- Dimitris Koufodinas: 12 years for complicity in explosion + 3x15 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros: 18 years for perpetrator of the explosion + 3x18 years for three counts of attempted murder. - Vassilis Tzortzatos: 12 years for the explosion + 3x15 years for three counts of attempted murder. - Alexandros Giotopoulos: as moral instigator, 18 years for the explosion + 3x18 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 12 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 18 years for the death of the policeman + 11x15 years for 11 counts of attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros, as perpetrator: 18 years for the explosion + life for the policeman's murder + 11x18 years for 11 counts of attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as accomplice: 18 years for the explosion + life for the murder + 11x18 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos, for simple complicity: 12 years for the explosion + 18 years for the murder + 11x15 years for attempted murder. - Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: 18 years for the explosion + life for the murder + 11x18 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas, for simple complicity: 5x15 years for five counts of attempted murder + 12 years for the explosion (caused by a hand grenade) + 5 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Savvas Xiros, as perpetrator: 5x18 years for attempted murder + 18 years for the explosion + 18 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Christodoulos Xiros: 18 years for attempted murder of one of the policemen + 12 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 4x15 years for simple complicity in the attempted murder of the other 4 policemen + 12 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Sotiris Kondylis: 3x10 years for simple complicity on three counts of attempted murder against police officers + 2 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 12 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 15 years for attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as perpetrator: 18 years for the explosion + 18 years for attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros, for simple complicity: 12 years for the explosion + 15 hears for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: 18 years for the explosion + 18 years for attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as accomplice: life for the explosion + life for murder + 8x18 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos, for simple complicity: 18 years for the explosion + 18 years for murder + 8x18 years for attempted murder.

- Costas Telios, for simple complicity: 10 years for the explosion + 11 years for murder + 8x10 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: life for the explosion + life for murder + 8x18 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: life for murder + 18 years for attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros: 18 years for murder + 15 years for attempted murder

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life for murder + 18 years for attempted murder (as moral instigator).

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 18 years as simple accessory.

- Savvas Xiros: life as perpetrator. - Sotiris Kondylis: 12 years as simple accessory, with mitigating circumstances. - Alexandros Giotopoulos: life as moral instigator.

- Vassilis Xiros: 15 years as simple accessory to murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life as moral instigator to murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas, as co-perpetrator: life for murder + 4 years for illegal possession and use of arms.

- Savvas Xiros, as co-perpetrator: life for murder + 4 years for illegal possession and use of arms.

- Vassilis Xiros, for simple complicity: 12 years for murder + 3 years for illegal possession of arms.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, for moral instigation: life for murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 12 years as simple accessory in the explosion.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 years as perpetrator for the explosion.

- Vassilis Xiros: 7 years for simple complicity.

- Sotiris Kondylis: 5 years for simple complicity.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for moral instigation.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 12 years for the explosion + 2x15 years for two counts of attempted murder (two injuries), as simple accessory.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 years for the explosion + 2x18 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Xiros: 7 years for the explosion + 2x12 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for the explosion + 2x18 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitris Koufodinas: 15 years

- Christodoulos Xiros: 18 years

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 18 years

- Dimitris Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros and Vassilis Tzortzatos: 23x15 years for 23 counts of attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros and Alexandros Giotopoulos: 23x18 years for attempted murder.

- Patroklos Tselentis: 23x12 years for attempted murder.

The bench prosecutor also called for severe sentences for a series of other bomb attacks and robberies.

In all, Alexandros Giotopoulos faces 21 life sentences, Dimitris Koufodinas 13 life sentences, Christodoulos Xiros 10 life sentences, Savvas Xiros 6 life sentences, Vassilis Tzortzatos 3 life sentences, and Iraklis Kostaris 1 life sentence.

According to estimates, the remaining years of imprisonment (beyond the life sentences) proposed for Giotopoulos and Koufodinas exceed 2,000 years each, which translates into 25 years imprisonment.

The long-awaited trial opened Monday, March 3, at the women's section of the Korydallos prison, near Piraeus, under stringent security measures, and adjourned on November 24, after 162 sessions.

The court proceedings were presided over by Appeals judge’s president Michalis Margaritis, 64, who joined the judicial corps in 1972 after receiving a degree from the Athens Law School and post-graduate studies specializing in European Law in London. The other justices sitting on the bench were appeals judges Nikolaos Zairis, 57, and Vassilis Kourkakis, 63. The prosecutor representing the State was 64-year-old appeals judge Christos Lambrou, a veteran to the judicial corps which he joined in 1969.

Prosecution witnesses numbered more than 350, among them 40 foreign nationals. Defense lawyers numbered 150, while the accused faced charges for an overall total of some 2,000 crimes.

Below is an overall tally of the bench prosecutor's proposed prison sentences for the 15 convicted 'November 17' terrorist group members:

Alexandros Giotopoulos: 21 life terms + 2,440 years.

Dimitris Koufodinas: 13 life terms + 2,446 years

Christodoulos Xiros: 10 life terms + 1,640 years.

Savvas Xiros: 6 life terms + 2,076 years.

Vassilis Tzortzatos: 4 life terms + 1,537 years.

Iraklis Kostaris: 1 life term + 67 years.

Patroklos Tselentis: 371 years.

Vassilis Xiros: 176 years.

Costas Telios: 112 years.

Sotiris Kondylis: 49 years.

Kostas Karatsolis: 48 years.

Thomas Serifis: 37 years.

Vassilis Georgiadis: 17 years.

Pavlos Serifis: 10 years.

Nikos Papanastasiou: 10 years.

The long-term imprisonment sentences (apart from the life terms), cumulatively add up to 25-year imprisonment.

The bench prosecutor has called for a total of 11,036 years incarceration (apart from life terms) for the convicted defendants, while the total fines proposed for the instances of bomb explosions add up to 244,500 euro.

[02] U.S. justice dept. spokesman does not comment on reports about N17 extradition

WASHINGTON, 11/12/03 (ANA/A. Ellis)

[03] Comments by Welch, Tsantes children

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

One of Welch’s two sons told reporters that he arrived in Greece with his sister to honor their father as well as the other victims, both Americans and Greeks. The son and daughter of George Tsantes said they arrived for the same reason, saying they were pleased that the trial, which included charges related to the US Navy captain’s 1983 assassination, was finally concluded.

Nevertheless, Tsantes’ two children lamented the fact that the actual killer of their father, a distinguished Greek-American graduate of Annapolis and a nuclear physicist, was not specifically identified. Only the convicted mastermind of the notorious terror gang was convicted in the Tsantes murder.

The children of Richard Welch, a Harvard-educated classicist that served as the CIA’s station chief in Athens when assassinated by N17 in December 1975, stressed that they will do whatever is in their power to bring to justice two people they said were involved in their father’s murder, a reference to two out of the four suspects acquitted on Monday. The two were sitting amongst the public in the court during Wednesday sentencing phase.

Welch’s son added, however, that the trial should have taken place 28 years ago.

Finally, they said they were impressed by Greek authorities’ actions related to the trial and prosecution of the N17 defendants.

[04] Latest poll shows ND lead over PASOK at June levels

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The 8.2-percent difference comes after the ruling party apparently closed the gap somewhat over the summer and until October, when it announced a series of political and economic initiatives.

According to the MRB firm’s poll, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was preferred by 5.1 percent of respondents, followed by 3.6 percent for the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos); 2.1 percent for DIKKI; 2.7 percent for the newly formed LA.OS and 17 percent declaring themselves undecided.

The highest percentage of uncertainty was declared by respondents preferring Synaspismos, 27.6, and PASOK, 20.1 percent.

Conversely, respondents choosing KKE and ND were surer of their preference, with only 12 and 9.4 percent, respectively, saying they were uncertain of their choice.

The ruling party also had a lower level of rallying (69.3 percent) of its supporters than the main opposition (91.6 percent).

On the much-debated question of “who is better suited for prime minister?”, a point of contention in practically every opinion poll in the country, the MRB poll revealed that when asked to choose spontaneously, ND leader Costas Karamanlis led Prime Minister Costas Simitis by 30.7 to 29.1 percent, while other political leaders mostly earned support similar to the percentage garnered by their respective political parties.

Other spontaneous choices for best-suited prime minister were Foreign Minister George Papandreou (8.1 percent) and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni (3.7 percent).

In a head-to-head comparison, Simitis garnered 40.3 percent to Karamanlis’ 39.7. “Neither of the two” was the given answer given by 18.6 percent of respondents.

Finally, 62.2 percent of respondents said they believe ND will win the next elections, compared to 23.4 percent for PASOK.

Gov’t reaction: “Opinion polls can help with analyses but they do not foretell the final opinion of citizens,” government spokesman Christos Protopapas said, while criticizing the main opposition for what he called its “hidden agenda” and “double-talk”.

Chrysohoidis downplays latest poll; meets with PM Simitis: Ruling PASOK’s leadership on Wednesday downplayed the latest opinion poll showing the party trailing main opposition New Democracy (ND) party, with PASOK secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis saying his party always trailed in the polls before coming in first during the elections.

Chrysohoidis made the statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, adding that any differences between the current polls and the upcoming general election can be ascertained by ongoing elections for agriculture cooperatives around the country, which he said were being won by PASOK.

[05] Gov't rejects industry's call for early national elections

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

Skandalidis stressed that the present government had the people's mandate for four years and would hold elections at the end of that time, in April or May, as announced by the prime minister.

''This is our final decision,'' he added.

He stressed that the party was united behind Costas Simitis and determined to win, while he expressed certainty that the ''champions of the opinion polls will be runners-up in the elections in spring'' in a reference to recent opinion polls giving main opposition New Democracy a clear lead over the ruling party.

Responding to questions, Skandalidis categorically denied that his earlier meeting with the prime minister was in any way connected to early elections.

He again underlined that the government would exhaust its entire four-year term in order to complete its work and that his meeting with the premier had covered the initiatives underway at the interior ministry.

Among these he listed the bill for ''statement of means'' declarations that will be tabled on Thursday, the bill for a new electoral system to be tabled within the week, and the new local authority code to be tabled next week.

He also announced plans to table a draft bill on public administration targets and the assessment of civil servants before Christmas.

On the ruling party's bad showing in opinion polls, Skandalidis said this was the ''lull before the final battle'' and predicted that PASOK would rally in the last stretch toward the elections as on previous occasions.

Kyriakopoulos' comments were criticized by PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis, who also noted that it was not the SEB president's job to ask for elections.

He stressed that Greece's economy was currently at its best possible point and that growth rates were at their highest level since the Greek state was founded, as well as being the highest in Europe.

Earlier in the day, the Association of Greek Industry's head, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, told reporters that he believed the country was experiencing a pre-election period that had begun in September and would end in April, at great cost to the economy.

Kyriakopoulos said that the national ballot due in April 2004 should be held well before that month.

''The economy cannot wait until May (when a new government takes office),'' he warned.

Interior minister rejects SEB president's call for early elections; meets PM: Emerging from a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday, Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis rejected an indirect call for early elections by Union of Greek Industry (SEB) president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos and urged him to "stay out of the political life of the country, because it's not his business".

Skandalidis stressed that the present government had the people's mandate for four years and would hold elections at the end of that time, in April or May, as announced by the prime minister.

"This is our final decision," he added.

He stressed that the party was united behind Costas Simitis and determined to win, while he expressed certainty that the "champions of the opinion polls will be runners-up in the elections in spring" in a reference to recent opinion polls giving main opposition New Democracy a clear lead over the ruling party.

Responding to questions, Skandalidis categorically denied that his earlier meeting with the prime minister was in any way connected to early elections.

He again underlined that the government would exhaust its entire four-year term in order to complete its work and that his meeting with the premier had covered the initiatives underway at the interior ministry.

Among these he listed the bill for "statement of means" declarations that will be tabled on Thursday, the bill for a new electoral system to be tabled within the week, and the new local authority code to be tabled next week.

He also announced plans to table a draft bill on public administration targets and the assessment of civil servants before Christmas.

On the ruling party's bad showing in opinion polls, Skandalidis said this was the "lull before the final battle" and predicted that PASOK would rally in the last stretch toward the elections as on previous occasions.

Kyriakopoulos' comments were criticized by PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis, who also noted that it was not the SEB president's job to ask for elections.

He stressed that Greece's economy was currently at its best possible point and that growth rates were at their highest level since the Greek state was founded, as well as being the highest in Europe.

Union leader blasts industrialists over election call: The head of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece, Christos Polyzogopoulos, on Wednesday sharply criticized the Association of Greek Industry whose chief said that early national elections were needed to protect the economy.

Polyzogopoulos said in a statement that the association's president, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, had no right to intervene in political and party procedures.

He should also respect the workings of parliamentary institutions and the constitution, which determine the country's political system and national elections, Polyzogopoulos added.

More ministers reject industry's call for early elections: Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Wednesday rejected a call for early elections made by the head of the Association of Greek Industry earlier in the day.

''Elections take place within a constitutional framework, but it seems there are some who do not wish to see measures completed that have been announced by the government, and do not wish to see the government's tasks completed,'' Christodoulakis told reporters in response to a reporter's question.

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said the association and other bodies ''are in no danger from democracy.''

[06] ND leader outlines party's goals during first six months in government

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

Addressing his party's parliamentary group, Karamanlis said an ND government's top priority will be the success of the Athens Olympics and he stressed that nothing must interfere with preparations for the Games.

The next priority will be to fully and sensibly use funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework for new major infra-structure, on establishing a common set of rules for all and an in-depth public finances overhaul accompanied by a complete audit.

He also accused the government of drafting the 2004 budget with the conviction that it would not actually have to implement it.

Responding to criticism from the government, meanwhile, Karamanlis denied charges of exaggeration and doom-mongering and claimed that he recognized the positive steps that had been made.

He called on party officials to be on guard against government attempts to distort ND's positions and confuse the public but urged MPs not to respond to attacks that aimed to polarize debate in the same fashion. He advised MPs to display self-control and moderation in their responses, noting that temperate stance would make a better impression on voters.

[07] Greece, Turkey sign ICAO regulations agreement on new air corridors

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

This agreement, signed between the two countries' relevant authorities, includes all the necessary technical regulations, which were a precondition to make operational the air new corridors, created by the ICAO September agreement, Beglitis noted.

He added that this development is especially positive and secures the interests of Greece and contributes to the increased safety of civil aviation flights in the wider Aegean region.

[08] FM Papandreou addresses 'Society of Information' conference in Geneva

GENEVA, 11/12/03 (ANA/F. Karaviti)

''Unfortunately, the digital 'gap' is continually growing. Our world village in reality is not so global, as only 6 per cent of the planet's population has access to the Internet. The lack of access to information is translated into a refusal of participation both in the democratic procedures as well as in the economy which is based on knowledge,'' the foreign minister added.

Papandreou referred to the way with which ''the Society of Information affects all aspects of our life, as individuals are informed and participate in the political process.'' He noted that even though ''democracy functions effectively for the western countries, the increase in the participation of citizens who participate in elections and democratic dialogue through the technology of information can contribute to a better and healthier democracy.''

The Greek minister reminded of the initiative taken by Greece during its presidency of the EU in the first half of 2003 with the experiment of the digital vote (e-vote), where the citizens had the opportunity to express their views on issues such as European integration, enlargement, immigration and the new Constitution.

''More than 70 per cent of those who voted said that they would welcome very positively a similar forum in the future,'' he said.

Papandreou concluded by referring to the prospects, which are opening from the development of the society of information. ''We must give the citizens the possibility for themselves to transform this world society of information. Only in this way will we cultivate this new world public space. A very important change would be the transition from public administration to 'electronic democracy', which will contribute to the creation of a more economical and more effective public sector.''

The conference will continue on Thursday, while the Greek delegation will organize in the morning a parallel event on the theme ''The promise of electronic democracy (e-democracy).

[09] EU seen approving cooperation plan for Greece, Turkey this month

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The plan involves expenditure of 65.3 million euros, with Greece contributing 46.6 million euros and Turkey the remainder for cooperation in economic development, employment, infrastructure, quality of life and the environment, Pachtas told reporters.

[10] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national airspace

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

In all cases, the 41 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek jets. It was also reported that seven of the Turkish jets were armed.

[11] 20th round of Greek-Turkish talks taking place in London

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

[12] 'Guarded optimism' in Athens that Europe will approve new EU constitution

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

According to government spokesman Christos Protopapas, Athens was in favor of approving the draft European Constitution during the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to be held after the summit, saying that this would make the Union more effective for its citizens and, in consequence, for Greeks.

Protopapas was speaking after a government meeting to discuss preparations for the EU summit, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Earlier, the spokesman announced that a Greek delegation headed by Simitis will be departing for Brussels at 16:00, where the prime minister will give a press conference on Friday and on Saturday afternoon or evening, depending on the progress of work at the IGC.

He said the IGC, which will focus on the effort to approve the draft European Constitution, will be preceded by the regular six-monthly summit organized by the Italian EU presidency, which will discuss issues such as European development, employment and international affairs.

According to Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, who was also present at the meeting, it was premature to predict the final outcome of talks on the EU constitution. He stressed that, while all sides desired a conclusion on the issue, several thorny issues about the decision-making process had yet to be settled.

[13] PASOK's Eurodeputies to visit Evros, Rodopi prefectures

PASOK's Europarliament Deputies George Katiforis, Ioannis Koukiadis and Manolis Mastorakis will conduct a three-day tour of Evros and Robopi prefectures northern Greece to brief the local public of developments in the European Union .

Two events will be organized as part of the tour, where they will discuss the ''Challenges in a growing Europe''.

Speaking of the tour, Katiforis said that it is important for us Eurodeputies to meet with the citizens of our region and to listen to their issues, while it is useful for citizens to be briefed about the decisions that are made in Brussels, decisions that will affect their everyday life''.

[14] Women ask for presidential support in pushing for more representation

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The delegation briefed the president on the success of measures taken for the representation of women on local election tickets and cautioned that Greece was in last place among the 15 EU member-states, as well as in the enlarged Europe of the 25 in women's representation in politics and in decision-making centers. The president pledged his support for their cause.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of December 10 2003

Parities in euro

Foreign Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,233 1,205

[15] SAE World Congress in Thessaloniki to be dedicated to 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

During the congress, a review will also be made of SAE's work during the past two years while its new objectives for the next four-year period will be determined. Furthermore, decisions will be taken on the institutional changes in the operation of organized Hellenism in light of the voting of the executive law of the constitution for the SAE which is being advanced by the foreign ministry.

In a press conference in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis said the congress will contribute to the process for the renewal of SAE and the safeguarding, as much as possible, of its representation. Therefore, for the first time, taking part as regular delegates, will be representatives of the Greeks of Istanbul and Albania, while the status of observers is abolished. Also taking part will be 60 new organizations.

On his part, SAE President Andrew Athens said at the press conference that Greek expatriates will contribute for the success of the Olympic Games, noting that a briefing campaign will start in schools in the U.S. and Canada.

[16] Organizers to withdraw 'offensive' painting from Outlook art exhibition

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The painting by Belgian artist Thierry de Cordier depicts Christ carrying the cross while a penis intruding from the side ejaculates over it. It has triggered incensed reactions from members of the public and several members of main opposition New Democracy.

ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos slammed the specific painting as ''vulgarity that doesn't generate culture'' and said it offended the ideals and spiritual values of Greek society.

Former ND leader and MP Miltiades Evert, meanwhile, sent a letter to Venizelos saying the painting was ''brutally offensive to Christianity'' and called on him to have it withdrawn from the exhibition and to inflict appropriate penalties on those that allowed it to be put on show.

In an announcement released on Wednesday, Venizelos said the board of the Organization for the Promotion of Greek Culture and the director of the exhibition decided to withdraw the work in question and replace it with an announcement explaining why it had been withdrawn.

According to Venizelos, he had first been informed about the reactions to the painting on Tuesday night.

''The intense discussion this has provoked tends to overshadow the essence of the exhibition and prevent the broad public from coming into contact with modern art,'' Venizelos said.

In view of this and because the aim of Outlook was to represent international trends and provoke the public's genuine interest in modern art, it was considered best for the work to be withdrawn, the minister added.

[17] Mt. Athos exhibition to travel to Spain's Granada

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The exhibition is part of an international symposium for the 550 years since the fall of Constantinople.

The first time the exhibition was shown to the public was in 1999 in Thessaloniki and then again the same city in 2001, making this the first time these exhibits are shown outside the country.

[18] Labor ministry clarifies requirements for renewals of immigrants' work permits

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The labor ministry noted that due to a misunderstanding immigrants were requested to prove that they were employed and their social insurance dues paid for 300 days, in order to renew their permits.

With the new circular, the ministry clarified that immigrants are requested to prove that they have paid insurance dues for the time period corresponding to their work permit, excluding, however, the days that they can prove that they did not work, either having declared that they were unemployed, or because they were not in country (via their passport) or due to illness.

[19] Earthquake measuring 4.5 on Richter scale rocks Crete

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 50 kilometers east of Koufonisi and was most strongly felt in Sitia and Ierapetra.

No damage was reported.

[20] Fifty-one ancient graves discovered in Serres

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

Other graves have been discovered on the western side of the present-day settlement in the past.

According to archaeologists, the majority of the graves are empty and several have been looted, though some of them contain clay urns and copper jewelry that have been transferred to the Serres archaeological museum.

They also show that burial was preferred during funeral rites in the archaic era, while funeral pyres prevailed in Hellenistic times.

[21] US embassy: Visa applications only by appointment as of Jan.

Athens, 11/12/03 (ANA)

According to the embassy, the change was decided in order to streamline visa issuance and to avoid long waits for visa applicants.

Visa applicants will be able to schedule their own appointment, for dates and times of their own choosing by contacting the embassy at 7202442 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In the near future, applicants will be able to scheduled appointments on the embassy’s website, www.usembassy.gr

There is no charge for making a visa appointment.

[22] UN staff for Iraq to operate from Cyprus

UNITED NATIONS, 11/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

In a report to the Security Council, Annan said UN staff would make only periodic trips to Iraq.

He said international officials would go to Baghdad on special visits only from Nicosia, Cyprus, or a smaller office in Amman, Jordan.

Humanitarian activities would be carried out largely by national staff that would need additional security.

The Nicosia office would be staffed by some 40 political, human rights, public information, humanitarian, administrative and security officials. This core team could be increased to 60 once a special representative is named.

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