)

  • Total turnover in derivatives market: 114.0 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Sellers outstrip buyers on Monday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.09 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 10 bps

  • Day's Market Turnover: 2.1 bln euros

  • Most Active Bond: 10-year, expiring May 2013 (775 mln euros)

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of July 7 2003

    Parities in euro

    Banknotes

    For. Exchange

    Buying Selling

    US Dollar

    1,145 1,119

    [14] Deputy FM outlines foreign ministry's Olympic Games policy

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis said on Monday the foreign ministry's policy on the issue of the 2004 Olympic Games aimed at a strong Greece which will be among the highest positions on the international scale, playing at the same time the role of a regional power of stability in the Balkans.

    Magriotis was speaking at the International Conference on Olympic Games and International Relations, organized by the Panteios University's International Relations Institute in cooperation with the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

    Magriotis further said the axes of the ministry's policy are the Olympic Truce and the Cultural Olympiad, events for which seven million expatriates were activated and the Expatriate Volunteers Corps was created.

    More defense witnesses testify in N17 trial Athens 8/07/2003 The trial of 19 suspected members of the terrorist organization ''November 17'' resumed on Monday with the testimony of more defense witnesses for the accused Alexandros Giotopoulos, charged as the mastermind of the terror band, and Anestis Papanastasiou.

    The first witness was Annie Brousart, a long-term friend of Giotopoulos and his partner Maithe Peynaud, who told the court that she had been on holiday with the couple in the Zagorohoria district in Epirus on February 22, 1985.

    Despite being insistently questioned by the bench, since this date fell just one day after the murder of publisher Nikos Momferatos and his driver Panagiotis Rousetis by N17 the same year, Brousart was unable to remember the exact date that the holiday had begun, remembering only that they had stayed there five to six days and that they had celebrated her birthday on February 22 during that time.

    Other witnesses in defense of Giotopoulos were university professor Efthymios Batsakis, who had not known Giotopoulos personally but had heard of his action against the Greek junta in 1963-1974 while he was a student in Paris.

    Bitsakis expressed the view that the accused had been 'chosen' and framed as leader of N17 because he was the only anti-junta activist without political affiliations and therefore vulnerable, provoking a barrage of questions from the bench.

    Presiding judge Mihalis Margaritis also pointed out while addressing the defendant directly that he had produced a string of academics to testify on his behalf but none of his former comrades within the anti-junta organization that he allegedly belonged to, who could confirm that bomb set in the American Embassy at that time was his work.

    Other witnesses for Giotopoulos were the architect Antonis Vezyroglou, who said the accused was being persecuted because of his family name (his father being a famous Troskyist), and gynaecologist Nikolaos Tsatsaris, who had known Giotopoulos in his student years and said that he had never expressed views supporting the use of violence to bring about political change.

    The court also heard family and friends of the accused Anestis Papanastasiou, who described him as a Europhile that believed in step-by-step reforms and would never have joined a illegal group that worked outside the law.

    [15] Former public order minister Chrysohoidis honored by Fire Brigade

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Former Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis was honored with the star of value and honor by the Fire Brigade on Monday.

    Fire Brigade chief Panayiotis Fourlas gave the medal to Chrysohoidis during a ceremony held at the Fire Brigade's headquarters, saying that he was the minister who dared to overturn the practice applied by security services for decades.

    Fourlas further added that he was the minister who applied meritocracy in practice and not with words and who dared to make deep interventions in all sectors of the Fire Brigade's responsibility, while with effort and sacrifices the interventions were crowned with absolute success.

    Later on, Chrysohoidis delivered his duties at the public order ministry to his successor George Floridis.

    Chrysohoidis thanked the leadership of the Greek police and referred to its staff which helped to enable a positive account of the work it achieved during his period in office.

    Referring to terrorism, Chrysohoidis said efforts of decades were crowned with success during his days in office due to the considerable effort made by all officers and with the assistance of society.

    Replying to Chrysohoidis, Floros praised his work and said that he feels that he is succeeding a very successful minister and the only thing he can promise that he will also make every effort to have work continue with the same success.

    [16] Deputy FM briefs expatriate journalists on foreign policy issues

    Athens 8/07/2003

    Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis met on Monday with representatives of expatriate media, currently in Greece to attend the awards ceremony for expatriate media of 2002, and briefed them on foreign policy issues concerning the country.

    The awards ceremony, organized for the fifth consecutive year by the press and media ministry, will take place on Thursday.

    According to an announcement by the foreign ministry, Magriotis said that Greece aims at strengthening its position in Europe and on the international scene, a solution to the issue of Cyprus, the strengthening of its role in the wider region of the Balkans, the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the successful preparation and holding of the 2004 Olympic Games.

    Magriotis further noted that the Olympic Games will leave behind them the image of a safe, peaceful and strong country.

    GSGA hospitality programs launched with the arrival of 700 young campers The arrival of 700 young campers aged 9 to 17 launched this year's hospitality programs sponsored by the foreign ministry's General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad (GSGA), for an overall participation of over 4,000 Hellenes of all ages from five continents.

    The GSGA has already received the first 350 youngsters coming from over 35 countries, while 600 more children aged 6 to 12 from former Soviet republics, Albania and Bulgaria will be hosted at camps throughout Greece from July through August.

    Established in 1983, the GSGA is the Greek government body responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of policy regarding the Greek Diaspora.

    Sunny in many areas on Tuesday

    Hot, sunny weather is forecast in many parts of the country. Scattered showers are expected in the centre and north. Winds northerly, moderate to strong, turning very strong in the southeastern Aegean. In the north, temperatures will range from 18C to 30C; on the rest of the mainland from 20C to 33C; and in the islands from 22C to 29C. Temperatures in Athens will range between 23C and 32C; and in Thessaloniki from 21C to 30C.

    [17] Schwimmer to discuss CoE role in Cyprus solution with Annan

    STRASBOURG 8/07/2003(CNA/ANA)

    Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary General Walter Schwimmer will discuss in New York this month with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ways with which CoE could contribute to efforts to finding a solution to the Cyprus question.

    At a press conference given here on Monday, Schwimmer said that he would brief Kofi Annan on the results of Monday's meeting between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political party representatives, which took place in Strasbourg.

    ''I will report to Kofi Annan about the results of today's meeting and ask for his opinions how we can contribute in the future but only in full agreement with the UN,'' Schwimmer said.

    He added that Turkey has an interest to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

    ''I think that a reunited Cyprus being a member of the EU will be a very strong ally for Turkey within the EU,'' he stressed.

    Schwimmer said CoE is ready to continue contacts between the two sides in Cyprus and added that in the meantime CoE will enter into ''some very concrete activities, confidence building measures with both sides.'' ''What the Council of Europe can do is to start a joint revue of the history text books in both communities to eliminate any hate speech and wrong information about the other side, he said.

    Schwimmer said that CoE would continue to support both sides in finding a solution of the Cyprus question.

    ''Cyprus is too small to be divided. Cyprus is a place where the two communities can live together in peace,'' he said.

    He said that there is no other alternative but to start without hesitation and without any delay the negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus issue.

    ''A united Cyprus would be a treasure for Europe,'' he noted and added that there is only a European option for Cyprus.

    Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

    Eroglu says changes needed on Annan plan

    The so-called ''prime minister'' of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, leader of Turkish Cypriot National Unity Party, Dervis Eroglu, said in Strasbourg on Monday that many changes needed to be made to a plan submitted by the UN Secretary General for a Cyprus settlement.

    Asked by CNA if he was against the plan, Eroglu, who is participating in the Turkish Cypriot delegation meeting which met in Strasbourg with Greek Cypriot politicians at the invitation of Schwimmer said: ''Yes, I can say that,'' adding that ''there are a lot of things that we suggested to the Secretary General for some changes on the Annan Plan.''

    He said that the Turkish occupation regime has submitted these suggestions in a letter to the Secretary General and ''we are expecting him at least to respond.''

    ''Lots of things have to be changed so that we can accept or at least discuss the Annan plan,'' he added.

    Asked if the Turkish occupation regime rejected the Annan plan, he said ''we have not rejected the Annan plan, we have suggestions for changes so if these changes we have submitted to the UN Secretary General are considered and put on table, then we will discuss it.''

    [18] Euro-Med youth seminar for finding common ground opens

    NICOSIA 8/07/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    The importance of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem before the island's full accession to the European Union in May 2004 was stressed during the opening on Monday of a Euro-Mediterranean Seminar in Nicosia, organized by the bicommunal youth group ''Youth Promoting Peace'', under the title ''Finding Common Ground: Conflict resolution and mediation through focusing on the environment''.

    Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youths, along with young people from Israel, Egypt, Palestine, Poland, Germany, Spain, Greece and Turkey are participating in the seminar.

    Speaking at the seminar, Minister Foreign George Iacovou said ''we have high hopes that the Union, which has played such an important role in the preparation of the 'road map' for the Middle East, will use its considerable influence to assist the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, which is very much in the hands of the UN Secretary General.''

    He added that the Cypriot government welcomes the manifestations of friendship and fraternization between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, after decades of enforced separation, noting that such a development helps to create a favorable environment for efforts towards a workable and lasting solution.

    However, he underlined that ''the partial lifting of the obstacles on free movement within our country is only the first step, and much work remains to be done.''

    Iacovou also referred to the packages of measures from the government and the EU to support Turkish Cypriots and assured that President Tassos Papadopoulos and his government &#8216;&#8216;is very aware of the commitment of young people and are determined to promote policies which support and improve the civic and democratic participation of youth.'' Head of the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus Ambassador Adrian van der Meer said that ''Cyprus and for that matter the EU can only be built with paying the utmost attention to the Environment, for which over the years we have developed an important body of legislation and they can certainly only be implemented with the assistance of young people.''

    Turkish Cypriot politician Mustafa Akkinci said that ''after the 23rd of April and the opening of the borders in Cyprus and the developments that are happening every day, we have entered into a new era''.

    Concerning measures to support the Turkish Cypriots, Akkinci said ''they are very useful'', adding that at the same time they cannot constitute a settlement of the Cyprus problem. ''We badly need a solution,'' he said. The seminar will be wrapped up on Friday, July 11.

    [19] Pope hopes for new push in Cyprus question

    NICOSIA 8/07/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Pope John Paul II expressed hope that in the light of the European unity, a new push will be given to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

    Receiving the credentials of first Cypriot Ambassador to the Vatican, based in Rome, Giorgos Poulides, the Pope expressed regret that there has been no reunification of the island on the basis of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's peace plan.

    Pope John Paul II expressed satisfaction that the Cyprus government is willing to negotiate in the framework of the United Nations and is ready to commit itself to all relevant recommendations of the UN Security Council.

    Presenting his credentials to the Pope, the Cypriot Ambassador stressed that President Tassos Papadopoulos is committed to negotiate on the basis of the Annan plan for a viable and functional solution of the Cyprus issue, based on UN Security Council resolutions.

    Poulides also expressed the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table whenever the UN Secretary General deemed useful. Pope John Paul II expressed his appreciation for the fact that the Cypriot government has accredited an Ambassador in the Vatican and said that this was one more positive message for the developing friendship and cooperation amongst both states.

    The Pope referred to the long Christian tradition of Cyprus which ''is connected to the birth of Christianity.''


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