Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC's Rogge pleased with 2004 preparations

[02] Papadopoulos: Annan Plan provides all prospects for settlement

[03] FM spokesman on agreement over air corridors, minefields

[04] Greece plans to destroy its landmines on Greek-Turkish border

[05] FM to participate in EU FMs meeting in framework of Intergovernmental Conference

[06] Deputy FM meets with Russian counterpart in Athens

[07] Israeli envoy reiterates his gov'ts satisfaction with Olympics security planning

[08] Foreign ministry spokesman declines comment on Turkish anti-Americanism poll

[09] Interior minister calls opposition to dialogue on local gov't problems

[10] Noted politician, academic Pesmazoglou dies at 86

[11] Political leaders express condolences for Pesmazoglou's passing

[12] PM's rejoinder to Karamanlis

[13] Corruption, bureaucracy cost Greece 10 bln euros, ND replies to PM

[14] Karamanlis' rejoinder

[15] Hellenic Railways tenders studies for new western rail link

[16] Greek National Tourism Organization gets new chief

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch to respond to Athens' Holy Synod via letter

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Austria in March

[19] Data concerning Greece released on occasion of World Day Against AIDS

[20] Photographic exhibition to open in Athens' airport

[21] CoE gives a week for delegations to study sanctions document for Turkey

[22] US Congresswoman: we must focus our attention to Ankara for Cyprus solution

[01] IOC's Rogge pleased with 2004 preparations

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Rogge spoke during a press conference at the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee’s Nea Ionia headquarters, a day after attending a high-profile ceremony officially unveiling the global route for the Olympic torch relay.

Touching on a handful of projects that in the past earned the IOC’s close scrutiny, Rogge told reporters he was pleased with the progress of construction for domes over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA) and an adjacent velodrome.

Asked about elections in the country next spring, the powerful IOC president said he does not believe the campaign will affect Olympic preparations in any way, saying everyone wants the 2004 Olympics to be successful.

He said the same holds true if there is a change of government, saying that a changeover two or three years before the Games can certainly affect preparations, but not two or three months before the Olympics -- particularly in terms of security planning or measures.

Asked about the all-important security issue for the Games, Rogge again stressed that this field is the number one priority around the world following Sept. 11, something that is always the IOC’s primary concern as well. He again stated that it is impossible to absolutely, 100 percent, guarantee security for the Games.

Finally, he said the IOC will examine the issue of holding the men’s shot-put event in ancient Olympia comprehensively, with the final decision resting with the Lausanne-based organization’s executive council.

[02] Papadopoulos: Annan Plan provides all prospects for settlement

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking during a press conference to foreign correspondents at the end of his three-day official visit to Athens, President Papadopoulos pointed out that there is no other prospect for a Cyprus settlement apart from the Annan Plan.

The aim of the Republic of Cyprus is to solve the Cyprus problem and it will not abandon efforts for a solution before 1st May 2004, Papadopoulos pledged.

''If Cyprus enters divided, problems will be created but none are insurmountable whereas a solution will be for the benefit of all the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,'' Papadopoulos said, adding that only through bicommunal negotiations on the basis of the Annan Plan, the Greek Cypriot side is looking forward to a solution to the Cyprus problem.

However, he said that ''because there are no hopes'', because of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the commander of Turkey's General Staff, and occupation leader Rauf Denktash, ''I cannot say that I drop everything or sign the Annan Plan as it is''.

Papadopoulos remarked that the ''plan requires changes to make it functional'', and referred to the decision of the UN Security Council where the ''proposals of the Greek Cypriot side were within the parameters of the Annan Plan and can be discussed without changing the philosophy of the plan''.

Asked about the so called elections in the occupied areas and the possibilities of solving the Cyprus problem if the ''opposition'' wins, President Papadopoulos said that with Denktash supporting the creation of two ''states'' and two ''sovereignties'', ''it is impossible for there to be a solution''.

At the same time he pointed out that even though the Turkish Cypriot ''opposition'' pledges to be ready for talks ''for two separate states'', ''at least they view positively the negotiations. Therefore, between the choice of certain failure and hope, I choose hope,'' he added.

Papadopoulos said that the price of reaching an agreement imposes on us to accept the facts, noting that ''we are not beginning with a blank paper to find a solution and we know that the only way to a solution is through negotiations''.

Referring to the possible repercussions from Cyprus' accession to the EU without a prior solution, Papadopoulos said that ''our effort is to find practical solutions, so that the dividing line will not become a European border, preventing the movement of people and goods'', adding that in the last three months, an effort was launched towards this, noting that progress has been achieved.

Referring to Turkey's future in a united Europe, President Papadopoulos said that ''Cyprus wants Turkey in the EU, bearing in mind that Turkey will comply with the Copenhagen criteria and will behave as a European state. It is inconceivable for one European state to have forces in another European country'' the president added.

Papadopoulos said he fully shares the statement by EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen who expressed sympathy for Turkey following the terrorist attacks but stressed that as far as setting a date for accession talks for Turkey to begin, ''no discounts can be made to European principles''.

Regarding the case of European Court of Human Rights ruling where Turkey was ordered to pay compensation to Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou relating to human rights violations, the president said that it is unacceptable for efforts to secure the payment without direct recognition of the right to return to her property, noting that if the term of 2005 is accepted, then that might become 2007 or 2010 and have negative repercussions to all those who lodge similar appeals.

Furthermore, President Papadopoulos underlined that the Republic of Cyprus is not willing to become involved in any procedure to negotiate the ruling, adding that ''we expect to see how the Committee of Ministers will supervise the implementation of the ECHR decision''.

''The Loizidou case lays down the principles which provide for a solution based on the Annan Plan'', Papadopoulos said, stressing that the issue is whether the Annan Plan can deprive citizens of their rights.

The president also told the press conference that neither the Central Bank of Cyprus nor the Finance Ministry plan to devaluate the Cyprus pound after the island's full accession to the EU, noting that the Cyprus is a country which relies on imports, therefore all imports would become more expensive.

Furthermore, he said the Republic of Cyprus is obliged to grant equal rights for the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the European Parliament elections next year, stressing that Cyprus is entitled to six seats and will take them.

Parliament president reaffirms support for Cyprus solution

There was no one in Greece or Cyprus who did not desire a solution of the Cyprus issue, Greece's parliament president said Thursday, and accused the US and other "factors" of not contributing more decisively in that direction.

"In Greece and Cyprus there is no one who does not desire the resolution of the Cyprus problem but, elsewhere, there are naturally factors who could contribute more decisively -- such as the US -- and are not doing so," Kaklamanis said in statements to the press after a meeting with visiting Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos.

At the same time, Kaklamanis assured Papadopoulos that parliament, on behalf of the Greek people, would continue to stand at the side of the struggling Cypriot people and Cypriot Hellenism until the final vindication of their struggles for the restoration of Cyprus' unity and independence.

The parliament president added that Cyprus' accession to the EU was a given fact, adding that the struggles and efforts of the Cypriot people would be vindicated.

He further said that a resolution of the Cyprus issue would accelerate the entire effort and course.

Cyprus President Papadopoulos visits Archbishop Christodoulos

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos received visiting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos at his office on Thursday.

Archbishop Christodoulos recalled his past struggles when, as he told President Papadopoulos, ''we used to be beaten'' by the police.

He praised the stance and wholehearted support of the Greek Church for the people of Cyprus and wished President Papadopoulos every success in his work.

President Papadopoulos in turn thanked Archbishop Christodoulos for the support of the Greek Church and himself personally for the struggle of the people of Cyprus.

[03] FM spokesman on agreement over air corridors, minefields

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis also clarified that unilateral publication -- by the Greek side -- of a relevant map is independent of the pending process. He added, nevertheless, that the Turkish side has proceeded with a similar initiative. In an unrelated development, the spokesman said technical problems related to the clearing of minefields in the Evros border prefecture – the only land frontier shared by Greece and Turkey – are currently under study. He said Athens’ intention is to quickly overcome difficulties in order for a relevant bilateral agreement to be implemented.

Foreign ministry spokesman says gov't to publicize new air corridors package

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis announced that, following a joint decision by the foreign affairs, defense and transport ministers, Greece notified the ICAO's ''Regional Office'' in Paris on Wednesday of its decision to publicize the package of new air corridors, as it resulted from last September's regional agreement with all the specific coordinates in the Greek aeronautical information manual.

Beglitis said publicizing the package of air corridors safeguards the country's interests absolutely in the framework of this regional agreement and it is an independent process in relation to the development of negotiations for the signing of the Letter of Agreement.

He reminded that the signing of the Letter of Agreement had not been possible so far, adding that Greece will continue the effort, with assistance by ICAO and the general director, to enable a positive outcome in December.

[04] Greece plans to destroy its landmines on Greek-Turkish border

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

''The process for the destruction of the landmines has not begun yet, since there exists a series of practical issues. It is the aim of Greece and Turkey to begin the destruction of the mines on their common borders as soon as this technical process has been completed,'' Beglitis said.

Greece and Turkey submitted the necessary ratification documents for the Ottawa International Treaty to the United Nations last September, Beglitis noted, adding that after the completion of the ratification process the two states will be bound by this treaty.

[05] FM to participate in EU FMs meeting in framework of Intergovernmental Conference

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis announced that the EU's Italian presidency has conveyed its overall compromise

proposal on the European draft constitution which will be discussed during the Intergovernmental Conference.

He said it is a proposal attempting to link individual views and important issues of an institutional nature which have been meeting with disagreement by member-states so far.

Beglitis noted, however, that it is not a comprehensive compromise proposal given that it does not include proposals on all institutional issues. For example, there is no new compromise proposal on the issue of the special majority as well as on the Commission's composition.

According to the spokesman, there is a series of amendments proposed by the Italian presidency on defense, foreign policy and security issues of the EU, primarily on issues of closer cooperation and mutual defense which will be discussed at the foreign ministers' meeting.

[06] Deputy FM meets with Russian counterpart in Athens

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Magriotis also discussed with his visiting counterpart, bilateral issues, while the Greek deputy foreign minister focused on the issue of the social security pension benefit payments by Russia to Greek political refugees that lived and worked in that country for a time.

The two men also discussed energy issues, which included the necessity for the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline. The memorandum was signed by Greece and Bulgaria in January 2003.

[07] Israeli envoy reiterates his gov'ts satisfaction with Olympics security planning

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Israeli envoy Ram Aviram reiterated his government’s satisfaction with the course of Olympic security preparations and planning ahead of the much-anticipated “Olympic homecoming”, a sector directly managed and overseen by Greece’s public order and defense ministries.

“Yes, we feel that there is an intense effort to make sure this is a unique event (the Olympics); we’re satisfied with the way things are going at the moment,” Aviram, who officially assumed his post in Athens in May, said.

Asked about the prospect of his government requesting that Israeli personnel be posted here for the security of Israeli athletes and coaches during the Athens Games, the envoy merely noted that “when the time comes we will make a decision (to request this or not)”.

Referring to the actual terror attacks in Istanbul, particularly the first twin bombings against synagogues in the ancient Bosporus metropolis, the Israeli envoy first emphasized that Jews were attacked simply because they were Jews, whereas he noted that no change in the region’s political situation was achieved with the suicide attacks.

Speaking during a press briefing for local reporters, Aviram also touched on other issues related to Greek-Israeli ties, reiterating that official Israeli recognition of Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos is still pending. “The problem has not been solved, that’s the bottom line … I hope it will be solved quickly,” he said, adding however, that numerous “angles” relate to the specific ecclesiastical issue in the Holy Land.

In opening his comments, Aviram said Greek-Israeli relations are most definitely going in the “right direction”, with the focus over the coming period falling on economic and trade relations, especially cooperation in third countries. Among others, he cited heightened interest on both sides for cooperation in the Balkans as well as Greek interest for enhanced business ties with Israel and Israeli firms.

Other topics discussed included the new Palestinian government, Israel’s positions vis-a-vis Syria and Iran, as well as the Sharon government’s views amid international criticism of a massive concrete security fence that Israel is building in the West Bank.

In prefacing in comments about the prickly Mideast peace process, Aviram referred to a “mutual goal” of a secure and tranquil Israel and the fulfillment of the Palestinians’ national aspirations for an independent state.

Finally, the Israeli diplomatic mission in the Greek capital unveiled its new website at http://athens.mfa.gov.il

[08] Foreign ministry spokesman declines comment on Turkish anti-Americanism poll

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

The spokesman said one cannot comment on the results of opinion polls, adding that a country's public opinion is free to set out its views, positions or fears on domestic or foreign policy issues.

Asked whether there is a connection between the terrorist strikes and the situation prevailing in Iraq, Beglitis recalled statements by the prime minister and the foreign ministry according to which the prolongation of deadlocks in the wider Middle East region fuels blind violence and conflicts.

Beglitis further said there are important issues to be settled in the wider region. The Palestinian issue, developments in Iraq and developments in Afghanistan for which solutions must be found which will be legalized through UN processes and with a strong UN role.

The spokesman added that it has been stressed that apart from options of a military type for a solution to international and regional problems, the international community and the UN must also turn to other problems fuelling uncontrolled violence and fanaticism. Namely, the social and economic problems of the societies of the countries of the Middle East.

[09] Interior minister calls opposition to dialogue on local gov't problems

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

He issued the call, responding to criticism by opposition parties during the conference, amidst conflict caused by the critical fiscal problems most municipalities are faced with.

[10] Noted politician, academic Pesmazoglou dies at 86

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

The funeral will take place at the A' Cemetery of Athens on Saturday.

Pesmazoglou was born in the eastern Aegean Island of Chios in 1918, studied law in Athens and graduated with a doctoral degree in economic and political science. He continued his studies in Cambridge, Britain and taught at the University of Athens from 1950 to 1970, save for the 1968-1969 academic year, when the military dictatorship, then ruling the country, suspended him.

He served in several government posts in the 1950s and 1960s resigning however the posts once the dictatorship was imposed in 1967. He led the Greek delegation that negotiated Greece's accession to the then European Economic Community between 1958-1961.

In 1973 he was arrested and held in solitary confinement by the dictatorial government and following the fall of the illegal regime in 1974 he was appointed minister of finance in the government of national unity that led the country to free elections. Pesmazoglou was elected in Parliament for the first time in 1974, 1977 and again in 1985 with the Center Union - New Forces party, while in the elections of 1985 he was elected as an independent, in cooperation with New Democracy.

During his long political career he was also elected at the European Parliament (1981-1984 and 1989-1994) once under the banner of the Democratic Socialism Party to which he was president and once again as an independent cooperating with New Democracy. He was a member to the Academy of Athens since 1992 and its president in 1996.

Pesmazoglou was also an author of monographs on the economy, politics and the society, which focused on the relations of Greece with Europe and the problems of European Integration.

[11] Political leaders express condolences for Pesmazoglou's passing

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

On his part, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis said that Pesmazoglou ''struggled all his life for values and ideals. He waged battles for democracy and freedom. He served and promoted the values of balance and moderation''.

He also lauded his academic work and his devotion to the public interest.

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that Pesmazoglou was a ''creative scientist and a fighter of democracy, a gentle man and an active citizen,'' adding that the late politician was a credit to the university and the Athens Academy, the Parliament and the Europarliament.

PM challenges ND to open its cards during Parliament debate on economy

Addressing Parliament during Thursday's off-the-agenda debate on the economy, Prime Minister Costas Simitis challenged main opposition New Democracy to present its own economic policy program, urging ND to finally open its cards and explain how precisely it intended to achieve its proposed cutbacks in state spending.

The debate on ''The state of the economy and society'' was requested by ND leader Costas Karamanlis.

Simitis particularly questioned the main opposition's claim that it could save up to 10 billion euros a year in funds squandered by the state sector through a 'Refoundation of the State', pointing out that the sum was equal to the combined budgets of the health and welfare, education and public order ministries together.

''How will you save this amount: by shutting down all hospitals, schools and police stations and firing all the doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers...You put forward claims that you fail to substantiate. Claims that are groundless, unsupported and not serious,'' the prime minister said.

He also asked Karamanlis to explain how the abolition of institutions like the financial crimes squad (SDOE) or the civil service exams (ASEP) would save funds for the state sector.

The premier referred at length to the current state of the Greek economy, saying that this presented an utterly different picture from the economy after the end of the last ND government in 1993.

Greece was now a member of the eurozone and unaffected by international upheavals that did not affect the euro, while the country's rate of growth had been higher than the EU average for eight consecutive years, he pointed out.

Simitis also countered opposition criticism about levels of investment and Greece's ability to attract foreign investors. The former had risen from 19 percent of GDP in 1995 to 26 per cent of GDP in the present day, a sizeable portion of which was accounted for by private investment unrelated to the 2004 Olympics, Simitis said.

The premier then quoted an OECD report showing that Greece ranked ninth among OECD countries with the fewest obstacles to investment.

On the government's handling of the European Union funds, such as the 2nd and 3rd Community Support Frameworks, the premier denied that these had been squandered.

According to Simitis, these had gone toward investments and infrastructure like the Athens Metro, the Rio-Antirrio bridge, the Egnatia highway and a host of other projects as well as measures to increase social cohesion, such as higher wages and pensions, better state education, better health services, consumption and homes.

For wages, he said these had increased by 21 per cent above the rate of inflation from 1993-2003 and pensions by 27 per cent above inflation, while social spending had for the first time reached and then surpassed the EU average in 2001, when it accounted for 27.3 per cent of GDP.

Pointing to new measures introduced by the government, such as all-day schools, the Help at Home program for the elderly and the newly established institution of legal aid, Simitis said these were active proof that his government was ''steadily establishing the welfare state'' in accordance with its commitments.

He challenged ND to present its own position on the welfare state and clearly state whether it supported these programs or not, as well as presenting a comprehensive program backed by hard figures and a budget.

''Tell us what you intend to do. We no longer have time to copy you, because this is the excuse you proffered until now. Do you really have a plan to refund [the state] with a budget? Or does the word ''refund'' cover any fanciful plan you come up with at the last moment,'' Simitis stressed.

With regard to public finances, the premier said that a higher-than-predicted budget deficit for 2003, which overshot original estimates by 0.5 per cent than GDP, was ''developmental'' and caused by the completion of projects of the Olympic Games during that time.

He also accused ND of exaggerating its significance and pointed out that much larger economies like those of France and Germany were having problems and had nearly ended up under the supervision of the European Commission - something that Greece had avoided.

Regarding high inflation rates, Simitis said that these were 1.3 per cent higher than the EU average and that the government would further intensify inspections, continue dialogue with market groups and take new measures to promote healthy competition.

He predicted that major improvements in employment levels would come in the next four years, because of the time lag between investment and its effect on joblessness.

Simitis noted that ND had failed to explain how it would achieve its goals of ''greater flexibility'' in the job market, hinting that it intended to roll back labor rights, such as a 2 per cent ceiling on redundancies, redundancy payments and others.

[12] PM's rejoinder to Karamanlis

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

''We now hear that you never said you would reduce state spending by 10 billion. You said the figures came from the European Central Bank report, but this bank sent a document denying this,'' Simitis added.

He again called on ND to explain how it intended to save funds, while noting that most of its pessimistic predictions about government policies and projects had finally proved groundless.

He also accused the main opposition of misrepresenting statistics to suit its purposes:

''Don't talk about poverty when what is measured is an uneven distribution of income, not the absolute poverty of two dollars a day.''

[13] Corruption, bureaucracy cost Greece 10 bln euros, ND replies to PM

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis also denied that his party intended to abolish institutions like the ASEP civil service exams, noting that this was protected by the Constitution in accordance with a proposal brought by ND and could not therefore be abolished by anyone.

With regard to the financial crimes squad SDOE, he noted that this originated from the Prosecution of Financial Crimes unit created by ND and stressed that it had been staffed using party-political criteria.

''Is it coincidence that 90 per cent of the [SDOE] vote for PASKE (a PASOK-affiliated trade union grouping)?'' the main opposition leader asked.

He also denied that ND had a ''secret agenda'' of programs that it was afraid to present.

''We do not say one thing before and another thing after [the elections]. We have not succumbed to the temptation to make promises. Since the summer, you have been promising everything to everyone,'' Karamanlis stressed.

On the contrary, Karamanlis claimed that the government was concealing a ''secret unemployment map'' of 50,000 people throughout the country that was not recorded in the official statistics, which were based on the 1991 census rather than that of 2001 in order to present a fake reduction in unemployment.

Reiterating earlier accusations that the government was keeping ''double books'', drafting unrealistic budgets and hiding spending, Karamanlis said his claims were backed by reports from the General Accounting Office, the State Audit Council, the Bank of Greece governor and the predictions of the European Commission.

He also claimed that Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis had ruled out a reduction in the public deficit before 2005 at the recent ECOFIN council, as well as contradicting all the forecasts in the state budget that he had drafted.

Karamanlis then quoted the Commission forecasts of a slowdown in the Greek economy after 2005, as well as a report on the Greek economy by the magazine ''Economist'', the International Competitiveness Institute and the World Economic Forum.

The references prompted the prime minister's reaction, who pointed out that the European Commission had been wrong in its predictions about the Greek economy and that the ''Economist'' magazine had conceded that the policies of the Mitsotakis government had failed and that the current policies were correct.

He dismissed the World Economic Forum entirely as ''a business that operates using business criteria, in accordance with its relations with the countries involved'' and said its figures were not reliable.

Karamanlis in turn, pointed out that the title of the ''Economist'' report had presented Greece as a model to be avoided and said that Simitis was not helping the country by refuting all the reports of international organizations.

''I'm surprised you did not claim that all these organizations read right-wing newspapers. Are the European Commission and the Bank of Greece my personal friends,'' he asked.

[14] Karamanlis' rejoinder

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Returning to the "secret agenda" theme, meanwhile, he pointed out that the director of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization had announced that OTE would be shedding 4,000 jobs.

The main opposition leader quoted a letter sent from the European Commission that he said was a debacle for the government.

"The Commission says that the institutional framework [for public works contracts] requires fundamental revision. That you allowed contractors excessive license for massive profits, taking advantage of loopholes and imperfections in the law. That some contracts should be drafted based on internationally recognized practice and that you must inspect the quality of all major works before their final delivery. That a large part of the poor workmanship found has not been repaired," Karamanlis said.

[15] Hellenic Railways tenders studies for new western rail link

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

The link, which is part of the EU's transport and energy networks, is between Kozani, Clambake, Ioannina and Igoumenitsa. It will mark completion of the country's main rail infrastructure, linking western ports to the railway grid.

Phased construction is to begin in 2006 with a completion deadline of 2014.

The project's first phase studies cover transport and communications, topography, the environmental and geology ahead of a second phase to be tendered including statistics, electrical engineering and station buildings.

Fifty nine studies totaling 62.5 million euros have so far been tendered with 21 recently put on the auction block worth 21 million euros.

The deadline for bids in the latest tender is the end of February 2004.

[16] Greek National Tourism Organization gets new chief

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

Appointed by the development ministry, Nikos Dimadis replaces Ioannis Patelis as head of the GNTO.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said Dimadis would shoulder the burden of implementing reforms announced by the government in the tourism sector, beginning with an immediate start of operations for a GNTO subsidiary that will handle publicity and marketing.

A second priority was evolving cooperation with the private sector, especially due to a major influx of tourists next year for the Athens 2004 Olympics, Tsohatzopoulous said.

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch to respond to Athens' Holy Synod via letter

The Ecumenical Patriarchate Holy Synod on Thursday approved a letter Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos drafted in response to the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece on the subject of the election of metropolitans in northern regions of Greece.

Sources at the Phanar noted that the letter will be handed to Archbishop of Athens And All Greece Christodoulos.

The same sources said that there will not be an announcement of the letter's content.

[18] Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Austria in March

VIENNA, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

The visit coincides with the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the National School of Vienna, the oldest Greek community school outside the country that has recorded continual operation.

The Greek community in Vienna will also celebrate the bicentennial since the founding of the first Greek Orthodox Church in the city that of Agios Georgios, which is located in the center of the city at what is known as the Greek neighborhood.

The double bicentennial celebration will be held on Sunday March 7, 2004 at the Vienna Metropolitan Church of Agia Triada and will be officiated by the Patriarch, while Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos is expected to be present for the event.

[19] Data concerning Greece released on occasion of World Day Against AIDS

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

The fact that the epidemic seems to be under control in Greece these past three years, this positive image can very easily be reversed.

The above was stated in a press conference on Thursday by Health Minister Costas Stefanis on the occasion of World Day Against AIDS on December 1.

According to data released on Thursday, there were 25 new cases in Greece during the first half of this year, of whom 20 concerned men and five women. During the same period, there were 243 carriers of the virus - 178 men and 61 women.

Since 1983, when a registry began in Greece on the course of the disease, until June of this year, 6,521 carriers were declared, of which 5,241 are men and 1,242 are women.

The most vulnerable age groups are between 25 and 49, particularly between 30 and 34.

The most frequent transmission of the virus in Greece is through sexual intercourse. The most frequent way remains through homosexuality (45.1 per cent of cases) and 18.6 percent through heterosexual contact.

The most encouraging data is that since 2000, the number of AIDS cases in Greece was for the first time below the EU average - a tendency which continues today.

[20] Photographic exhibition to open in Athens' airport

Athens, 28/11/2003 (ANA)

[21] CoE gives a week for delegations to study sanctions document for Turkey

NICOSIA, 28/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Diplomatic sources told CNA that various delegations informed the chairman that they had no instructions on the stance they would take on the contents of the document prepared by the Secretariat in the last week.

Because of the seriousness of the issue, the chairman of the Committee decided to postpone the discussion until next Wednesday, December 3, to allow delegations to become fully informed on the document, the sources added.

The same sources said that in essence, "a small step in the beginning of the procedure" for sanctions on Turkey has begun following the presentation of the document by the chairman of the Committee.

The document includes gradual steps to be taken against Turkey, beginning with painless measures, reaching expulsion of the country from the CoE.

In 1998 the European Court of Human Rights ordered Turkey to pay about one million dollars in compensation to Greek Cypriot Loizidou and told Ankara to allow her access to her property in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus as well as allow her enjoy peacefully this property.

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

[22] US Congresswoman: we must focus our attention to Ankara for Cyprus solution

NICOSIA, 28/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In her article entitled ''Cyprus ripe for reunification?'' published Wednesday in ''Washington Times'' the Congresswoman says that while every administration in the US, both Democratic and Republican, has pursued a Cyprus solution since 1974, ''only recently has America's collective political will to solve the problem reached critical mass.''

Referring to Turkey's intransigence she notes it is ''bewildering'', explaining that ''here is a member of NATO illegally occupying what will soon be a member of the EU - the very family of nations Turkey urgently needs and wants to join - and continuing to deny the opportunity for both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to reunite their country and face a common future as a European nation''.

While many point to the intransigence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash as the reason for the ongoing failure at the negotiating table, she adds, ''it is difficult to accept that this man alone has been able to thwart pressure from the US, the UN and the EU without the resolute backing of Turkey's hard-liners in Ankara, especially the military''.

Underlining that ''it is to Ankara, that we must focus our attention now'', the Congresswoman, member of the US House of Representatives' International Relations Committee, notes that in May 2004, Cyprus will become a permanent full EU member.

''The expressed goal of the United States, as well as the United Nations and the EU, is that Cyprus, the only remaining forcibly divided country in Europe, be reunited by May 2004, so all Cypriots enter the Republic's new EU era, with all of the attendant advantages shared by all'', Ros-Lehtinen adds.

She further notes that US State Department Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston recently re-emphasized the American commitment to restarting UN peace talks for reuniting Cyprus before it enters the EU next May, ''noting correctly, 'This effort has to concentrate on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots'''.

Noting that the window for achieving a settlement remains open and that ''Cyprus' imminent EU accession offers this opportunity'', the US Congress member adds that ''in a region battered by decades of instability and strife, the U.S. and the world community can score a remarkable, bloodless victory for peace by persuading Turkey to abandon, once and for all, its aggression against neighboring Cyprus, and constructively support the resumption of UN-sponsored negotiations to achieve a comprehensive settlement''.

The Congress, she concludes, ''stands firmly behind President Bush on this, and the opportunity before us should not be missed''.

Executive Director of the American Hellenic Institute AHI Nick Larigakis applauded Ros-Lehtinen's ongoing commitment to advancing a solution to the Cyprus problem in the Congress.

Leaders of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH) Andrew Athens, Philip Christopher and Andrew Manatos said that ''this article carries particular weight in official Washington, as Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is a well-respected authority on foreign affairs issues in the US Congress and in the Bush Administration.''

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