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[15] N17 trial - first female defendant takes stand

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

Asked repeatedly about her life with Koufodinas since their first meeting on a remote and sparsely populated isle south of Crete (Gavdos) in 1989, the 41-year-old Sotiropoulou simply reiterated that she believed her companion’s story that he lived under an assumed name after evading mandatory military service. Also, she again told the court that she knew him as “Dimitris Lambropoulos” until the time his real identity was announced by pursuing authorities.

Sotiropoulou, who married Koufodinas in jail last year while they awaited trial, testified in the rejoinder phase of current proceedings that there were things about him that "bothered her". However, she said there were “not 100 (N17) actions to make me think he disappeared (from time to time); he wasn’t away from home, he was a homebody.”

Referring to two different sets of her fingerprints found in two separate N17 safe houses in Athens, Sotiropoulou – identified in court documents as a professional beekeeper – said she didn’t know how hers were found on the door of the Damareos St. safe house, nor on a book found within the Patmos St. safe house.

In earlier responses to questions by the three-judge bench and two prosecutors, Sotiropoulou claimed police queried her only about Koufodinas following her arrest. The latter subsequently turned himself in to authorities last summer after his companion and the mother of his teenage son was already in jail.

Tuesday’s court proceedings are expected to generate even more interest, as the alleged “primus inter pares” of the once-elusive terrorist group, Alexandros Giotopoulos, will make his rejoinder.

[16] Annual Athens book fair to be moved to Acropolis foothills

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

The 32nd Book Festival will be housed at the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian road from September 12-28, while the official opening will take place on the evening of September 15 with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos officiating.

[17] Weak earthquake from Parnitha rift jolts western Athens

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

[18] Prime minister to inaugurate park-way on Wednesday

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

The Hemitus parkway road will be a toll way, which will be included in the existing Attiki Odos highway system.

[19] Ecumenical patriarch issues message on ''Day of prayer for the environment''

ISTANBUL, 02/09/2003 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

In light of the ''Day of prayer for the environment'', Vartholomeos said that ''the climate arrhythmia and the natural disasters that result from it are due more to human action, which is taking place without thought and appreciation for the effects on nature''.

He also spoke of the murder of innocent people, noting that ''the mass execution of the innocent and unknown, for the intimidation of a community, so as to force it to submit to the just or unjust demands of the executioners, does not understand the fact that this method has been used many times in History, but never succeed in its aims''.

[20] Xanthi man charged with antiquities smuggling

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

The ancient coins were reportedly discovered during an illegal excavation in the Abdera archaeological site near Xanthi (Thrace province) -– the birthplace of Democritus, an excellent ancient geometer best known for his atomic theory.

[21] Drop in road accident deaths compared to previous year

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

It said there was a total of 734 deaths and 9,458 injuries in 7,259 road accidents over the first six months of the year. In the same period in 2002 there were 768 deaths and 10,954 injuries.

[22] Ethnic Greek parliamentarians continue high-level contacts

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

Members of the presidium -- parliamentarians, representatives and assemblymen of Greek origin from various countries around the world -- briefed Kaklamanis on the group’s efforts for better coordination and communication among its members.

Additionally, talks revolved around preparations for the up-coming 2004 Olympic Games as well as their promotion in other national parliaments and legislatures around the world.

Deputy FM Yiannis Magriotis will receive the presidium’s members on Tuesday.

[23] Greek Foundation for Culture organizes two exhibitions in Ukraine

Athens, 02/09/2003 (ANA)

The exhibitions are co-organized by the Friends of the Melina Mercuri Foundation and will be hosted in the Odessa exhibition galleries of the Greek Foundation for Culture branch between Sept. 7 and Oct. 6.

[24] Chizov meets Christofias, Hadzidemetriou

NICOSIA, 02/09/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Christofias and Chizov, who met ON Monday morning, said that relations between Cyprus and the Russian Federation would continue to develop and be friendly. As far as the visa issue is concerned, said Christofias, the two sides ''continue to work in an effort to reduce as much as possible'' the negative repercussions so that exchanges will not decrease, but on the contrary will become even more.''

The House President also thanked Russia for its stance on the Cyprus problem at the UN last June.

On his part, Chizov said the two sides reviewed bilateral agreements, noting that it was ascertained that the majority of agreements do not need to be reviewed or abolished.

The Russian diplomat pointed out that ''it was neither our choice, nor Cyprus''. It is something which is directly associated with Cyprus' future regime as part of the EU.''

Chizov also said the desire of both sides is to make everything possible for the reintroduction of visas to be as painless as possible for the citizens of the Russian Federation who are visiting Cyprus and Cypriots who will travel to Russia.

He said that there is some flexibility in the acquis communautaire which we want to make use of.''

Although he said he is not anymore Russia's special representative on Cyprus, Chizov said he discussed the Cyprus problem with the President of the Republic, the Foreign Minister and Christofias.

During a meeting with Harmonization Coordinator Takis Hadzidemetriou, the two pointed out the impact which Cyprus' accession to the EU will have on Cyprus-Russian relations.

A statement said that during the meeting, which was held on Sunday before Hadzidemetriou 's departure to Romania, the two exchanged views on the new form of relations and cooperation between Russia and Cyprus.

Suggestions were made on practical measures to promote cooperation and agreed to create bilateral committees, which will monitor and solve any problems that might arise from the implementation of the acquis.

Chizov said that by November this year, a total of 27 agreements between Cyprus and Russia must be examined.

[25] Al-Assad assures of his country's infinite support to Cyprus cause

Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad assured of his firm support to the Cyprus cause as well as his country's unlimited collaboration at international fora during a meeting in Damascus on Monday with Foreign Minister George Iacovou.

The Cypriot minister is on an official visit to Syria at the invitation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara.

During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, President Al-Assad expressed delight over the visit and referred to the traditionally and close bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples, an official statement said here Monday.

Iacovou briefed the Syrian president on the current situation on the Cyprus problem and the deadlock due to the Turkish intransigence, assuring of the commitment and readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to find a solution the soonest.

President Assad reassured of his country's Õ'' firm support to Cyprus and its fair cause, as well as its infinite help at international fora.''

Assad further congratulated Cyprus for its accession to the European Union, remarking that Cyprus has brought Europe to the Middle East and as of ''May 1st 2004 Syria will be the closest (Middle East) country to the EU''.

This, he added, will have positive repercussions in the region and will strengthen Cyprus' position on a regional and international level. Assad said Europe should continue to exhibit special interest on the region's problems.

In addition, he said he hoped that the close cooperation with Cyprus will continue and the traditional friendly relations will be further strengthened between the two countries even after May 2004.

The two men also discussed the Iraqi issue, the Middle East problem and other regional and international issues of interest.

Iacovou will hold talks with al-Shara and will also be received by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa Miro. He will also meet Parliament chairman Mohammad Naji al-Otri and Antioch Patriarch Ignatius IV.

[26] Spokesman says Denktash using Famagusta as negotiating card

NICOSIA, 02/09/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides said Denktash ''continues to use the town of Varosha for his own political purposes and diplomatic handlings contrary to what international norms and UN Security Council decisions state.''

The spokesman noted that ''the high level agreement of 1979 had repeated the commitment for the town of Famagusta to be handed over to the UN for the purpose of its legitimate inhabitants reestablishing themselves there.''

''Resolution 550 reiterates the same, while resolution 789, with a reference to 550, says that the area, under UNFICYP control, must be expanded to include Famagusta for the implementation of resolution 550.'' he added.

[27] Government making representations over expulsion of teachers

NICOSIA, 02/09/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said here Monday the occupation regime ''continues to violate obligations deriving from the Third Vienna Agreement which notes the right to education without problems, for the enclaved children in Karpass.''

He also said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash ''is also violating the decision of the ECHR in the 4th Interstate Application of Cyprus versus which said Turkey violated the right to education' in Karpass.

Asked if the government intends to take measures to secure that the Karpass students will begin school as normal next week, the spokesman said, ''surely, the government is taking all necessary measures through the UN, through contacts with UNFICYP, to oblige the occupation regime comply with its obligations deriving from the Third Vienna Convention and the ECHR decisions.''

''The representations will continue and I hope that at the end we will secure the right to education for the children of Karpass,'' he added.

Chrysostomides said that the government has submitted a list with new names of teachers willing to teach at Rizokarpaso and is expecting the occupation regime to reply.

The Spokesman also confirmed that members of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber who had crossed to Rizokarpaso over the weekend to survey the damage to houses belonging to the enclaved were expelled by the Denktash regime.

The occupation regime expelled two Greek Cypriot teachers who had crossed to Rizokarpasso over the weekend to prepare the school for the new year.

On May 10 2001 the European Court found Turkey guilty of human rights violations, on 14 counts, of the Convention relating to the right to life, liberty and security, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to respect for private and family life, protection of property and right to peaceful enjoyment of their property and the right to an effective remedy.

The Court also said Turkey violated rights relating to freedom of thought and expression, right to education and the right to a fair trial.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory.

[28] EuroMP calls on Straw and Verheuen to put pressure on Denktash

NICOSIA, 02/09/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In a statement, Villiers says she intends ''to raise this issue in the European Parliament'' and notes that it is ''shameful that children are being manipulated'' by being forced to attend school in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Villiers said ''in the light of Mr. Denktash's intransigence, I have written to both Jack Straw and Gunter Verheugen, calling on them to do all they can to see Rizokarpaso High School reopened as soon as possible'.''

''Mr. Denktash's refusal to reopen the school, without any reasons given, forces children living in the occupied areas to attend high schools in the free areas. This leads to the break up of families and is an attempt by Mr. Denktash to force those in the occupied areas to leave their homes and villages,'' Villiers adds.

She furthermore says that ''the right to education is a humanitarian issue and it is a disgrace that Mr. Denktash puts dogma before the educational interests of these children''.

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

[29] UNFICYP trying to get results in school issue

NICOSIA, 02/09/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Wlosowicz was speaking after a meeting with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sotos Zackheos, who said that the school must reopen, adding that the new Director for the Cyprus Problem at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoulli has spoken with the Italian presidency of the EU regarding this matter.

''We are in touch with the authorities in the north and we are trying to pay good offices. We hope we will manage to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion,'' Wlosowicz said, adding that UNFICYP is in ''constant touch'' with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue.

Asked about the intentions of the religious leadership in the Turkish occupied areas to repair hotels in the fenced-off town of Famagusta and operate them, Wlosowicz said ''that piece of information has not come to my office yet but as soon as it does we will look into it.''

Zackheos said he invited Wlosowicz to the Ministry after instructions from the President to discuss the issue of the fenced-off area of Famagusta and that of the Rizokarpaso school.

Regarding Famagusta, Zackheos said ''we consider Turkey responsible and along with the representations made in Nicosia, representations must be made in New York to the Turkish permanent delegation'' to the UN.

Referring to the Rizokarpaso school, Zackheos said it must reopen immediately and ''not have another illegality added to the other illegalities.''

Zackheos said Markoulli, ''again acting on the President's instructions, spoke with the Italian presidency of the EU'' about this issue.

Markoulli said that the president's instructions were to have contacts with the US Ambassador in Nicosia as well, but because the Embassy was closed on Monday due to a holiday, the representations will be made on Tuesday.

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