Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Simitis calls urgent meeting over Cyprus issue developments

[02] UN-mediated Cyprus talks to continue for third session on Thursday

[03] CoE's Schwimmer says 'historic opportunity' for Cyprus solution must be seized

[04] PM Simitis briefs ND leader on developments on Cyprus issue

[05] Greek EU Commissioner to abstain from duties to take part in election campaign

[06] Samaras formally announces support for ND in elections

[07] Karamanlis to attend Central-Democrats summit in Madrid

[08] VPRC 'electoral barometer' shows no essential change

[09] Poll shows ND leading PASOK 3.1 per cent ahead of March 7 elections

[10] Health minister tours Thessaly, sees improved infrastructure

[11] Greek left-wing parties slam EPP resolution on Communism

[12] Greek Ambassador to the UK meets with Queen Elizabeth

[13] ND leader holds dialogue with businessmen, announces measures for SMEs

[14] Communist party leader addresses welfare workers, outlines party claims

[15] Jobless rate drops to 8.8 pct in third quarter of 2003

[16] Stocks rise in brisk trade

[17] New 'Olympic Bulletin 2004' debuts on Monday

[18] National Olympic Committee members to attend IOC conference in Athens

[19] Czech Airlines plane makes forced landing in Thessaloniki, passengers safe

[20] Yiannis Serifis refuses to testify regarding ELA case

[21] Archaeological symposium begins at Thessaloniki University on Friday

[22] US embassy, consulate in Greece closed on Monday

[23] Pat Cox appeals to President Papadopoulos

[01] PM Simitis calls urgent meeting over Cyprus issue developments

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

It was attended by PASOK leader and foreign minister George Papandreou, who cancelled a trip to Cyprus scheduled for Thursday, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris and a number of advisors and aides to the premier and Papandreou.

The meeting followed a surprise proposal by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash requesting a new, accelerated timetable for the UN-brokered peace talks, which will allow a reunited island to join the European Union on May 1.

Emerging from the three-hour meeting, Papandreou said the negotiations in the framework of the United Nations had now entered a crucial stage and that Denktash's proposals will be "examined so that we get a clearer picture".

He stressed that Greece's goal from the start had been that Cyprus' accession to the European Union would make solving the Cyprus issue a priority for the international community.

''It is we that have asked for a solution to the Cyprus issue and for procedures to be set in motion,'' he said.

The foreign minister also stressed that Athens was in close contact with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to ensure that these procedures did arrive at a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, that was within the framework of UN resolutions and also compatible with EU laws and regulations.

Asked if the Greek side would accept arbitration, Papandreou said that this was among the issues being discussed by the Greek-Cypriot side and stressed that all decisions on such issues of procedure would be taken jointly, in close collaboration with Papadopoulos.

The Cyprus president, meanwhile, has proposed the involvement of the EU in the negotiations.

After the meeting, the prime minister's office announced that Simitis and Papandreou will be meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos at 17:00 on Thursday to discuss developments in the Cyprus issue.

[02] UN-mediated Cyprus talks to continue for third session on Thursday

UNITED NATIONS 13/2/2004(ANA/P. Panagiotou-CNA)

No statements were made by UN officials after the second session on Wednesday, but diplomatic sources said that apparently differences had persisted, although the two Cypriot sides submitted proposals at the session.

One of the proposals put forward by Papadopoulos was for EU involvement in the process.

The sources said that Annan intended to utilize the time ahead of the third session to seek intensification of US pressures on the two sides to accept the terms and timetables he has put forward. They said the UN chief was seeking a 'golden compromise' between his conditions and the points rejected by the two sides so that agreement can be reached to continue the negotiations in Nicosia.

Annan said after the 90-minute meeting on Wednesday that as long as the Cyprus parties are talking, there is progress.

Asked by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) whether the peace talks being held in New York are progressing positively, Annan replied ''they are talking, and as long as they are talking we are making progress''.

To a question if he hopes the obstacles will be overcome and the process will continue, the Secretary-General said ''I wouldn't have asked them to come back, if I wasn't. As long as they are talking we are making progress. We are going to do whatever we can to make progress''.

Replying to press questions after the meeting Wednesday, President Papadopoulos said that the negotiations process rested on the decision to be taken by Annan during the third joint meeting on Thursday.

Asked for his personal assessment as to weather the talks were heading in the right direction and if there was a ''light at the end of the tunnel'', Papadopoulos said: ''If the Secretary General finally decides to call talks, based on the proposals submitted by the two sides, then obviously he assesses that there is a possibility for a solution. We will see on Thursday''.

Questioned on how he perceived the proposal for EU involvement in the efforts for a Cyprus solution, the Cyprus President said that ''consultations would be held between Mr. Annan and the EU, and the Secretary General and the EU would submit proposals. It is our proposal to Mr. Annan that a role be found for the EU'', and expressed hope that Annan would agree to the proposal.

Meanwhile, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard indicated at his daily noon briefing on Wednesday, before the second round of the talks, that the UN believes that anything is possible with regard to the Cyprus peace talks and would not rule out the possibility of seeing the Cyprus peace talks continue at the UN seat.

The spokesman appeared cautious as to the outcome of Wednesday's meeting, saying that ''anything is possible''.

He also said that the fundamental principle at the talks is that the Secretary General would agree to anything the two sides agree to and hinted that this included the methodology, the timetable, the filling in of any gaps in an agreement by the UN and the issue of holding referenda.

Eckhard dismissed press suggestions that the adjournment of the first round of talks on Tuesday meant failure, saying that it was just a pause'', noting that the two sides had been asked to return for a second round on Tuesday.

Asked if the talks would move to Cyprus or continue further at the UN, he replied: ''I think anything is possible, let's see how it goes this afternoon (Wednesday). If it goes well and the talks are then to move to the knots and bolts phase under Alvaro de Soto (Annan's special adviser on Cyprus) we'll have to see where they announce that next phase of discussions to take place.''

Asked whether the Secretary General has any conditions for continuing the Cyprus talks, Eckhard said he did not think that Annan has conditions other than his plan that is on the table. He explained that the Secretary General has already said that ''should the two (sides) agree on changes to that plan, he is ready to make those changes. So it's really up to the sides to come up with a common platform for the referenda. That's what he (Annan) is trying to facilitate''.

Annan has asked the two sides in Cyprus to agree to hold separate simultaneous referenda on an agreed settlement. The sides have indicated that a referendum can be held once there is an agreement.

''I wouldn't want to throw obstacles in the way of talks that are just getting underway. So let them talk, see if they can sort out their differences...'', Eckhard added.

The spokesman refrained from direct comment on whether the Secretary General would agree to changes relating to the methodology of the talks, the timetable or the requests that the points that are not agreed should be filled in by Annan and go to referenda.

''Let's not speculate about how things may proceed this afternoon and what changes either side might ask for. The basic principle is that anything the two sides agree to, the Secretary General would go along with,'' he added.

On the role of the three guarantor powers in Cyprus (the UK, Turkey and Greece) with regard to the talks, he said their representatives are in the wings of the talks and are prepared to help as required should the Secretary General ask for their help. He said Annan is asking for their help and noted that the Secretary General is looking for ''pressure on the parties to negotiate seriously their differences and come to agreement that can be put to simultaneous referenda by the 1st of May'', when Cyprus joins the European Union.

The Secretary General, Eckhard said, has asked the guarantor powers to be here for the talks ''so that he could interact with them and he has interacted with them''.

In Washington, US State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said Wednesday that the UN has asked the US to intervene in the direction of Turkey and Greece with a view at making headway in the latest effort of the Secretary General to find a negotiated settlement before Cyprus joins the European Union on May 1.

The US, Ereli said, continues to urge all sides to do everything possible to support the good offices mission of the Secretary General to settle the question of Cyprus and achieve the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU.

The official said that Secretary of State Colin Powell is active in the direction of all parties involved in the promotion of a Cyprus settlement.

Powell, according to Ereli, had already spoken with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, and intended to communicate with the rest during the course of the day.

Cyprus government spokesman: Cyprus government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said Thursday that UN secretary general Kofi Annan would announce his decision later in the day on Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos' proposal for European Union involvement in the Cyprus talks.

Chrysostomides also categorically denied rumors of disagreement between Cyprus and Greece, and between Papadopoulos and former Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides (who is a member of Cyprus' negotiating team at the UN talks).

Chrysostomides said that the Greek Cypriot side continued to aspire to a re-opening of negotiations between the two Cypriot sides on the basis of the Annan plan, aimed at a solution of the Cyprus problem, "and proof of that is our presence in New York, which is also a productive one".

He said that during the two sessions of the talks on Tuesday and Wednesday at the UN proposals had been submitted by both sides, "which have been discussed and are still under discussion".

The Greek Cypriot side's proposal, he explained, was for resumption of the Cyprus talks on the basis of the Annan plan, under UN auspices, and with the involvement of the EU.

The spokesman declined to comment on the contents of the proposals submitted, or on the talks carried out thus far in New York, in adherence to a request by Annan that the two sides not make any statements on the process currently underway.

Asked to comment on press speculation of a difference of opinion between Papadopoulos and the Greek government on the handlings in New York, Chrysostomides said the rumors were groundless and had not relation to reality.

"I stress that there is full agreement and impeccable cooperation with Athens," he said.

[03] CoE's Schwimmer says 'historic opportunity' for Cyprus solution must be seized

STRASBOURG 13/2/2004 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

''Hope for a political solution has never before been so strong. I fully share the feelings of Cypriots who wish for their leaders to reach an agreement,'' he said.

He also announced plans to invite the leaders of all Cypriot political parties to Strasbourg at the beginning of March, following up a meeting that took place the previous July.

Representatives of other international organizations that are involved with the Cyprus issue will also be invited.

''It is important that the international community is ready to offer its support for the implementation of a solution,'' he added.

Political parties react to Cyprus issue developments: The leaders of the political parties in Greece commented on the rapid developments during negotiations for a Cyprus solution in New York on Thursday, following a proposal for an accelerated timetable for the peace talks put forward by Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis was careful to stress his party's support for the Cyprus government and the Cypriot people, while underlining that Cyprus was a European country and no one could prevent its European course.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga was more critical, saying her party was not happy with the mediatory role played by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in the UN-brokered talks.

''It is blackmail on Annan's part to say 'either accept the plan or chaos','' she said.

Papariga also expressed concern over the involvement of the United States in the process, saying that they hoped to obtain Turkey's consent on the handling of problems in Iraq and were thus preparing to offer Cyprus in exchange.

She said the Cyprus issue had to be extricated from the goals and relations of the U.S. with Turkey's leadership, which were linked to more general Middle East affairs.

Papandreou visit to Cyprus postponed in view of developments: Foreign minister George Papandreou's visit to Cyprus, tentatively planned for Thursday, has been postponed due to an urgent meeting under prime minister Costas Simitis in light of developments on the Cyprus issue.

Simitis called an extraordinary meeting with Papandreou and alternate foreign minister Tasos Yiannitsis on Thursday after ongoing talks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan with Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash at the UN headquarters in New York were extended to a third round to begin Thursday night (Greek time).

[04] PM Simitis briefs ND leader on developments on Cyprus issue

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

Earlier in the day, Karamanlis was also given a briefing by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

According to reports from ND's offices, Karamanlis said he supports the government of Cyprus and stands by the people of Cyprus.

[05] Greek EU Commissioner to abstain from duties to take part in election campaign

BRUSSELS 13/2/2004 (ANA - A. Simatos)

It was announced on Wednesday that Diamantopoulou will head ruling PASOK's state deputy list in the general elections on March 7, which more-or-less guarantees that she will get a seat in Parliament.

A Commission spokesman said that Diamantopoulou had accepted the proposal to head the state deputy list after first consulting Prodi and obtaining his permission.

He said that Diamantopoulou will be replaced during this time by European Commissioner for the environment Margot Wallstrom and that she will not be earning any pay from the Commission of any kind.

The spokesman said that the government that emerged from the March 7 elections in Greece would name Diamantopoulou's successor, who would take over the same portfolio as she had.

He categorically denied that Diamantopoulou's departure would create problems at the upcoming EU summit in March, where several issues belonging to her portfolio are up for discussion, stressing that people left but institutions continued to operate.

Asked by Diamantopoulou had not resigned her position in order to take part in the pre-election campaign in Greece, the spokesman said that her decision was seen as the right move and that it was not necessary for her to resign for political reasons.

[06] Samaras formally announces support for ND in elections

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

''I and my friends throughout Greece will back Costas Karamanlis' New Democracy in the upcoming elections, as we also did in the previous elections,'' Samaras said.

Samaras, who had served as foreign minister in past ND governments, resigned from his parliamentary seat in 1992 in an open clash with then prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis on the FYROM name issue. In 1993 he set up POL.AN., taking several ND deputies with him, thus causing the collapse of the Mitsotakis government.

Samaras noted that he had stated at an unrelated time that he would support ND, and would meet his word.

''I will back ND not only because I gave my word, but because this is imposed by my conscience and dictated by my principles, and this is what I consider useful for the country,'' he added.

He indirectly criticized former ND ministers Stephanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos for their decision to seek election to parliament on the ticket of the ruling PASOK party, noting that he himself had always talked of transcendence and credibility, but added: ''Transcendence means, inter alia, overcoming the old ideological differences, but not the abolition of every ideological difference; and credibility means that the politician must keep his word. Today, some individuals have belatedly discovered transcendence, but they have totally forgotten credibility''.

Samaras said he believed in growth, but rejected social callousness, stressing ''I want a government that is close to the people, but a State that is removed from the party''.

''I endorse liberal ideas, but consider social solidarity non-negotiable, and I believe that those two are mutually linked, and not vice-versa,'' he said.

Samaras said he was backing ND because the main issue today was not ''managing the crisis'' but ''definitively overcoming the crisis''.

Karamanlis thanks Samaras for his support: Responding to the POL.AN leader's announcement, ND leader Costas Karamanlis warmly thanked him for his "clear-cut and unselfish support, which is significant in the crucial electoral contest".

Karamanlis stressed that "united, the day after the elections will find us stronger and more powerful, in order to guarantee a new government with quality for all the citizens".

According to some ND officials, this statement signifies that Samaras will be brought back into ND after the elections and become part of its government.

[07] Karamanlis to attend Central-Democrats summit in Madrid

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

Leaders from more than 90 political parties worldwide, who comprise the Central-Democrats International, are expected to attend, including the prime ministers of Portugal, Norway, Slovakia, Malta, and Estonia, among others.

The summit, which is a continuation of the one held in Corfu in 2002, will deal with international issues as well as cooperation among its party members.

Former PM Mitsotakis refers to political developments in television interview: Former New Democracy party prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, in an interview during the main news bulletin of the MEGA private television channel on Thursday night, criticized the ruling PASOK party of lacking orientation, ideology and policy.

Referring to cooperation Stefanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos will be having with PASOK in the elections, Mitsotakis let it be understood that he will speak after the elections, adding that ''I will not criticize my party. All this does not benefit us at this time. However, I did all I could so that we would not have this development.''

Mitsotakis said, however, that PASOK ''will pay dearly for this option, while they themselves will be harmed, since they ruined their political career with this decision of theirs''.

''I am not aware whether PASOK has decided to implement our policy and it must clarify whether it is a socialist or a liberal party. It cannot have all policies. All this that is taking place in PASOK is not serious,'' he said.

Mitsotakis further stressed that chaos reigns in the ruling PASOK party, which lacks a clear ideology, while party leader George Papandreou is not ready to rule.

He also disclosed that he will not contest the Presidency of the Republic, adding that he does not desire election with a party identity and also because of his age.

Commenting on the issue of Cyprus, Mitsotakis expressed certainty that ''we are being led to a solution because Ankara is obliged to change its stance'' and assessed that it is good that the governments of Greece and Turkey are involving themselves in the issue.

[08] VPRC 'electoral barometer' shows no essential change

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The opinion poll was conducted by telephone nationwide on February 9 and 10 among a sampling of 1,200 voters.

On the question of voter intent, 28.6 percent of respondents said they would vote for main opposition New Democracy party (ND), 28.6 percent for the ruling PASOK party, 3.8 percent for the KKE, 2.4 percent for SYN, 1.0 percent for LAOS, and 0.6 percent for DHKKI, while 13.7 percent said they were "undecided".

The "estimated voter intent", based on specialized responses, was given as follows: 47 percent for ND, 41.5 percent for PASOK, 6.5 percent for KKE, 2.5 percent for SYN, 1.0 percent for DHKKI, and 0.5 percent for LAOS.

With respect to which party was expected to win the March 7 general elections, 47 percent of respondents said ND, 27 percent said PASOK, 26 percent said "neither".

On who was better qualified for prime minister, 45 percent of respondents said PASOK leader George Papandreou, 37 percent said ND leader Costas Karamanlis, while 18 percent said "neither".

Asked whether a more qualified government would be one under Papandreou or one under Karamanlis, 39 percent of respondents said an ND government, while 34 percent said a PASOK government, and 27 percent said "neither".

To the question who could renew the political life of the country more, 37 percent said Karamanlis, 35 percent said Papandreou, and 12 percent said "neither".

[09] Poll shows ND leading PASOK 3.1 per cent ahead of March 7 elections

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The poll was conducted with a sample of 1,964 households.

According to the poll, ND gets 40.9 percent and PASOK 37.8.

As regards the other parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) receives 5.5 percent, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 2.5, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 1.8, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 1.3 while 7 percent are listed as undecided voters.

On the question of which party is expected to win the general elections on March 7, ND gets 51.6 percent and PASOK 35.5.

PASOK leader George Papandreou leads ND leader Costas Karamanlis on the question of which of the two is most suitable for prime minister by 44.3 per cent as against 39.6.

[10] Health minister tours Thessaly, sees improved infrastructure

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

During Thursday's visit to Larisa, he visited the regional national health board (PESYP) for Thessaly, the Larisa General Hospital and the regional university hospital.

He said the government had succeeded in bringing about significant improvements in the health sector that had gone largely unnoticed because of specific infrastructure shortfalls, despite the fact that 17 new hospitals had been built and 26 extended during the last 10 years.

[11] Greek left-wing parties slam EPP resolution on Communism

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

She said the resolution was tantamount to adopting a ban on fundamental human rights in EU candidate-countries and making this politically acceptable.

She also criticized what she called ''the return of a spirit of revenge and a ban on the free expression of Communist ideology by center-right and center-left forces, which seeks to stall the workers' struggle against the reactionary and anti-working-class policies of EU governments''.

According to Coalition party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, meanwhile, the resolution represented ''dangerous, anti-democratic attitudes that point back to other eras''.

Europe's priorities in the future had to be social, democratic and ecological and the Party of the European Left sought to provide an answer those who envisioned Cold-War mentalities and exclusions in order to push developments back into the past, he added.

The resolution tabled by EPP members from the former Communist bloc countries called for the exclusion of former Communists in new member-states from holding any political or other office within Europe.

It said the former Communists were members of oppressive agencies of Communist regimes that were involved in crimes against humanity and attempted to equate Communism with Nazism.

According to main opposition New Democracy spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, whose party belongs to the EPP, ND's representative at the meeting voted against the resolution on the grounds that it adopted extreme positions.

[12] Greek Ambassador to the UK meets with Queen Elizabeth

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

After the ceremony, Skopelitis held a reception at the ambassador's mansion, which was attended by political figures, members of the consul department, members of the UK Foreign Office and leaders of the Greek community.

[13] ND leader holds dialogue with businessmen, announces measures for SMEs

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis announced special incentives for mergers between SMEs and electronic trade and promised to have them financed through European Union programs, banks and chambers of commerce since SMEs constitute the strongest lever of growth.

The ND leader also spoke of a decrease in time for tax violation write-offs and of the reduction of documents necessary to establish a company from 14 to three, adding that bureaucracy is a hostile environment for enterprise.

Karamanlis said an institutional framework must be created for SMEs, as well as a National Council in which the main role will be played by SME representatives as they are aware of problems more than anybody else.

He went on to say the key to the development of SMEs is quality, competitiveness and observance of rules.

Karamanlis stressed that his party will provide more opportunities for working mothers and incentives for the development of enterprise among women, while noting that ND has already made a good effort with the participation of women in election tickets.

He also emphasized that the state treats SMEs with suspicion due to the lack of an explicit institutional framework.

[14] Communist party leader addresses welfare workers, outlines party claims

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

Papariga said the claims set by her party have the guaranteeing of labor and popular rights of both the disabled and their families in their nucleus.

She further said KKE's proposals to handle problems are the right to permanent, full and stable work for all and for those who, according to their disability, can join the production process with suitable training, the right to public, unified, universal and compulsory social security for all and a public and free health system financed by the state and by employers.

[15] Jobless rate drops to 8.8 pct in third quarter of 2003

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The sample survey is harmonized with terms set by Eurostat, the European Union's statistics service, the GNSS said in a statement.

The jobless rate in the third quarter of 2002 was 9.5 per cent.

Unemployment among men was at 5.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2003; and among women at 13.7 per cent in the same period, the statement said.

The highest proportion of unemployment was among youth up to 29 years of age, where joblessness among women was double the rate for men, it added.

[16] Stocks rise in brisk trade

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.50 percent to end at 2,468.50 points. Turnover was 181.00 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.64 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.63 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished with gains of 1.12 percent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 180 to 110 with 64 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of February 12 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,290 1,261

[17] New 'Olympic Bulletin 2004' debuts on Monday

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The pilot phase for the new bulletin begins on Monday, Feb. 16, whereas its around-the-clock operation commences immediately after general elections in Greece, on March 7.

The “Olympic Bulletin 2004” includes: -- News and information about preparations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games -- i.e. activities of the 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) the General Secretariat for the Olympic Games, the Culture Ministry and Sports Under-secretariat, the Hellenic National Olympic Committee and sports federations. -- News and information about the ambitious “Olympic Truce” initiative. -- News and information about 2004 Olympic sports events (test events). -- Features on Greek myths vis-a-vis the ancient Olympic Games. -- Interviews and commentary by Greek Olympic champions and top sports officials. -- Articles on the “Cultural Olympiad” and the “Olympic Truce” initiative.

Moreover, the ANA’s new on-line service provides: -- Features on contemporary Greece, ranging from the economy, politics, culture, the environment, foods and drink, entertainment, as well as fresh ideas for sightseeing, excursions, dining, clubbing and much more during the Olympics in August and Paralympics in September. All of our features will be accompanied by high-quality photography. -- Photo-stories (eight to 15 images) and travelogues of practically every corner of the country, from the cosmopolitan to the “unknown Greece off the beaten path”.

Finally, -- Complete and comprehensive photographic coverage of Olympic preparations. -- The new “Olympic Bulletin 2004” will be available on-line in Greek and English.

For more information on terms and rates, please contact the ANA’s sales and marketing department at 210.64.00.560 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (07.00-12.30 GMT) Monday through Friday, or at sales@ana.gr

[18] National Olympic Committee members to attend IOC conference in Athens

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

During the first two days, the members of the National Olympic Committees will be convening among themselves to determine the agenda of talks they will be having with the IOC's Executive Committee which will start work on February 27.

IOC President Jacques Rogge and National Olympic Committees President Rania Vaskez will be giving a joint press conference for the Greek and foreign media on the same day.

The IOC's Executive Committee will be convening for the first time in 2004 on February 28, while on the next day Rogge will be providing an account of developments during a press conference.

General News

[19] Czech Airlines plane makes forced landing in Thessaloniki, passengers safe

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The airplane had taken off at 5:15 from Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki on a scheduled flight to Prague, and 15 minutes later the pilot contacted the airport's Control Tower to report a malfunction in one of its engines and sought permission to return to Macedonia Airport.

All the relevant safety measures were taken at the airport, and the plane landed normally at 5:45 a.m., where technicians were carrying out repair on the plane.

All 115 passengers were reported safe and well.

[20] Yiannis Serifis refuses to testify regarding ELA case

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

refused to testify or answer questions regarding his alleged involvement in a 1994 bomb attack by the terrorist group Revolutionary Peoples Struggle (ELA).

The bomb attack targeted a riot police bus and fatally injured police officer Apostolos Velios.

Serifis, who was earlier put on trial and acquitted regarding the activities of the terrorist group "November 17", said in his statement that the charges "offend me as a citizen and compromise the justice system, which likes to be called independent".

He stressed that he was being persecuted because of his political beliefs and his involvement in class struggle.

Also called to appear before Zervobeakos on Thursday was Epaminondas Skyftoulis, regarding the killing of journalist Kyriakos Diakoyiannis in 1989. So far, Skyftoulis has neither turned up nor notified the authorities of his intentions.

Meanwhile, the trial of five suspected ELA members continued before the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court on Thursday but was adjourned early so that the justices could attend an Appeals Justices Council meeting.

Thursday's proceedings were mostly taken up with discussion of a request for televised coverage of the proceedings by certain of the defendants and protests by defense lawyers in the case regarding the mandatory security screening they are submitted to when entering the courtroom.

[21] Archaeological symposium begins at Thessaloniki University on Friday

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

The findings, which date back 27 centuries ago, came to light not through archaeological excavations but through the confession to a priest by a gold-digger who gave him the artifacts.

The priest in turn gave the artifacts, which weighed more than 100 kilos, to the region's archaeological department. They consist of metal urns, weapons, jewellery, clay pots and copper coins.

In a statement on Thursday, archaeologist Georgia Karamitrou-Mentesidi, who will address the symposium on excavations in the Kozani prefecture, said:''We are trying to convince gold-diggers to inform us of the exact location of the findings so we can start excavations. It is necessary for the inhabitants to develop a conscience for the salvation and protection of archaeological treasures in their region.''

[22] US embassy, consulate in Greece closed on Monday

Athens, 13/2/2004 (ANA)

[23] Pat Cox appeals to President Papadopoulos

BRUSSELS 13/2/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The appeal came as Papadopoulos prepared to meet for the third time in as many days with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Turkish

Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, following an invitation by Annan to the two leaders to try and resume the stalled peace talks.

A spokesman for Cox told CNA that the appeal is ''an act of solidarity with the people of Cyprus.''

''The resumed talks convened by the United Nations Secretary-General are at a critically important stage. It is encouraging to learn of the extent of what appears to be a potentially significant shift in the negotiating position of your interlocutors,'' Cox said in his statement.

''The terms and parameters set out through the good offices mandate of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, form a good basis for arriving at a balanced solution. Let me, through this correspondence, appeal to you and your good offices as President, to use your best endeavors and your undoubted leadership skills to ensure a successful outcome,'' Cox added.

Asked why Cox felt the need to appeal to Papadopoulos alone at this time, he said the President of the European Parliament ''wanted Mr Papadopoulos to know that he has the full support of the Parliament and of its president at this important time when we may be moving closer towards decisions which affect the future of Cyprus. It is an act of solidarity with the people of Cyprus.''

Asked why a similar appeal was not made to Denktash, the spokesman said Cox has consistently made appeals to the different communities and their leaders over the past couple of years but he does not have to make all his appeals totally simultaneously.

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