Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU resolution to encourage Cyprus solution under UN plan

[02] George Papandreou seeks to alter shape of ruling party, government

[03] Main opposition leader pledges "new political culture''

[04] Communist Party says the public will suffer if main parties win polls

[05] Two main parties agree to leaders' TV debate before Mar 7 polls

[06] President says party contention shows workings of democracy

[07] EU prepares for spring summit

[08] Greek Communist Party asks for policy statement on West Bank barrier

[09] Archbishop Christodoulos blasts UN plan for Cyprus

[10] Association formed for Cypriot and Greek companies

[11] Athens Olympics organizers win award for conduct of Diving World Cup

[12] Athens Olympic complex to host aquatic events

[13] Greeks celebrate end of carnival, start of Lent

[14] US says Turkish side should abide by its commitment for a settlement

[15] Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments' presidents welcome resumption of Cyprus talks

[01] EU resolution to encourage Cyprus solution under UN plan

BRUSSELS 24/02/2004 (ANA/V.Demiris)

On the sidelines of an EU general affairs ministers' meeting, Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis told reporters that the draft resolution, which had been agreed but not yet released, welcomed a resumption of talks on the basis of the UN's Annan plan.

In addition, the resolution will state the EU's preference for entry of a reunified Cyprus into the bloc on May 1; and reiterate the EU's wish to ease the terms of an overall solution on the basis of the bloc's principles.

The resolution also welcomes the EU Commission's readiness to offer any assistance sought by the UN's secretary general, Kofi Annan.

The minister added that Greece, Cyprus and the EU felt it was important for a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem that would ensure unhindered operation for the island republic within the EU.

Yiannitsis was speaking after a meeting with the European commissioner for enlargement, Gunter Verheugen.

[02] George Papandreou seeks to alter shape of ruling party, government

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

In an interview to the Sunday Eleftherotypia newspaper, Papandreou pledged to form a small government and overhaul the workings of the state and structure of administration that would include a devolution of authority to the regions to advance local development.

In addition, he did not rule out the appointment as ministers of Stephanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos, former deputies and ministers of a main opposition New Democracy government in the early 1990s who are standing for PASOK in the March election.

Outlining his principles, Papandreou said he had never seen politics as bargaining behind closed doors and secret agreements.

''Democracy needs to acquire participatory characteristics, and the day-to-day problems of the public should be tackled jointly by all citizens based on a radical political will to deal with them,'' said the son of PASOK's late founder, Andreas Papandreou.

Rejecting criticism that the US played a part in his ascent to the party's leadership, Papandreou said: ''For 15 years PASOK has shown the priority it places on the principle of national sovereignty ... (The Right) is convinced that the major powers are determining the country's fate, because that is its own line of thinking, and it cannot track developments.''

The former foreign minister underlined that he rejected labels employed to create exclusion.

''PASOK is a party that within a Europe of change, and within the framework of a European social democratic space, expresses the striving, searching and solutions that have been put forward for a better and more equitable future for all, and it is its own nature that has imposed ongoing change.''

Papandreou said he was inspired by the endeavors of members of the public with a social conscience, volunteer workers, and collective bodies that protected the environment and human dignity.

On Saturday, he told party supporters in Tripoli that he was committed to providing a future without open national issues, fear or insecurity.

The current year was critical for Greece's national issues, and PASOK was ready to make a decisive contribution to demolishing the last wall in Europe, that of Cyprus, Papandreou said.

Finally, he promised to set a priority on tackling problems of farmers.

[03] Main opposition leader pledges "new political culture''

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

In an interview to the Vima on Sunday newspaper, Karamanlis said that as prime minister he would work with all the country's political forces to establish the new environment, employing a new code of political ethics, and up to date concepts that were compatible with needs of the future.

''All Greeks will have a timely and leading role in creation of this framework, without the divisive rationales that have hurt the country, that stopped people advancing united on the path to growth, progress and prosperity, without exclusion, but with transparency and merit-based criteria, genuine rule by the people, far from the influence of vested interests and expediency,'' Karamanlis said.

He underlined that he also wanted to see political dialogue without arrogance, slander and hatred, employing instead social responsibility in the use of power while shrugging off the political cost.

The ND leader pledged to tackle corruption in the workings of the state, and improve access to information.

Two areas he singled out for priority were education and the arts.

On Saturday, winding up a tour of the Dodecannese islands on Rhodes, Karamanlis told party supporters that he was offering a new form of government based on values and principles, with the public taking part.

He also charged the government with neglecting the islands through a lack of planning and measures.

Main opposition pledges aggressive farm policy: The main opposition New Democracy party will implement a new, aggressive farm policy if it wins national elections on March 7, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said on Saturday.

''We will simplify the procedures for entry into special programs for young farmers who represent the hard core of regional growth,'' Karamanlis told supporters on the island of Leros.

''We are proposing the timely payment of subsidies with award of compensation (in natural disasters) to be deposited within three months, which will be paid with interest in the event of delay, as the state has to learn to respect the public,'' he said. In addition, the party would set up agricultural development centers to provide young farmers with technological back-up; and find a settlement for overdue debts in the sector, Karamanlis added.

Main opposition leader gets encouraging letter from French PM: The leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Costas Karamanlis, has received a letter from French premier Jean-Pierre Raffarin welcoming ND's program for national elections on March 7.

''I know that the program you have proposed to your fellow citizens is equal to the challenges, and it will certainly lead to progress in your country,'' Raffarin said.

A translated copy of the letter was released by ND's press office on Monday.

[04] Communist Party says the public will suffer if main parties win polls

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

"If either (ruling) PASOK or (main opposition) New Democracy win the elections, packages of measures harmful to the people will be introduced," the party's leader, Aleka Papariga, told supporters in the Athens suburb of Kallithea.

Papariga claimed that the two parties' policies were determined by the European Union and by the needs of industrialists and shipowners eager to obtain a cheap labor force.

[05] Two main parties agree to leaders' TV debate before Mar 7 polls

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

Details of the debate between ruling PASOK leader George Papandreou and the head of main opposition New Democracy, Costas Karamanlis, have yet to be decided, the ruling party's communications spokesman, Nikos Athanassakis, said in a statement.

The roughly 90 minute debate will be structured into five policy areas accompanied by questions on topics outside the categories, the spokesman added.

On Saturday, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said that the country's several party political leaders should hold at least one TV debate before national elections on March 7.

''There's no doubt that the two parties seeking government are PASOK and New Democracy. Equally, there's no doubt that Greeks must know how the two parties and their two hopeful premiers reply to criticism from the Left, to be able to arrive at an informed opinion,'' said the party's leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos.

He made the request in a letter addressed to both Papandreou and Karamanlis.

Later in the day, Karamanlis told Konstantopoulos that he supported the proposal, having made a similar suggestion himself in January.

The ND leader said he hoped Papandreou would respond favorably.

Also on Saturday, in an election rally in Imathia, Konstantopoulos said that PASOK and New Democracy represented two variations on the same ideological, two-party orientation, the first time the phenomenon had emerged so clearly in Greece.

[06] President says party contention shows workings of democracy

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

''More effort is needed, and it is not only concord, which has certainly been achieved. A concord that is not disturbed by contention among the political parties,'' Stephanopoulos said in the northwestern city of Ioannina.

''This contention is a component of democracy, and it reinforces democracy...I am sure that in these (March 7) general elections, as in all their predecessors, everything will occur in the best possible way,'' he said.

The President was in Ioannina to attend celebrations marking liberation of the city from Turkish domination 91 years ago that were also attended by representatives of government and the opposition.

[07] EU prepares for spring summit

BRUSSELS 24/02/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

A committee of public figures was set up to study action that the EU should take to boost from 2005 the rate of attainment of targets set at the Lisbon summit, Yiannitsis said.

Among the goals was a tighter link between the education system and labor market in the bloc's countries, he added.

Finally, Yiannitsis said that Greece had again sought help from the EU and its member states to end the months-long detainment of Greek seamen by authorities in Pakistan.

[08] Greek Communist Party asks for policy statement on West Bank barrier

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

''We ask (ruling PASOK leader) George Papandreou, also foreign minister until recently, to state if the Greek government has sent a supportive message to Palestinians over this major injustice, which is the worst form of aggression apart from suicide attacks,'' KKE leader Aleka Papariga told party supporters.

Israel says the barrier is a security fence to seal out suicide bombers. Palestinians call it a new ''Berlin Wall'' and a land grab.

''Mr Papandreou should not hide behind the European Union's position,'' Papariga said.

She added that PASOK's campaign for national elections on March 7 that promised wide-ranging changes should be construed as a pledge to ''sell out'', including the rights of peoples that formerly were supported by the United Nations.

She added that main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis should also take a stand.

''What would be his position if he were in government now?'' Papariga asked.

[09] Archbishop Christodoulos blasts UN plan for Cyprus

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

In a fiery speech from the pulpit, the archbishop said that Washington was exerting pressure for implementation of the plan devised by UN chief Kofi Annan.

"Cypriots will have to forget Greece, the language, and the flag to obey the powerful on earth," Christodoulos told the congregation.

[10] Association formed for Cypriot and Greek companies

NICOSIA 24/02/2004 (ANA/G.Leonidas)

The new group, which is based jointly in Nicosia and Athens, aims to make use of opportunities created by Cyprus's entry into the European Union; and by creation of a single economic area between Cyprus and Greece, the chamber said in a statement.

[11] Athens Olympics organizers win award for conduct of Diving World Cup

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

The award was presented by FINA water sports federation president Mustapha Larfaoui to chief operating officer Marton Simtisek for the organizing committee.

FINA also made an award to the Hellenic Swimming Federation for its work in making diving more popular.

“This was one of the most important competitions we have organized so far», Simitsek said. “It is good to know that top divers found that the conditions were ideal for their bid to qualify for the Olympics”.

The way national Olympics organizers ran the 14th World Diving Cup also drew praise from divers, coaches and sport officials.

Sammy Lee - one of the great names in diving with three Olympic gold medals – commented that it was “a fantastic venue, really most impressive, helping competitors to put up big performances”.

Laura Wilkinson, gold medallist at the Sydney Olympic Games and victor in the 10m Platform event in the 14th World Cup, said: “It’s the nicest pool I’ve ever seen – and that’s a lot of pools, believe me!”

Canada’s Alexandre Despatie, who won the gold in the 3m Springboard and the bronzes in the 10m Platform and the 10m Platform synchronized diving, was equally enthusiastic. “The venue is superb and everything went faultlessly”.

The 14th World Cup was also a Sport Event for the 2004 Olympics.

Among spectators at the finals were the US ambassador to Greece, Thomas Miller; and the Chinese ambassador in Athens, Zhenqi Tang.

Canada’s Despatie wins gold in World Diving Cup springboard event: Canada’s Alexandre Despatie on Friday evening won a gold medal in the final of the three-meter springboard during the 14th World Diving Cup at the Olympic Aquatics Center’s indoor pool, a qualifying event for the Athens Olympics in August.

At 761.70 points Despatie beat two Chinese opponents, Wang Feng (745.71) and Peng Bo (732.27).

Thomas Bimis of Greece failed to reach the final but qualified for the Olympics by finishing 26th in the preliminaries. Nikos Syranidis in the individual three-meter came 33rd and does not qualify.

[12] Athens Olympic complex to host aquatic events

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

The center consists of two outdoor and one indoor pool. Swimming and water polo events will be held in the facility's main pool, which has 10,900 seats.

Synchronized swimming will take place in the synchronized swimming pool with a capacity of 5,750 seats; and water polo and diving events are also to be held in the indoor pool.

In the Paralympic Games, swimming events will take place in the indoor pool.

[13] Greeks celebrate end of carnival, start of Lent

Athens, 24/02/2004 (ANA)

Leading the annual municipally-arranged event was the mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyianni, who joined traditional Cretan dances. Greece's commissioner at the European Union, Anna Diamantopoulou, also took part in the celebration.

Children around Greece flew kites, another tradition that marks the end of the annual carnival season, with Lent leading to Greek Orthodox Easter in the first half of April.

Visitors flocked into Patras over the weekend for the start of the western port city's annual carnival, the largest in Greece.

The carnival peaked on Sunday in showery weather with a long parade through the city center, this year featuring the Olympic Games, which Athens is to host in August.

The carnival's traditional King of Laughter, whose effigy is burnt at the end of the event, appeared in two forms - as a handsome young athlete - and as an overblown satyr.

The carnival also includes a treasure hunt in Patras, enjoyed by hordes of children wearing masks and costumes.

[14] US says Turkish side should abide by its commitment for a settlement

WASHINGTON 24/02/2004 (ANA-T.Ellis/CNA)

Answering questions at Friday's briefing, Ereli said the international community is committed to supporting the UN in their effort to solve the Cyprus problem, adding that ''there is a unique opportunity here to reach a settlement in time for a united Cyprus to join the European Union, and I think none of us will spare any effort in trying to achieve that very worthwhile goal.''

Invited to comment a Western Policy Center report saying that Turkish General Tolon, Commander of Turkish Aegean Army, branded as traitors those Turks who support a Cyprus settlement, and that without a substantial effort to engage the Turkish military in this process the Cyprus settlement is probably not achievable, Ereli said it is not really his position to offer political commentary on comments by a Turkish official.

''I would simply note that in its public statements and private diplomacy, the Government of Turkey and the authorities in Turkish Cyprus have committed themselves to the Annan plan and have committed themselves to reaching an agreement and supporting an agreement, and that's the right thing to do,'' he added.

Answering a question about the prospects for a settlement, Ereli said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ''and his very able Special Advisor Alvaro de Soto are leading I think a difficult diplomatic effort to resolve the longstanding dispute.''

''I think the international community is committed to supporting them. There is a unique opportunity here to reach a settlement in time for a united Cyprus to join the European Union, and I think none of us will spare any effort in trying to achieve that very worthwhile goal,'' he said.

[15] Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments' presidents welcome resumption of Cyprus talks

NICOSIA 24/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The final declaration, of the 4th Conference of the Presidents of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments, adopted unanimously on Saturday in Malta, said the Presidents of the parliaments ''welcome the resumption of negotiations in Nicosia under UN auspices for a solution to the Cyprus problem and augur a positive result which would allow for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the EU to the benefit of both communities of the island.''

Cyprus House President Demetris Christofias was represented at the Conference by President of the House Financial and Budgetary Affairs Committee Aristos Chrysostomou, who held private meetings with some of the participants and briefed them on the latest developments in Cyprus.

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