Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Arafat tells Greek delegation Palestinian cabinet to be formed 'within few days'

[02] Athens proposes 'low-impact' dialogue amongst Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

[03] ND leader criticizes gov't, calls for elections, gov't spokesman reacts

[04] US assembly to ratify Olympic Truce resolution

[05] Tsohatzopoulos stresses need for integrated national policy of 'agro-tourism'

[06] Conference of Japanese Institutional Investors begins in Athens on Monday

[07] Minister tells Trikala officials E-65 road axis project to be completed by 2009

[08] Rio-Antirrio ferryboat service interrupted by strike

[09] Inter-Church impasse continues over 'New Territories' list

[10] UNESCO Mediterranean cultural event marked with great success

[11] Moderate tremor jolts prefectures in northern Greece

[12] Tanzania's Bayo, the Netherlands' Wijenberg win 21st Athens Classical Marathon

[13] Papadopoulos: Turkish stance might change if T/C 'opposition' wins elections

[14] Cypriot FM expects developments in Cyprus problem during first semester of 2004

[15] Cyprus counts on international efforts to save its cultural heritage

[01] Arafat tells Greek delegation Palestinian cabinet to be formed 'within few days'

RAMALLAH, 3/11/2003 (ANA/P. Dimitropoulos)

In statements to the press, Arafat hailed the support of Greece to the Palestinian people, at the same time asking for the support of Athens and the European Union for the continuation of the peace process. He stressed the importance of the European factor ''as the interest of the United States for the Palestinian issue will wane due to the forthcoming presidential elections, a fact which will give the opportunity to the prime minister of Israel to continue his crimes.''

During his meeting with the Greek parliamentary delegation, he was reported to have said that he had set November 5 as the date for the formation of the government. According to reports, it is considered most probable that the present Prime Minister, Ahmed Qurie, will head the government. However, what remains left for debate is the matter of the unification of the security forces of the Palestinian Authority under the new Interior minister. The tenure of Qurie's ''emergency cabinet'' ends on November 4.

In his meeting with the Greek parliamentarians, Qurie was said to have said that President Arafat had ''closed all roads in order for him not to escape from the premiership.''

On his part, Sgouridis stated that Greece condemns the wall that separates the region, while as member of the European Union and a friend of the Palestinian people, Greece is working for peace and the creation of two viable states, of Palestine and Israel. He further reiterated the support of Athens to the ''Road Map'' for the settlement of the problem.

[02] Athens proposes 'low-impact' dialogue amongst Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

BAKU, 3/11/2003 (ANA – S. Aravopoulou)

The proposal came during a visit here by Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis, who was received by new Azerbaijan President Ilhan Aliyev, the son and successor of long-time Azeri leader Heydar Aliyev. The Greek minister was also received by Azeri Premier Artur Rasizade.

“We will not touch on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh unless they themselves want to, as the agenda of talks will be set by the countries themselves,” Magriotis, who is on a tour of several Black Sea region countries, said.

According to diplomatic sources, Armenia and Georgia have already given their “green light” for the initiative.

Sources said talks also focused on bilateral interest over energy networks connecting the oil and gas-rich Caucasus country with Greece and Europe as well as matters dealing with the Black Sea Cooperation Pact.

Magriotis also conveyed Greek leadership’s congratulations to the younger Aliyev over his recent election victory.

[03] ND leader criticizes gov't, calls for elections, gov't spokesman reacts

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking in the working-class Peristeri municipality of the greater Athens region, Karamanlis said that the greatest problem of the country is corruption in the state sector, lack of controls and lack of punishment for culprits, noting that such was admitted by leading members of the current government.

He accused Prime Minister Costas Simitis once again of evading questions regarding the country's armament program, adding that the premier chose to ignore problems that his own tolerance created.

Karamanlis stressed, also that the lack of accountability and the behavior of people within the established order has gone out of control, as the prospect of election defeat is becoming more and more certain.

The leader of the main opposition party also spoke of the condition of the country's economy, calling on data provided by a report recently published by the European Commission on unemployment and deficits.

He underlined that ND does not support that nothing was accomplished over the past few years, adding, however, that the data shows that all that was indeed done was little compared to the huge funds that were allocated to Greece.

Karamanlis also spoke of the everyday problems of citizens, focusing on issues such as adequate parking space, delays in the completion of the Metro system's west expansion, and other public works that would improve access of citizens of the Athens metro west region to the center of the city.

He concluded his speech underlining that he did not offer magical solutions nor was he ready to cultivate expectations which would be destined to remain unfulfilled, but spoke of a policy that would lead to what he called a ''revolution in everyday life''.

In response to the aforementioned criticism, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that Karamanlis dropped the mask of the ''middle political space'' and returned to a divisive and fanatic attitude.

''This is the real face of the right wing, the one that the Greek people will condemn in the election in Spring,'' he said.

Protopapas responding specifically to Karamanlis' accusation over spending for the country's defense he said that everything was done with full respect for transparency concerning the money of the Greek people, adding that the government achieved some 2.5 billion euros in savings, which were used for social spending.

[04] US assembly to ratify Olympic Truce resolution

NEW YORK, 3/11/2003 (ANA - P. Panikos)

Iraq and Kiribati are the only countries out of the 191 UN members not expected to vote for the resolution.

IOC President Jacques Rogge, Papandreou and representatives of the US and Cyprus are included in the list of speakers for the resolution.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos stresses need for integrated national policy of 'agro-tourism'

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

''Greek agro-tourism aims at supporting the farmer and broadens his own production potential,'' he said.

The minister was speaking at an event entitled ''Agro-tourism and Regional Development'', which took place at the ''Ioannis Vellidis'' Conference Centre, within the framework of the 19th Philoxenia tourism exhibition.

Tsohatzopoulos added that ''our policy is that agro-tourism must at long last be upgraded, we must pass the first initial stage of approach, which was very positive and many new initiatives were created in many parts of Greece that promoted our tourism potential. Now, however, we need an integrated national policy for agro-tourism.''

[06] Conference of Japanese Institutional Investors begins in Athens on Monday

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

Presented at the three-day event will be the Greek economy and capital market and the new entries to the ASE.

So far, 23 representatives of Japanese investors have confirmed that they will arrive in Athens.

The representatives are among the largest investment and finance firms in Japan.

The representatives of the Japanese institutional investors are from the firms: Mitsubishi Trust International, Bank of Japan, Chuo Mitsui Trust International, Daiwa Asset Management, Sumitomo Trust International PLC, Citigroup London, Nomura International, Resona Bank (Capital Management), Mitsui Sumitomo Asset Management, Tokio Marine & Fire Asset Management, Nikko Citigroup, Resona Trust Bank, Sumitomo Trust Bank, Fuji Investment Management, Deutsche Trust Bank, Daiichi Life, DLIBJ Asset Manager, UFJ Partners, Nomura Services.

[07] Minister tells Trikala officials E-65 road axis project to be completed by 2009

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

The minister had lengthy talks with local officials who briefed her on the delay in the completion of projects in the region.

On her part, the minister presented to them the ministry's plans for the region and termed the E-65 road axis a major project which she said will be completed by early 2009.

[08] Rio-Antirrio ferryboat service interrupted by strike

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

The industrial action has hampered inter-state traffic in western Greece over the past two days. A long-awaited bridge over the strait in late 2004 is expected to mostly eliminate ferry boat routes in the region.

In an unrelated incident, the coast guard announced that five illegal immigrants were intercepted off the eastern Aegean island of Hios early Sunday morning.

The illegals were attempting to reach Greek territory aboard a flimsy inflatable craft after disembarking from the opposite Turkish coast.

[09] Inter-Church impasse continues over 'New Territories' list

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

At issue over the past month or so is whether the powerful Church of Greece will submit to a Patriarchate demand that it approve of a list of candidates to fill the vacant Metropolitan of Thessaloniki ecclesiastical throne, the first time the venerable Patriarchate has made such a request since it “temporarily” shifted administrative control of the so-called “New Territories” to the Greek Church with a Canonical Act in 1928. “New Territories” refer to bishoprics in northern Greece and the eastern Aegean islands liberated by Greece from 1912 to 1918.

The latest high-profile Patriarchate announcement followed a round of talks in Athens between top ecclesiastical leaders on either side of two of Orthodoxy’s most influential Churches, with Metropolitan of Piraeus Kallinikos heading up the Church of Greece delegation.

In response to the Patriarchate announcement, including a statement calling on Holy Synod members to support the “Mother Church’s rights” during sessions this week, Kallinikos said he was “troubled and saddened by this development. I retain my love towards the Patriarchate and I am hopeful”.

In terms of details, Kallinikos stressed that any list of names sent to the Patriarchate of would-be Metropolitans must first be approved by the Holy Synod – comprised of the Greek Church’s bishops and Metropolitans – something he said is apparently not acceptable to the Patriarchate despite previous assurances. Moreover, he said the latest announcement out of the Patriarchate’s Fanar-district seat is a “departure from the truth”.

Other Holy Synod sources were equally critical of the Patriarchate announcement.

[10] UNESCO Mediterranean cultural event marked with great success

PARIS, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

The ''Roads of the olive'' initiative aims at being a bridge for development, dialogue and peace between the peoples of the Mediterranean.

The ''In the light of the olive'' event was organized with the initiative of the Permanent Greek Representation in UNESCO, with the participation of the Greek Development Ministry, the Spanish Education, Culture and Sports Ministry and the Permanent Representatives of Algeria and Morocco in UNESCO, and held under the auspices of UNEESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura.

[11] Moderate tremor jolts prefectures in northern Greece

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

The tremor was felt in the prefectures of Florina and Kastoria.

There have been no reports of damage.

[12] Tanzania's Bayo, the Netherlands' Wijenberg win 21st Athens Classical Marathon

Athens, 3/11/2003 (ANA)

Kenyan Stephen Rugut came in second (2.17:06) and followed by his compatriot Elias Chebet (2.18:22). Greek national champion Nikos Pollias came in eighth with a time of 2.23:16.

Nadja Wijenberg from the Netherlands won the women’s competition with a time of 2.43:18. Followed by local champion Georgia Ampatzidou (2.46:47) and Kenya’s Margaret Karie (2.48:48)

[13] Papadopoulos: Turkish stance might change if T/C 'opposition' wins elections

NICOSIA, 3/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment speculations that the fenced-off area of the occupied town of Famagusta will be handed over to the UN, President Papadopoulos stressed that the government is ready to deal with any possible development.

He reiterated that there can be no progress on the Cyprus issue, with Rauf Denktash as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, noting that ''the Turkish Cypriot 'opposition' gives some hope that it is possible, with Turkey's consent, to change this policy (of the Turkish side).''

The president said that ''we have to support this hope'' and added that ''UN Secretary General Kofi Anan expects a real demon-station, if not proof of Turkey's political will to proceed towards a Cyprus settlement.''

Referring to the speculations that Famagusta will be handed over to the UN, President Papadopoulos noted that ''like all previous times, the information we now have is that there will be an initiative regarding Famagusta'' adding that the kind and the extention of this initiative as well as the conditions under which it will be probably announced are not known.

''If any initiative is taken, I assure you that the government has its own plans and is ready to deal with any possible development''

the president stressed.

Answering a question President Papadopoulos said that he considers it natural that the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus has made its plans regarding this possibility.

Asked whether he expects any kind of initiative on behalf of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the light of the so-called elections in the occupied part of Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said he could not predict how Denktash would act.

''The one responsible for the illegality and imposition of restrictions on citizens regarding their properties and homes is the only one who can take any such initiative. I cannot see how this could be linked with the pre-election developments in the occupied areas.'' he said.

Invited to comment recent statements by leader of the Turkish Cypriot Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat who claimed last week that President Papadopoulos ''likens himself with those who want to maintain the status quo in Cyprus,'' President Papadopoulos said he could not know if Talat's statements were made due to the ''pre- election period'' in the Turkish occupied areas, or if they disclose Talat's real positions.

''In every statement he makes, it seems that Talat considers that there is a separate Turkish Cypriot entity and says for example that the ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia, the airports of Lefkoniko and Tympou are legal as the ones that operate under the control of the Cyprus Republic,'' President Papadopoulos said.

Security Council resolution 550 considers attempts to settle any part of Varosha (Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the United Nations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied one third of the island's territory.

[14] Cypriot FM expects developments in Cyprus problem during first semester of 2004

LARNACA, 3/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to CNA on his departure on Friday for London, Iacovou stressed that despite the result of the so called elections in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, to be held in December, a serious effort will be made to achieve a solution to the Cyprus issue, due to Turkey's interests, emerging from its accession to the EU.

''Turkey's interests are such, that despite the result of the so called elections, a very serious effort will be made for a settlement of the Cyprus problem,'' he stressed, adding, ''it would be better, if the negotiations were held with someone else rather than Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.''

Iacovou will meet Monday with his British counterpart Jack Straw, Minister for Europe Denis Mac Shane, Members of the House of Commons and representatives of the Cypriot community in the UK.

In London, the Cypriot FM will also meet with Secretary General of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon, with whom he will exchange views regarding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to take place this December in Nigeria.

Referring to the prospects for a Cyprus settlement, Iacovou said ''the process of a solution to the Cyprus problem, Cyprus' accession to the EU and the examination of Turkey's accession, will chronically meet within the first semester of 2004.''

On Wednesday Iacovou will go to Moldavia to participate at a meeting of Council of Europe Foreign Ministers Committee.

He will also meet with General Secretary of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer to discuss the cooperation between Cyprus and the Council. Iacovou returns back Thursday.

[15] Cyprus counts on international efforts to save its cultural heritage

UNITED NATIONS, 3/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Addressing the UN General Assembly on agenda item 24 entitled ''Return or Restitution of Cultural Property to the Countries of Origin'', Mavroyiannis noted that the cultural heritage of Cyprus' Turkish occupied north is being ''barbarically violated''.

''An ancient civilization that dates back 10,000 years continues to

Suffer under foreign occupation and monuments and religious treasures are left to the mercy of vandals and looters," he added.

The Cypriot diplomat stressed that Cyprus' painful experience of the systematic destruction of its cultural heritage and its continuing struggle to save its stolen heritage from the international black market brings to the forefront the need for enhanced international cooperation against illicit art trafficking and for strengthening national cultural property legislation.

''We hope that the considerable efforts of the International Community in the direction of returning cultural objects illegally removed from their rightful owners will be extended towards the salvation of these unique structures of human civilization," he added.

Mavroyiannis expressed the view that the destruction of cultural heritage is an old scourge that needs to be eradicated collectively by the international community in close cooperation with UNESCO, as well as other relevant UN bodies and multilateral institutions.

He also referred to the most recent renewal of a bilateral agreement between Cyprus and the United States on import restrictions of Byzantine ecclesiastical and ritual ethnological material from Cyprus, unless such material is accompanied by an export permit issued by the Government of Cyprus.

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