Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK leader Papandreou visits Cyprus, says solution feasible by May 1

[02] Papandreou visits Cyprus on campaign trail

[03] PASOK leader addresses rally in Rhodes, criticizes ND leader's mentality

[04] PM Simitis has informal meeting with Swedish counterpart Persson

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou stresses decentralization in 'Radio Crete' interview

[06] ND, PASOK fail to agree on procedure for party-leader televised debate

[07] ND leader blasts PM and PASOK over weather-induced chaos

[08] Papariga says vote to PASOK or ND 'equivalent to political suicide'

[09] ALCO poll shows decrease in ND lead over PASOK

[10] Greek and Serb Balkan Affairs directors hold consultations on February 10

[11] ND leader Karamanlis briefed by farmers on blizzard damages

[12] Coalition leader says farmers need financial support after severe cold snap

[13] Greek tourism authority launches information centers

[14] PM chairs Interministerial Committee, examines Olympic Games preparations

[15] Construction consortium of OAKA roof addresses problems

[16] Athens-Piraeus Prefecture to Support Paralympic Games

[17] Applications deadline for the Athens 2004 Torch Relay

[18] EU guide on prevention of terrorist attacks during major sport events

[19] PM visits 'Attikon' hospital, says it will be operational by end of 2004

[20] Prosecutor to investigate transportation standstill after snowstorm

[21] UN refugee representative satisfied with handling of illegal immigrants

[22] Cyprus' AKEL party reveals initiative for return of Parthenon Marbles

[23] De Soto ready to roll sleeves up to reach Cyprus settlement

[24] Verheugen and de Soto discuss Cyprus in Brussels

[25] Prodi expresses Commission's trust in UN

[26] Cyprus Spokesman: Greek Cypriot side optimistic about talks

[01] PASOK leader Papandreou visits Cyprus, says solution feasible by May 1

NICOSIA 18/2/2004 (ANA/V. Mourtis)

Papandreou also proposed during the dialogue the Olympic Flame's passing through all of Cyprus.

The PASOK leader had a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots' representatives, who showed great interest in both attending the meeting and expressing their views and listening to his replies.

The meeting was held at the Ledra Palace hotel, along the ''green line'' dividing the city of Nicosia, and its biggest part was given live coverage by the Turkish channel NTV.

Papandreou called on the Turkish Cypriots present to contribute, during these last few weeks which may constitute the last phase of the Cyprus issue, more than any time in the past to a solution being achieved.

He also referred to the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, which was made feasible in parallel to efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Papandreou said a solution to the Cyprus issue is helpful and will help Greek-Turkish relations even more and will result in a wider security and stability zone being created in the region.

The PASOK leader also mentioned his proposal for a mutual decrease in military armaments between Greece and Turkey, adding that if elected prime minister he will request a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss and promote the issue.

Papandreou noted that Greece and Turkey can cooperate and help in solving such issues as the Middle East and Caucasus, achieving stability in the Balkans and the dialogue between the West and the Moslem world.

Replying to a question by a Turkish Cypriot journalist on the issues of the Aegean, Papandreou said finding a solution to the Cyprus issue will facilitate a spectacular improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, enabling all issues to be handled.

Referring to the role of the Turkish military and to the stance it is observing, an issue raised by a Turkish Cypriot representative, Papandreou said the Turkish military must realize that the security of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots is the European future.

Earlier, Papandreou has consecutive meetings with House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias and the leaders of Cypriot political parties.

Christofias congratulated Papandreou for his election as PASOK party leader, wished him every success and thanked him for all that he has done for the Cyprus issue so far and for all that he will do in the future.

Papandreou praised the role of Christofias, saying he assisted the rapprochement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as efforts to find a solution to the issue of Cyprus.

He promised to give ''all his forces, as he has done until now'', for a just and viable solution to be found to the issue of Cyprus which will be compatible with the acquis communautaire.

Papandreou added that the international community has the Cyprus issue on its agenda and this is the result of actions by Greece and Cyprus.

Papandreou confers with Cyprus president Papadopoulos: Greece's ruling PASOK party leader George Papandreou appeared optimistic that the negotiations on the Cyprus problem may have a positive development, following talks in Nicosia on Tuesday with Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos.

Papandreou, up until recently the foreign minister of Greece -- he turned over the post to a caretaker minister ahead of general elections in Greece slated for March 7 -- discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and the recent discussions in New York between Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash mediated by UN secretary general Kofi Annan, during which the two sides on Cyprus agreed to hold negotiations for a Cyprus resolution on the basis of the Annan plan.

Papandreou told reporters after the meeting that the negotiations would be tough, but added that, with the participation of the European Union, there could be positive developments, and described as ''unjustified'' the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot side's fear of EU involvement.

The PASOK leader said that he had received a telephone call from Annan on Monday, and that the UN chief had assured him that he was prepared to contribute substantively to resolving the Cyprus problem, while he also briefed Papandreou on the views formed following the New York talks.

Papandreou said he had ascertained that the UN was prepared to play an important role in resolving the island republic's political problem.

He further said that the developments in recent years on the Cyprus issue had overturned the 30-year-old status quo and allowed for hope that a just and viable solution could be found for the Cyprus issue that would be in line with the relevant UN resolutions and also the European Union's 'acquis communautaire'.

The Greek and Greek Cypriot side have placed particular importance on EU involvement in the entire process, considering that it could serve as a catalyst in the efforts for finding a solution that would enable a united Cyprus to participate in the European Union.

Yiannitsis, Verheugen hold phone conversation on Cyprus issue: Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis had a lengthy telephone conversation with European Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen on Tuesday afternoon.

According to diplomatic sources, their discussion centered on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue in view of the resumption of negotiations in Nicosia on Thursday.

Yiannitsis and Verheugen exchanged views on the way with which the European Commission will contribute in the overall procedure by offering expertise on issues related to the acquis communautaire.

Verheugen had a meeting earlier in the day in Brussels with the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

Verheugen is expected to arrive in Nicosia on Wednesday for consultations with all the sides around this issue.

[02] Papandreou visits Cyprus on campaign trail

NICOSIA 18/02/2004 (ANA/V.Mourtis)

Papandreou spoke of a ''new era'' that is emerging, along with ''a new generation of politicians, new in the way they think and in the way they act.'' This new generation Papandreou said, ''wants new politics and a new social organization.''

Saying that the term ''a strong Greece'' does not apply to the entire country due to an imbalance between rural areas and urban centers, Papandreou set as his top priority the creation of equal growth potential throughout the country, if elected.

[03] PASOK leader addresses rally in Rhodes, criticizes ND leader's mentality

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou referred to the ''new generation of politicians appearing in Greece who have a different mentality,'' adding that ''ND's president does not want to belong to this generation.''

The PASOK leader criticized Karamanlis for ''systematically opposing great and bold changes, serving immobility and adherence to yesterday, for opposing the economic policy of PASOK governments, which led the country to security provided by Economic and Monetary Union, for speaking with contempt of the foreign policy which led Cyprus to the European Union and for making sterile opposition and for waiting for the government to fall.''

Papandreou said that on March 7 ''the people will condemn the old-party mentality of Karamanlis,'' adding that ''in the new era the government of PASOK will shield the achievements of the Greek people.''

He also referred to income and committed himself to increasing it, to decreasing unemployment and to multiplying the citizen's possibilities to enable him to secure his future.

Papandreou called on citizens, regardless of their political origin, from the Left and from ND, ''to participate in the new effort by the democratic party.''

''PASOK and the people will achieve a great victory on March 7. A victory for prosperity, employment, education, dignity, solidarity and for youth,'' he said.

[04] PM Simitis has informal meeting with Swedish counterpart Persson

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources, the two premiers discussed the latest developments in the European Union and in the Cyprus issue, European Parliament elections, and the March 7 general elections in Greece.

Persson on Monday night attended ruling PASOK leader George Papandreou's campaign speech in the Cretan city of Iraklio.

[05] PASOK leader Papandreou stresses decentralization in 'Radio Crete' interview

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Outlining his goals in the ''time of Europe of the Regions'', Papandreou said that freeing local forces from suffocating central bureaucracy was necessary for survival, in order to enable the country to grasp opportunities and better cope with the rapid changes that were coming.

He said the state had to become a support for local initiative rather than an obstacle, enabling each society to actualize its visions and to make each region stronger, so that it was able to handle even welfare, education and health matters using participatory methods and using local resources.

Papandreou said that national borders were becoming increasingly less important due to European unification, while the globalized world economy was bringing rapid change, technological developments and major upheavals that a centralized state like that of Greece was unable to cope with.

''A state like ours, which has a history of centralization and 'client relations' [between parties and voters] and where such mentalities are deeply embedded in the consciousness of some people...does not have the ability to develop the reflexes required in today's Europe, with its rapid and major developments,'' he said.

[06] ND, PASOK fail to agree on procedure for party-leader televised debate

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

PASOK is apparently insisting on a more structured debate that is restricted to specific issues listed in an agenda proposed by PASOK leader George Papandreou.

"We want dialogue but not the sort we see in television 'windows', we want political dialogue about policies so that voters can judge for themselves," Athanasakis said, while noting that Papandreou would accept an extension of the agenda he had proposed.

The spokesman also rejected proposals for a televised debate involving the leaders of all the political parties represented in the Greek Parliament and the European Parliament, noting that there were just two potential premiers in the pre-election battle and these were Papandreou and Karamanlis.

On his part, Roussopoulos insisted on unrestricted dialogue without "off-limits" subject matter or questions and was also in favor of allowing reporters to return to a previous question if they felt they had not received a satisfactory answer.

He said debates without restrictions on subject matter had taken place in the elections of 1996 and 2000, while he stressed that ND still wanted a debate in which all the political party leaders could participate.

The two party spokesmen will meet again on Wednesday to continue negotiations.

[07] ND leader blasts PM and PASOK over weather-induced chaos

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

In a speech in Argyroupolis where he presented his party's positions on dealing with everyday problems, Karamanlis accused Simitis of ''disappearing so as not to be a reminder of the continuity of the PASOK system'' while Papandreou tried to convince the electorate that the same things also happened elsewhere.

''After 14 years as a minister, Mr. Papandreou has only just heard of the PASOK system,'' he said.

According to Karamanlis, problems were inevitable in extreme weather conditions but it was unforgivable that they should cause the national highway to shut down, or turn the hugely expensive Attiki Odos into a disaster area or cause the equally expensive airport to close.

Nor was it acceptable in 21st-century Greece for members of the public to be without electricity for three days and for the water-supply network to have serious problems, he added.

Karamanlis also outlined his party's proposals for tackling traffic congestion, creating more parking spaces, protection of the environment, better public transport services and better services for people with special needs.

[08] Papariga says vote to PASOK or ND 'equivalent to political suicide'

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Addressing a gathering of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) employees in Athens, Papariga said that a vote for PASOK or the ND ''would give them the right to use it as approval of their policy,'' adding that the two major parties ''are not rivals but competitors for power.''

Papariga said ''the KKE places issues of confrontation in the entire spectrum of politics, for an overall counter-attack with simultaneous projection of the alternative solution it proposes, that is, the popular alliance which reaches up to quest for power.''

Referring to the manner with which the televised debates are being conducted, the KKE leader said that ''the small parties are used as ornamental elements,'' noting that ''these discussions are far from substantial confrontation.''

[09] ALCO poll shows decrease in ND lead over PASOK

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

More specifically, to a question on voters' intent, 40.8 percent of the respondents said they would vote for ND, 37.9 percent for PASOK, 5.4 percent for the KKE, 3.0 percent for SYN, 1.5 percent for LAOS, and 0.9 percent for DHKKI, while 1.1 percent cast blank votes, 7.2 percent said they did not know, and 0.3 percent said "no reply".

With respect to which party was expected to win the elections, 49.9 percent of the respondents said ND, 31.5 percent said PASOK, and 18.6 percent replied "Don't know/No response".

On the question of who was the most qualified for prime minister, 42.2 percent of the respondents said Papandreou, 39.9 percent said Karamanlis, 13.2 percent said 'neither', and 4.7 percent said "Don't know/no response".

To the question of which party would be more successful as government, 42.5 percent of the respondents said 'ND government with Karamanlis as prime minister', while 39.4 percent said 'PASOK government with Papandreou as prime minister".

[10] Greek and Serb Balkan Affairs directors hold consultations on February 10

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Talks between the two delegations covered a wide spectrum of issues regarding current developments in the Balkans. However, they focused primarily on the issue of Kosovo and on the European prospects of Serbia and Montenegro.

The Greek side urged Serbia and Montenegro to concentrate its efforts on fulfilling the terms which will enable the signing of an Association and Stabilization agreement.

Another announcement issued by the foreign ministry on the same day said two officials from the foreign ministry's Countries of Southeastern Europe department will be assigned in the last week in February to the Bulgarian foreign ministry's Europe 1-Relations with Neighboring Countries department in the framework of a new qualitative form of cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria, inaugurating a program of exchanging officials between the two ministries.

A reciprocal visit by two Bulgarian diplomats will follow in April 2004, who will be assigned to the A3 department.

[11] ND leader Karamanlis briefed by farmers on blizzard damages

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis said an inspection and recording of the damages needed to be made promptly and compensation paid to all those who suffered damages from the extreme weather conditions throughout the country, stressing that the State should not abandon the farmers.

He said a change was necessary in agricultural policy, and pledged that ND would do so after the elections.

[12] Coalition leader says farmers need financial support after severe cold snap

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Speaking from Larisa, where he is to address a pre-election rally and present his party's agricultural program, Constantopoulos stressed the immense damage that farmers had once again suffered because of frost and snow and said they should get 100 per cent compensation for the crops lost and zero interest on loans to replace damaged infrastructure.

He said the changes being proclaimed by ruling PASOK leader George Papandreou within his party were taking place so that it could continue the same policies and stressed that the Coalition was radically opposed to liberalism and free-market policies, wherever these originated from.

[13] Greek tourism authority launches information centers

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, speaking to reporters after the inauguration ceremony, stressed that it was a significant step - long overdue - towards offering more information to tourists visiting Greece.

The Greek minister said it was important to continue expanding tourist services around the country, with immediate priority given to Olympic cities.

Greek tourism needs promotion but above all it needs more information both to Greece citizens and foreign tourists visiting the country, he said.

[14] PM chairs Interministerial Committee, examines Olympic Games preparations

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Press and Mass Media Minister Telemahos Hytiris stated categorically about the Calatrava roof at the Athens Olympic stadium that ''we are not facing any problem, the technical ability of constructing the project is under full control and lies within time schedules.''

Referring to the same issue, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said ''there is no case of there being no roof," adding that there is no problem with overlays and there is no delay in time schedules.

Athens Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki reportedly called for explicit commitments for project time schedules concerning the Athens Olympic stadium and the Calatrava roof and the Olympic swimming pool's roof in particular.

On the question of the swimming pool, the culture minister said ''there is a problem with its roof because the contractor declared inability in implementing a technical solution selected. We shall agree on a different feasible solution within the next few days, which may be completed in June, or on the implementation of an alternative method.''

According to reports, the issue concerning the swimming pool's roof is expected to be solved in the framework of the Project Monitoring Group, but what is more possible is for a new contractor to be found after the March 7 elections.

Regarding the issue of the Marathon Route, due to delays in projects being carried out on Marathonos motorway, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou reiterated at the meeting that a legal solution has been found.

Simitis thanked all the members of the Interministerial Council, and Daskalaki and Venizelos in particular, and referred to the importance Olympic Games preparations have for the country.

[15] Construction consortium of OAKA roof addresses problems

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

The consortium also emphasized that ''the roof's construction is a difficult task, which has to be completed within an especially short timeframe.'' As for the problems relating to the subsoil at the site's Southeastern foundation, the consortium asserted that the problems ''are neither significant nor will they require millions of euros to solve.''

[16] Athens-Piraeus Prefecture to Support Paralympic Games

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

The Council unanimously agreed with the proposal submitted by Athens Prefecture Councilor Giorgos Kastrinakis, according to which: - Athens' central park, Pedion tou Areos, will be made available for Paralympics-related events from September 10-20; - The Athens-Piraeus prefecture will support the organizing committee by purchasing tickets worth 25,000 euros.

Athens-Piraeus Supra-Prefect Fofi Gennimata stressed that ''the Paralympic Games serve the Olympic Ideal in a direct and substantial way. They are competitions involving great athletes who surpass human limitations daily. The athletes' participation, and especially their tremendous achievements, obliges us to create a society without barriers, without discrimination, without restrictions. Supporting their efforts is not a matter of organizational efficiency, but an indication of social development and progress,'' Gennimata stated.

[17] Applications deadline for the Athens 2004 Torch Relay

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Those selected will have the chance to participate in a torch relay that will bring the Olympic flame to all five continents for the first time.

Greek residents, 14 years old and over, being in a good physical condition and holding no political office, can either apply as torchbearer themselves or nominate someone else by sending in their application or nomination postmarked no later than February 20th. If applying on-line, applications will be accepted until 17:00 on the same day.

Those wishing to apply as a Companion Torchbearer must fulfill the above requirements, but must be 16 years or over. They too must submit their applications by Feb. 20, but at their respective city hall.

Athletes who have participated in previous Olympics are ineligible.

To date, over 10,000 individuals have applied, while the Olympic Torch Relay Call Center receives over 500 calls daily.

[18] EU guide on prevention of terrorist attacks during major sport events

BRUSSELS 18/02/2004 (ANA/V. Demiris)

According to EU Council sources on Tuesday, the EU justice and interior ministers are expected to approve here on Thursday ''a practical cooperation guide'' which foresees cooperation and the exchange of information between the relevant authorities of the EU member-states for the prevention of terrorist attacks.

The guide, entitled ''For the protection of terrorist attacks at the Olympic Games and at other sport events'', notes that the analysis of the danger and the assessment which will be made by the security services of the member-states on possible terrorist attacks will start quite a few months before the holding of the major sport events.

It is estimated that the cooperation between the relevant authorities will be held on a weekly basis about one month before the start of the events and on a daily basis during the course of the events

According to the same sources, the guide underlines that the responsibility for the security of the sport events lies on the host country, which, however, has the possibility of seeking, if it deems necessary, help from other member-states, such as the sending of police or security officers for the confrontation of any possible terrorist act.

The sources added that the investigations will concern any possible target, such as officials, athletes, visitors and squad escorts.

[19] PM visits 'Attikon' hospital, says it will be operational by end of 2004

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Simitis toured the hospital, which has a capacity of 450 beds, and was briefed on the new system being applied in receiving patients, according to which cases are assessed in relation to their seriousness and are directed to relevant hospital departments.

The prime minister noted in a hall where medical students were attending a lesson that conditions of teaching are much better than in old hospitals in downtown Athens.

He expressed his conviction that the ''Attikon'' will be the best hospital in the country when its operation will be completed by the end of the year.

Referring to the problem posed by staff and machinery shortages, and brought to his attention by the directors of various clinics, he said that unfortunately the system of hiring is subject to a slow process which, however, is necessary to secure the quality of services to be provided by newly-appointed hospital staff.

Speaking to medical and administrative staff, Simitis said ''we are currently investing over 8 percent of the budget in public health. We are creating new infrastructures in the countryside. We are decreasing inequalities and the need of traveling to bigger cities and abroad. Twenty-six new hospitals are either operational now or are being completed in Greece. We have increased the hospital sector by 75 percent from 1994 until today.''

The prime minister also said efforts are continuing to ensure that health infrastructures in Greece in 2006 will be more than double those in 1993, the National Health System's (ESY) financing will be increased from the current 2.7 percent of GDP to 4 percent by 2008 and hospital staff will be increased by 10,000 people.

[20] Prosecutor to investigate transportation standstill after snowstorm

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Mr Papangelopoulos ordered the prosecutor of First Instance Dimitris Asprogerakas to investigate the case and to press separate charges if needed.

All major transportation services (road networks, airport, public transportation system), with the exception of railway and Athens metro, came to a standstill late last week due to a severe snowstorm that hit the country and Attica in particular.

Mr Papangelopoulos also ordered public prosecutor Mr Spyros Mouzakitis to launch a preliminary investigation on the causes that led to shortages in water supplies in various regions of Attica over the same period. Mr Papangelopoulos asked Athens Water and Drainage to report on its operations and to determine what caused the problem with water supply.

[21] UN refugee representative satisfied with handling of illegal immigrants

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

''My impression is that the number of immigrants coming into Greece at this time has significantly decreased,'' White said.

The UN representative described this ''as an opportunity to move ahead with further improvements,'' and added, ''I also appreciate the efforts of the local community in trying to help these people.''

White also explained the difference between refugees and economic immigrants, saying: ''Refugees come primarily from countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, while economic immigrants come simply to improve their living conditions.''

White's visit to the Thrace region in Northeastern Greece, is realized within the framework of two-day seminars conducted in Komotini, by representatives from the UN High Commission, the Ministry of Public Order, and the Greek Refugee Council, geared towards lawyers, justices, and police officers.

[22] Cyprus' AKEL party reveals initiative for return of Parthenon Marbles

Athens 18/02/2004 (ANA)

Among those backing AKEL's initiative were Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Cypriot Parliament speaker, the heads of the political parties, members of the government and several MPs.

[23] De Soto ready to roll sleeves up to reach Cyprus settlement

LARNACA 18/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on arrival at Larnaca Airport, in view of the resumption of stalled peace talks on February 19, de Soto said he was indeed optimistic that a viable and functional settlement would emerge, noting that ''we are either there or very close to it already.''

He added he would ''try to help the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to finally come to terms on a text which would go to referenda and which would bring about a reunified Cyprus at last.''

''That is what I have come here to do, roll up my sleeves. There is a lot of work to do. It is not possible to underestimate the amount of work that there is to do and there is however a strong political determination that has been shown by the parties as well as by Greece and Turkey as evident in the agreement reached early on Friday of last week'' in New York, he said.

He expressed hope that ''in the coming weeks all will show the capacity to work and the continued political courage, vision and spirit of compromise that will be required in order to match the political determination already shown.''

Asked what would happen if one or the other side rejected a possible agreement in the referenda, de Soto said ''obviously the decision at referendum time will be up to the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and that is one that they will have to take, based on their consciences.''

He added that the text of the agreement that would emerge ''will be a very complex and voluminous one.''

The UN official said that ''luckily, no matter what changes may emerge from the process that is coming forward, it is largely well-known and has been known for a year, so there are not likely to be great surprises.''

''So what we are hoping for is that since it is going to be necessarily a compromise, and compromises usually don't have many fans or enthusiasts, that the leaders will continue to participate in this exercise, will rise up to their responsibility thus helping to explain how a compromise is necessary and indeed unavoidable in order to reach a settlement on Cyprus,'' he added.

Asked if he was optimistic that a viable and functional settlement would emerge, de Soto said, ''I am indeed. I believe that we are either there or very close to it already in the plan that was

submitted by the Secretary-General.''

''What we have is a settlement that indeed can work. It is of course improvable, it can be improved. It can work and it is an honorable solution as well,'' he said.

[24] Verheugen and de Soto discuss Cyprus in Brussels

BRUSSELS 18/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Verheugen was speaking after a meeting in Brussels with the UN

Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, during which they discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

The Commissioner said the EU welcomed the New York agreement to resume negotiations in Nicosia on February 19, being fully aware of the work remaining to be done. He added that although there was not much time left it was possible to reach a settlement because the problems are known and decisions must be taken.

The Commissioner said the EU fully supports UN efforts by providing experts and expertise, adding that he would be in Cyprus on Wednesday to encourage the sides to reach a settlement and reaffirm the Union's support.

He also noted the improved relations between the EU and Turkey, adding that he was impressed by the courage and will expressed on behalf of the Turkish government and the constructive role of Ankara in the New York talks.

De Soto said the UN cooperated closely with the EU and expressed hope that the negotiations starting this week on the island would signal the end of a long-standing problem.

He added that there would be a conclusion because the EU supported the effort and the need for a reunited island joining the bloc in May.

The UN official said the procedure provides for intensive efforts to reach a settlement by early April at the latest, so that the final text could be put to referenda.

De Soto said that although he could not guarantee the result of the referenda would be positive, he was certain that the people of the island would take the opportunity to end the division of their homeland.

''We do not have a plan B, nor are we thinking about scenarios about what will happen,'' he said.

Asked about the EU's role in the negotiations, both de Soto and Verheugen said the Union cooperated with the UN, noting that it was the UN chief that had the mandate.

Last week, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan held long talks in New York with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. The outcome of the talks was an agreement to resume stalled peace negotiations this week in Nicosia, with a view to reuniting the island before it accedes to the EU in May.

[25] Prodi expresses Commission's trust in UN

BRUSSELS 18/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

According to the President's deputy spokesman, a meeting here on Tuesday between Prodi and the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto was "very friendly" and dealt with the latest

developments in view of the resumption of the Cyprus peace talks on Thursday.

He said that at the meeting, it was confirmed that the EU will not be attending the talks but a five-member group of experts from the EU will be at the Secretary-General's disposal to assist whenever invited to do so.

Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen leaves on Wednesday afternoon from Brussels heading to Nicosia, accompanied by Leopold Maurer and his spokesman Jean Christophe Filori.

[26] Cyprus Spokesman: Greek Cypriot side optimistic about talks

NICOSIA 18/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He reassured the people of Cyprus that no wrong decisions will be taken in the tight framework of the talks as set out by the UN Secretary-General, who has given the two sides until March 22 to finalize his peace plan before they put it to separate simultaneous referenda.

He appealed to the political leadership to back President Tassos Papadopoulos, saying that as things stand it seems most parties are working towards this direction.

''The decision taken last week in New York signals the start of an arduous effort to improve the Kofi Annan plan in a way that will result in the right conclusion on which the people of Cyprus will have the last word,'' Chrysostomides said.

Chrysostomides said the basis of the negotiation is the Annan plan and noted EU involvement in the negotiating process in spite of objections by the Turkish side.

He said the role of the UN Secretary-General as arbitrator has been restricted to one that should operate within the constraints of his plan and this, he pointed out, ''does not offer the possibility to raise issues outside the philosophy or the framework of the plan.''

Replying to questions on this issue, he said Kofi Annan will exercise his discretion and put forward proposals if the two sides do not agree on certain points.

On EU involvement, the spokesman said the EU will work with the two sides to ensure that anything agreed is in line with its own demands.

''The Commission will be involved in all the phases of the negotiating procedure and Brussels will be at the disposal of the Secretary-General for any help or opinion,'' he explained.

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