Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC expresses absolute confidence in organization of 2004 Games

[02] PASOK leader addresses women's rally in Athens

[03] PASOK leader gives interview to ALTER TV channel

[04] ND leader presents party's 'charter for everyday problems'

[05] KKE leader to ANA; ''PASOK and ND must be weakened''

[06] PASOK spokeswoman Diamantopoulou optimistic party can win elections

[07] Constantopoulos charges that PASOK, ND are 'variations of bipartisanship'

[08] DHKKI leader Tsovolas says his party has 'clear political positions'

[09] ND's Avramopoulos dismisses 'Eleftherotypia' report as pre-election trick

[10] Greek Eurodeputy says no negotiations date for Turkey without Cyprus pullout

[11] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

[12] Deputy foreign minister meets with Moldovan ambassador

[13] Greece unveils strategy plan for eco, agro-tourism

[14] Agriculture minister requests EU assistance for weather-stricken Greek farmers

[15] ND leader says SMEs should be involved in EU programs

[16] Tax assistance for US citizens resident in Greece

[17] Intrasoft wins 28-mln-euro contract with EU Commission

[18] Greece reports 385-mln-dollar trade surplus with Australia

[19] Greek economic sentiment index jumped in Jan.

[20] Stocks nose down in brisk selling

[21] Elephants to carry Olympic torchbearers in India

[22] Russia's pole-vaulter Feofanova speaks to ANA

[23] Shortly after the end of the meeting held at Peania, east of

[24] PM tours archaeological unification project in downtown Athens

[25] ''Reuniting the Parthenon Marbles'' exhibition inaugurated

[26] SE European customs administrators to meet in Greece Feb 25-26

[27] President rules out continuation of talks until December

[28] Swiss experts in Cyprus to advise two sides

[01] IOC expresses absolute confidence in organization of 2004 Games

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Addressing the 14th General Assembly of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which opened in Athens the same day, IOC President Jacques Rogge noted that even today there are certain parties that question Greece's ability to organize the Olympic Games, before adding: ''I want to say, from this podium, in the most categorical way, that the IOC surrounds the Greek effort with absolute confidence''.

With respect to security, the IOC chief reiterated that everything humanly possible would be done to hold a secure Olympic Games.

Addressing the Assembly, Greece's culture minister Evangelos Venizelos reiterated a commitment that all Olympic projects, including the ''Calatrava roof'' over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA), would be completed in time for the Games in August.

''Let me state in a categorical way that most of the projects are at the 90-percent completion mark, and all of the projects will be delivered over the next two months,'' Venizelos said.

Venizelos later briefed Rogge over the preparations during a meeting, with the latter saying he was satisfied that Olympic preparations have not been affected by the ongoing campaign season in Greece. General elections are planned in the country on Sunday, March 7.

Venizelos, who ministry oversees several Olympics projects, stressed that 90 percent of facilities are ready, while the remaining ones will be ready for use by the end of April.

''I would also like to invite you to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games beneath the Calatrava dome,'' the culture minister added.

The Assembly was inaugurated at a central Athens hotel by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, who called on the more than 500 NOC delegates and 40 IOC members attending to ''adhere to the Olympic ideals and hold on to them with regard to the Athens Games''.

The delegates were also briefed on the Cultural Olympiad by its head Evgenios Yannakopoulos.

Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki will brief delegates on Thursday (and the IOC executive board on Friday) regarding the course of preparations for the closely watched Games.

[02] PASOK leader addresses women's rally in Athens

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou promised to strive himself personally for equality among the genders and to promote measures which shall ''remove burdens from women.''

The PASOK leader said that he will create a new National Action Programme for women and provide a second opportunity for them in education by backing the Open University.

Moreover, a contract of cooperation and ethics will be drawn up with the mass media to enable them to ''promote different models of women than the present ones and for them not to portray women as an object of exploitation of human dignity.''

Emphasis will be placed on policies concerning single parent families, women living in the countryside, immigrant women, refugees and gypsy women.

Special programs will be created for jobs, to strengthen women's enterprise and for more ''flexible childcare centers'', while business will be given tax incentives to create childcare facilities for working women.

In addition, a National Equality Council will be created, with the participation of women's organizations and social partners, to function as an advisory body for the prime minister in determining social policy.

Papandreou also promised that ''women will enter decision-making centers'' and reminded of the participation of Anna Diamantopoulou and Maria Damanaki in top places on PASOK's state election ticket.

[03] PASOK leader gives interview to ALTER TV channel

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

''I commit myself that immediately after the day of the elections we shall hire 10,000 people as medical staff for regional and central hospitals,'' he said, adding that the hiring process will be decentralized to enable it to be ''in essence in the hands of the Regional Health Systems.''

Papandreou also promised farmers that they will have a stable income with his government and that the state will be by their side sooner during natural disasters.

''With the new system (of farming policy) I will determine what you will get every year and you will get it sooner,'' he said.

''We are keeping our principles, our values and our credo in a society of solidarity and in socialism,'' Papandreou added.

Referring to the number of members in his government, Papandreou said it will be much smaller, keeping in mind that ''we have the Olympic Games after the elections.''

On the question of education, he said he wants to link it to employment and pledged that whatever changes take place, particularly on entry to universities, will take place after a dialogue is held with agencies.

Papandreou noted that PASOK had called for a dialogue on education twice, but the main opposition New Democracy party had not attended the inter-party meeting, adding that he will request an international evaluation of the educational system.

[04] ND leader presents party's 'charter for everyday problems'

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

He slammed ruling PASOK and its leader George Papandreou, saying the party had degenerated into a self-satisfied, arrogant elite that cared about the few and not the many.

''They have divided Greeks into 'our people' and 'the others' and they themselves speak about two Greeces. Now they are asking to remain in power in order to unite the Greeks, while the voters wonder who and how many are included in powerful Greece,'' Karamanlis said.

According to Karamanlis, everyday problems were simply an inconvenient detail to the governing party, while he accused Papandreou of hypocrisy.

''Now he is visiting work places and old people's shelters. This is not bad, but what matters is what he has he been doing all this time," Karamanlis stressed, while pointing out that the problems were created by governments in which Papandreou had participated.

According to ND's leader, Piraeus and the surrounding districts had been badly neglected under PASOK. He said ND would focus on boosting the port and making it an international shipping center, while promising to renew the fleet of buses, complete roads, improve public transport by extending the metro from Egaleo to Nikea and Korydallos and connecting this with the overland HSAP train line and other public transport improvements.

Stressing that his party possessed fresh ideas and new faces that had the strength to be creative and to clash with lax mentalities that tolerated mediocrity, he said ND had forged a ''pact of honor'' with each citizen and called on voters to support the broad social alliance that supported his party in order to change their city and everyday life.

[05] KKE leader to ANA; ''PASOK and ND must be weakened''

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

This is the first of a series of articles that the ANA has asked the party leaders to write before the polls.

Papariga stressed that workers, small-scale farmers, working-class youth, freelance workers, small-scale businesses and workshops, as well as leftist and progressive people ''not entrapped by the visions of so-called 'progressive modernization' and capitalism that will supposedly become human'' had every reason to vote for KKE.

The most fundamental reason was to reduce the strength of the two main parties, ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy, she stressed.

According to Papariga, the election would only have a positive outcome for the working class if it produced a weak government and an even weaker main opposition.

''It doesn't matter which of the two parties is elected to power...since the policies of both are equally anti-working-class,'' she underlined.

Creating a strong counterweight, on the other hand, would make the working class movement stronger and better able to resist the new wave of attacks from PASOK, ND, the European Union and the domestic plutocracy, she said.

She particularly appealed to PASOK's working-class voters, whose hopes she said had been dashed by the party's policies.

''PASOK will not change, it is a plutocracy party like ND. The new things promised by PASOK's leadership are an effort to deceive and a verbal wrapping for medieval measures. The changes promised by ND are simply PASOK's policies without PASOK,'' she said.

KKE's proposal was a alliance of workers, the self-employed, small and medium-scale farmers and owners of small businesses and workshops to create a popular majority able to withstand, contend and, in the course of time, raise an issue of power.

''Our position is that, despite the fact that globalization has deepened and made leaps forward, this does not eradicate the right of every people to fight in their country for radical changes,'' she said.

Stressing that her party's policies for the economy were internally consistent, she said it would begin by striking against big capital and had no commitment with respect to the Maastricht Treaty, Economic and Monetary Union or the euro, only to developing the movement and changing the balance of power in favor of the people.

Papariga said her party wants a minimum wage of 1100 euros a month, a universal 35-hour week made up of five seven-hour days with higher pay, pensions for men at 60 and women at 55, falling to 55 and 50 for those in hazardous or heavy laboring jobs, and permanent, full-time work, without flexible labor relations.

KKE is also in favor of free education, health and welfare provided exclusively by the state, 400 euros pension for farmers from the 55th and 60th years respectively.

''We say, however, to the people: In today's conditions the workers can gain sundry improvements in their lives if they range a strong front in the battle. But they cannot secure a steady policy in their interests if their struggle does not eradicate the causes of their problems. If the wealth that they generate does not become social/popular policy,'' she concluded.

[06] PASOK spokeswoman Diamantopoulou optimistic party can win elections

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Diamantopoulou said PASOK had covered the same ground in three days during the time of the elections in 2000, believing that it can repeat this since the party has 15 whole days ahead of it.

PASOK's representative bases her optimism, apart from ample time remaining until the elections, on the following elements.

The party's entire campaign is virtually getting underway now and it will develop over the next 15 days, while that of ND has been developing for over the past month.

There will be a detailed and continuous repetition over the coming period of the work achieved by the government, as well as of PASOK's positions and proposals for the period following the elections.

The low degree of rallying among PASOK voters, which is trailing that of ND by 10 percentage points.

Optimism is also based on new voters whose preference for PASOK leader George Papandreou is 1:2.

Diamantopoulou stressed that the dilemma posed in the elections is ''progress or conservatism'' and expressed confidence that the ''progressive majority will also be expressed in the elections.''

[07] Constantopoulos charges that PASOK, ND are 'variations of bipartisanship'

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at an election campaign rally in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, he said that ''neither ND brings change nor does the party of (PASOK leader George) Papandreou brings progress.''

Addressing the rally at the Ioannis Vellidis Conference Center, Constantopoulos aid that both the major parties ''will continue in the same directions of the previous governments'' of Constantine Mitsotakis and Costas Simitis, noting that ''they have in store more difficult days for the working people, farmers, small-and medium size enterprises, salary earners, pensioners and youth.''

''On the reasoning which says 'vote for George Papandreou in order for the ND not to come to power' and on the reasoning 'vote for the ND for PASOK to leave,' the Left vote answers as a free, inalienable and autonomous conscience.''

Addressing himself to ''all those who remain committed to the vision of socialism,'' he said:'' We call on them to together build the new Left of our era. The Coalition of the Radical Left is the beginning. After the (March 7) elections more steps must be made. A vote to the Coalition opens a new page for the Left. In continuation, we must write this page together.''

He further accused PASOK leader George Papandreou ''for excluding the Left'' from the televised debate between the political party leaders, stating that ''this should be a cause for concern for every left-wing citizen of PASOK.''

[08] DHKKI leader Tsovolas says his party has 'clear political positions'

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

In a press conference in Athens, Tsovolas referred to what he termed ''the victims of neo-liberal globalization and competition,'' namely farmers, the unemployed, part-time workers, small and medium- size enterprises, mothers with many children, the elderly and pensioners.

The DHKKI leader said the ruling PASOK party had traditionally supported many of the above-mentioned social groups ''and continues to do so in order for the Right not to return to power.''

However, he noted, the new PASOK leadership ''in its anxiety to win the (March 7) general elections, is now outflanking even the (main opposition) New Democracy party from the Right, seeking a vote so that the Right of New Democracy does not come to power. That is, a vote to opportunism, in transparency and the Green Right.''

He went on to ask:''All those who voted for PASOK and once experienced the enthusiasm and the vision of change, all those who were moved by the message of a Greece which will belong to the Greeks, with popular sovereignty, social justice and human dignity, with what soul will they vote for Messrs. Manos and Andrianopoulos and the prosecutors of PASOK, Mr. Androulakis and Mrs. Damanaki. Furthermore, with what heart will they vote for New Democracy as a reaction?''

He stressed that as the election date is approaching, ''it is becoming apparent that the rabid struggle of the two protagonists of bipartisanship is taking place only for power.''

With regard to options by PASOK leader George Papandreou concerning the ''transformation'' of PASOK, Tsovolas observed:''All can co-exist in the same party. Right-wingers, Left-wingers, those politically indifferent, all in general.''

He said his party believes that ''values such as patriotism, social solidarity, transparency, contribution to society as a whole, the protection of the environment, the protection of the weaker and the protection of Hellenism abroad are always current issues.''

[09] ND's Avramopoulos dismisses 'Eleftherotypia' report as pre-election trick

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

According to Avramopoulos, the report was nothing but a pre-election ''trick'' since the entire issue was just a procedural irregularity that arose when Technopolis was making the transition from a municipal gasworks to a cultural enterprise and lacked a formal operative framework.

An announcement released by Avramopoulos' office stressed that an administrative investigation had revealed that no money was missing from the organization's coffers.

Regarding the Athens municipality, the announcement said that this had been subjected to precautionary inspection by the State Audit Council and the interior ministry at the former mayor's initiative in order to ensure full legality.

The Athens municipality press office, meanwhile stressed that the issues mentioned in the report had been discussed in detail by the Athens municipal council since March 2003, which had found that the leadership of the Athens municipality could not be held responsible, and questioned the timing of the article.

The 'Eleftherotypia' article reproduced a report by the international chartered accountants Deloitte & Touche, which said that there had been omissions and a lack of financial reports while Avramopoulos was mayor.

[10] Greek Eurodeputy says no negotiations date for Turkey without Cyprus pullout

VIENNA 25/02/2004 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

Tsatsos said ''what is of importance for Turkey's European prospect is not so much a solution to the issue of Cyprus, of course it is very important, but the continuation of the illegal occupation of a part of Cyprus, because accession negotiations cannot begin with a nation, meaning a nation being considered an accession candidate, when this nation has illegally occupied with its forces part of the territory of an EU member-state.''

The Greek Eurodeputy believes that the materialization of the Annan draft plan must create a constitution which shall allow the Republic of Cyprus a workable and good cohabitation between the two communities on the domestic front and its positive operation in the framework of the EU as a republic with one voice and one sovereignty.

[11] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

The six Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek warplanes.

The reports said two of the Turkish aircraft were armed.

[12] Deputy foreign minister meets with Moldovan ambassador

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Loverdos informed Magaleas that a delegation from the foreign ministry was already in Moldova for preparations. An airline agreement is expected to be signed during the Greek president's visit, while both sides are looking at finalizing a series of other agreements as well.

Loverdos also told Magaleas that the foreign ministry is considering the possibility of sending a commercial attache and organizing a financial-business conference in Chisinau to strengthen interest for business cooperation between the two countries.

Financial News

[13] Greece unveils strategy plan for eco, agro-tourism

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

The reports were part of a business plan sponsored by the country's Development ministry, called "Competitiveness", aimed to present integrated action plans to the development and organization of eco-tourism.

The report calls on setting criteria for choosing and evaluating areas and actions, planning information actions, involving the private sector, setting standards and models of agency management, funding and regulatory framework.

The Greek standard report on agro-tourism was initially published in December 2003 by the country's National Tourism Organization with the support of the Agriculture ministry.

[14] Agriculture minister requests EU assistance for weather-stricken Greek farmers

BRUSSELS 25/02/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

His request for EU assistance to Greek farmers was positively received by European Commissioner for agriculture Franz Fischler, who outlined the ways in which the Commission would provide its support.

Drys stressed the magnitude of the damage incurred by farmers and said that similar weather phenomena were rare in Greece, noting that the last time there had been such low temperatures in Attica was in 1897.

The first estimates showed that the damages not covered by the agricultural insurance fund ELGA came to about 250 million euros, Drys told the Council.

The minister also expressed Greece's objections to new, stricter EU regulations for the transport of livestock, saying that this would excessively increase transport costs for Greek livestock farmers.

[15] ND leader says SMEs should be involved in EU programs

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

He also slammed the extended exclusion over the past years of SMEs and businesses involved in commerce from European Union and developmental programs.

Karamanlis had earlier met with the owner of a small mini-market in Paleo Faliro, a divorcee and mother of two, who had briefed him on the problems in her sector. The meeting took place after Theodora Eleftheropoulou sent a letter to Karamanlis on January 15, in which she informed him of the problems she faced with her business as a working mother.

[16] Tax assistance for US citizens resident in Greece

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

For information and tax forms please call the Notarial Unit at 210-7202421 or 210-7202423, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The rate of exchange for 2004 tax returns is $1.00 to Euro 0.8882.

The Internet site for IRS from where one can download forms is http://www.irs.gov

[17] Intrasoft wins 28-mln-euro contract with EU Commission

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Intrasoft International said it had won an international tender for the contract which has a duration of two years with an option of a two-year extension.

CORDIS is the biggest medium of information and one of the most popular sites for European citizens who seek information on research, technological development and innovation. The site (http://www.cordis.lu) offers a wide range of information in the EU's five official languages (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) and has a more than one million visitors daily.

[18] Greece reports 385-mln-dollar trade surplus with Australia

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during the inauguration ceremony of the Consulate's agency new offices, Mr Voudouris, noted that the spectacular increase in Greek exports to Australia mainly reflected the sale of boats.

Mr Voudouris urged Greek-Australian businessmen to become members of the Athens Business Club, which will play an intermediate role between Greek and Greek-Australian companies during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[19] Greek economic sentiment index jumped in Jan.

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

The business sentiment index in the manufacturing sector rose to 105.6 in January from 104.6 in December, surpassing the average level of the period 1991-2003, the index in the construction sector fell to 122.9 from 125.3 over the previous month, while the index in the retail sector rose in January 2004, surpassing both December's and January's 2003 levels. The index in the services' sector rose to 103.3 in January from 100.6 in December and 78 in January 2003.

IOBE's report on economic conditions both in Greece and the European Union said that the economic sentiment index rose both in the EU-15 and the Eurozone, reflecting improved climate both among consumers and businesses.

Portugal (+0.7 percentage points), Greece, Netherlands and UK (+0.5 percentage points), and Germany (+0.4 percentage points) recorded the biggest rise in the index, while Denmark, Spain and Luxembourg recorded declines.

[20] Stocks nose down in brisk selling

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 1.76 per cent to end at 2,422.01 points. Turnover was 171.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.78 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 3.04 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished with losses of 2.86 percent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 301 to 23 with 31 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of February 24 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,269 1,240

[21] Elephants to carry Olympic torchbearers in India

MELBOURNE 25/02/2004 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The report was carried in Tuesday's edition of the "Melbourne Sun Herald", which said two adult elephants and three baby elephants will transport torchbearers to New Delhi on June 10. The Olympic Torch relay is scheduled to pass by some of the best-known monuments in the Indian capital.

In an unrelated Olympics story, the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), which operates the national radio network of Australia, plans to showcase Greece during March. The network will broadcast a series of programs under the title of "What the Greeks Have Done For Us?"

The programs will focus on both ancient and modern Greek civilization as well as the presence of Greek culture in a multi-cultural Australia.

[22] Russia's pole-vaulter Feofanova speaks to ANA

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Feofanova reclaimed her women's indoor pole vault world record on Sunday, clearing 4.85 meters at the Athens 2004 IAAF permit meeting.

[23] Shortly after the end of the meeting held at Peania, east of

She also spoke well of the Peania indoor stadium, saying that ''it is excellent and conducive for great performances. The conditions were perfect, enabling me to concentrate and pass 4.85m., making a new world record.''

[24] PM tours archaeological unification project in downtown Athens

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Visitors can begin their tour at Hadrian's Arch, before walking west towards the ancient theatre of Dionysus, the Herod Atticus Odeon, both at the foot of the Acropolis' south end, as well as to the opposite Pnyx Hill and the Thission district and archaeological site. The all-important Kerameikos site, ancient Athens' cemetery, lies just past Thission Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis toured the unified sites on Tuesday.

The ''Archaeological Walk-about'' also enables residents to see the sites up close, the premier noted, adding that the project showcased Athens and all of Greece, and was ''unique in the world''.

Simitis was accompanied by Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and other officials, who were given a guided tour by the chairman of the Athens Archaeological Unification S.A., Yannis Kalantidis.

Kalantidis also took the officials on a tour of the renovated Kerameikos Museum, where all the newer finds from excavations at the ancient cemetery of Athens will be housed.

The unification project will be completed after the Athens Olympic Games, with the incorporation of Vassilissis Olgas Blvd. in the plan, allowing the walk-about to begin from the Kallimarmaro (Panathinaiko) Stadium, which hosted the first Modern Olympics in 1896 and where the Marathon race will finish at the 2004 Athens Games.

''For the time being, we have left Vas. Olgas Boulevard as it is, in order to facilitate the Olympic family,'' Kalantidis told the premier.

Kalantidis noted that the 3rd Community Support Framework, the culture ministry and the public works ministry fund the unification project and works on the archaeological sites themselves.

[25] ''Reuniting the Parthenon Marbles'' exhibition inaugurated

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

Also present were Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, Cultural Minister Evangelos Venizelos, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Marianna Vardinoyianni, among others.

Venizelos described the event as ''a small exhibit with great symbolic meaning.'' He also explained that the exhibit had already been held in Paris with Vardinoyianni's initiative under the auspices of UNESCO and in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Culture, since in light of the upcoming Olympic Games the time is right. Venizelos added that major steps have been taken in Britain, referring to the discussions Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have held on the issue, which they have now requested that their respective ministers of culture continue.

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni also addressed attendees saying that: ''The struggle to bring back the Marbles, is no longer a Greek one.'' She expressed her gratitude to those who have fought for this cause, especially Greek actress and politician Melina Merkouri. Bakoyianni emphasized that ''this is a significant moment for Athens, since a few months before the Olympic Games we can have more supporters by our side.''

Melina Merkouri Foundation President Jules Dassin thanked all those who made the exhibit possible.

[26] SE European customs administrators to meet in Greece Feb 25-26

Athens, 25/02/2004 (ANA)

The ministry said in a statement that Greece and the European Union's Commission had jointly undertaken organization of the meeting with the Commission funding the event.

President Papadopoulos: without ratification, no Cyprus Republic

Nicosia, 25/02/2004 (CNA)

Speaking to the press after the third meeting in the context of the UN-led talks which began last Thursday, President Papadopoulos explained that without a ratification of the agreement there will be no Cyprus Republic.

Asked if discussions on the important matters had begun during Tuesday's talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the presence of UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto the Cypriot president said ''all issues are substantial.''

''As I have noted upon my arrival from New York the road ahead is long and difficult and we must be persuaded whether it is possible to achieve the changes we consider as essential in the Annan Plan and be able to talk about a united Cyprus and not a Cyprus divided according to criteria of ethnic origin,'' the president said.

Commenting on a remark that the Turkish Cypriot leader's stance does not seem to lead to the conclusion that there can be an agreement before the UN Secretary-General steps in to fill in the gaps, Papadopoulos said ''proof of intentions and wishes will appear in the negotiating room, and so will our positions.''

''When he raises such issues we bring up the equivalent as included in my letter to the Secretary-General dated February 10. Obviously if he moves on in this direction we also have our own additional demands,'' stressed President Papadopoulos.

Asked to comment on Turkish officials' remarks that the Turkish National Assembly should approve an agreement after the referenda in Cyprus he noted that the Turkish side seems to believe that it is enough to have a commitment that a ratification will take place.

''What we ask is not just a commitment but a real decision of the Turkish Parliament. You realize that without a ratification of the agreement there will be no Cyprus Republic and it will be not certain under what legal authority the Turkish troops will stay in Cyprus or even whether they must go away,'' he noted.

Answering to another question he said that whenever the UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, who conducts the talks, asks for separate meetings he will be ready to participate.

[27] President rules out continuation of talks until December

NICOSIA, 25/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking as he left the Presidential Palace for another meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Dentkash, the Cypriot president said one of the key issues under discussion is Turkey's demand to have the agreed solution ratified after Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots conduct separate simultaneous referenda.

Asked to comment on Denktash's suggestion that talks can continue until December, President Papadopoulos replied ''no, I have nothing of the sort in mind, we have begun talks with a view at reaching a settlement that would satisfy us that it will be accepted by the people by the end of the timeframe Annan has set out.''

Invited to comment on Turkey's plans to ratify an agreement after the referenda in Cyprus, the President said ''this is one of the fundamental issue of our discussions.''

[28] Swiss experts in Cyprus to advise two sides

NICOSIA 25/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs posted a press release on its webpage saying that the team will also provide mediation services to the two parties, currently holding peace talks under UN auspices.

The mission is expected to be completed by the end of March 2004, according to the Department.

Pfirter worked intensively from 2000 to the beginning of 2003 and again for the last few weeks on a settlement to the 30-year-old conflict in Cyprus as legal advisor to the head UN negotiator Alvaro de Soto, the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus.

He will now be supported by two specialists from the Swiss Expert Pool for Civilian Peacebuilding, which is part of Political Affairs Division IV, Human Security.

The team of specialists in the areas of mediation and constitutional law will take up its duties in Cyprus this week.

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