Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Party leaders discuss domestic and foreign policy issues in TV debate

[02] Main opposition leader stresses role of NGOs in 'new government'

[03] Communist party leader gives press conference, calls for class alliance

[04] Interior ministry on preparations for March 7 polls

[05] FM sends condolences for Trajkovski's death

[06] Navy chiefs of Greece and France meet in Athens

[07] US State Department report on human rights released

[08] Greek gov’t begins payment of financial subsidy to taxi car owners

[09] Black Sea Bank to meet in Tirana, June 6-7

[10] Stocks rise in consolidation

[11] ATHOC chief: 'We'll be ready when the time comes'

[12] PM has meeting with top IOC officials, Greek organizers on Athens Olympics

[13] ND leader holds talks with IOC president

[14] Olympic Committee Association chief satisfied with Olympic Games presentation

[15] Greek mountaineers set off to hoist 'Athens 2004' flag on Everest, Kilimanjaro

[16] Exhibition in Nicosia on Olympic Games

[17] Rescuers, consignment of aid from Greece arrives in Morocco

[18] PM inspects projects in Piraeus

[19] Greece to award medal to European Ombudsman Diamantouros

[20] Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian prefects discuss cross-border cooperation

[21] Cyprus President says Denktash paper contains unacceptable positions

[22] French Ambassador sees problems if a divided Cyprus joins EU

[01] Party leaders discuss domestic and foreign policy issues in TV debate

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

PASOK leader George Papandreou, replying to a question on whether he will accept a ''carte blanche'' being given to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for him to provide a solution to the issue of Cyprus, said referendums and the implementation of the acquis communautaire are security valves, adding that if the Greek Cypriots do not agree with the solution to be proposed there can be no solution and this solution cannot ignore the acquis communautaire.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said that criticism exercised by his party was aimed at achieving the greatest possible benefits for the country.

Karamanlis also said it is in the country's interest for major national issues not to be a part of party confrontation.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said her party both in the European and Greek Parliaments did not vote against the accession of Cyprus but against the enlargement of the EU, which she termed inter-state cooperation, ''which is indeed reactionary and anti-popular''. She also rejected the position that KKE is following the path of solitude in foreign policy.

Coalition of the Radical Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the accession of Cyprus to the EU was positive, but added that tough negotiations must take place on the Annan plan, while the issue of Cyprus must not become a bicommunal issue. He added that the state which shall result must be the same as all the other European countries.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party leader Dimitris Tsovolas said the opportunity for Cyprus was lost at the EU Summit in Copenhagen when Greece should have threatened to exercise a veto, which it did not do, and which resulted in serving the interests of foreigners and Turkey. Tsovolas also expressed support for a solution to the issue of Cyprus, based only on UN resolutions issued from 1974 until now.

Social policy, health, welfare: The five leaders opened their televised debate on Thursday night with a discussion on the issue of social policy, health and welfare.

PASOK leader George Papandreou said the PASOK governments have produced a great deal of work with new hospitals and health centers throughout the country, adding that the aim is ''to bring the doctor close to the citizen'' with the founding of urban health centers, the initiation of the family doctor and the right of citizens to select a doctor.

The PASOK leader further said PASOK's program anticipates the operation of hospitals with transparency and decentralization.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said the abolition of the list of medicines provides all citizens with the possibility of having access to all medicines without the limitations of the list, noting that the list has reduced the production of medicines in Greece by 50 percent.

Referring to the social security issue, Karamanlis promised that age limits will not be increased, nor will contributions, stressing that his party's aim is to have pensions converge with the European average.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said European Union funds are enjoyed by the few and are provided with such specifications as to ensure that they reach the hands of businessmen.

Papariga added that the model she has in mind for social policy is one that meets the needs and problems of working people and the supply of labor, which produces social wealth.

Coalition of the Radical Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that laws concerning first stage health care are not applied and expressed support for the establishment of a guaranteed income for all working people.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said health and social welfare are not merchandise and expressed support for a public national health system and a guaranteed social security system with tripartite participation, while also speaking of the redistribution of national income.

The Economy: Ruling PASOK leader George Papandreou stated that the improvement of the position of low-paid pensioners and low-income earners in general will constitute ''the main priority of the new PASOK government'' after the March 7 general elections. He made a commitment that he would do everything possible ''within the existing margins,'' for all those in financial need to be helped.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis underlined that the major challenge for the economy was unemployment, noting that economic policy should tend to investments so that jobs are created. He accused PASOK that in this sector ''it failed up to now.''

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga made clear that her party saw matters from a class point of view, noting that it was ''an opponent of plutocracy in the European Union and Greece.'' She also referred to what she termed ''the savage capitalism which we are experiencing today.''

Coalition of the Radical Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos described the economic policies of PASOK and the ND as being ''parallel and on the same one-way path'' and stressed that what was needed was ''another non neo-liberal policy.''

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas stressed that the economy should serve the people and stood in favor of ''another distribution of tax burdens and of a redistribution of national income so as to free funds and strengthen domestic demand .''

[02] Main opposition leader stresses role of NGOs in 'new government'

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at a seminar on ''The Society of Citizens in the New Government'' organized by the Constantine Karamanlis Institute for Democracy, Karamanlis stressed that ND wanted citizens actively involved in decision-making and not just when they exercised their right to vote.

He said independent NGOs could play a key role as think tanks and outlets through which such active citizens could press to push policies in the right direction, so that they were direct, correct, developmental and of high quality.

According to Karamanlis, NGOs were the 'supreme ideological expression of a free and open society that rejects a state run on party lines and establishment mentalities'' and he stressed that ND wanted to preserve their independence from all forms of state control and the ''embrace'' of party-politics.

Karamanlis also presented a 10-point plan containing ND's proposals for the new relationship between citizens and the state and the ''new government''.

This included a charter of citizens' rights, e-government, more and better independent authorities, decentralization to local government and regional organs, the foundation of an NGO secretariat that would fully guarantee the independence of the organizations themselves and a series of measures targeting the voluntary, non-profit organizations comprising the ''third sector'' in Greece, such as the systematic collection of reliable data, developing a sounder legal framework for its development, ensuring a stable economic framework and the creation of a body to study Greece's social economy with a new department of the national statistics service.

[03] Communist party leader gives press conference, calls for class alliance

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Papariga analyzed the political significance for the majority of the Greek people by the differentiation of voters from their traditional election attitude, stressing that the weakening of the two main string parties will not only lead to the strengthening of KKE, which is consistent with its positions, but to a wider reclassification of the political scene in the country as well.

She added that the sudden change in the PASOK party's leadership will also affect the main opposition New Democracy party and predicted a shakeup on the country's political map.

[04] Interior ministry on preparations for March 7 polls

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

He said the Supreme Court had already named the 16 political parties that will be running for Parliament in the polls, whose representatives will participate in the last and full meeting of the Cross-party Committee on Friday, regardless of whether they had candidates throughout the country.

Friday's Cross-party Committee session will discuss how much radio and television time will be accorded to the parties outside Parliament. Alivizatos said there will a similar arrangement to that used in 2000 and that the National Radio and Television Council was in agreement on this point.

He also announced that arrangements had been made to transport six judicial representatives to voting stations on remote islands by helicopter.

A ministry circular, meanwhile, clarified that voters will be required to produce either a police identity card or a passport in order to vote.

An estimated 10,000-17,000 are not listed in the electoral rolls, according to the ministry, which said that they would have to obtain certificates from the municipalities where they are registered, provided that they were registered up to December 31, 2003.

Alivizatos received a visit from Orthodox Popular Rally (LAOS) president George Karatzaferis on Thursday, who protested at his exclusion from the party-leader debate later the same day.

Karatzaferis argued that he was an MP in the last Parliament and that he had obtained a sizeable portion of the vote during the last local government elections.

Alivizatos said the ministry did not have a position on the issue, which he said was primarily political.

[05] FM sends condolences for Trajkovski's death

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Yiannitsis stressed the efforts Trajkovski had made to establish peace in the Balkans and reaffirmed the friendly relations between Greece and FYROM.

''I wish to express, as foreign minister of Greece and on behalf of its government, my deepest and most sincere condolences toward the friendly nation of our neighboring country and the families of the victims for the loss of President Trajkovski, his associates and the members of the crew,'' the foreign minister said in his statement.

''This unexpected and tragic death is a truly major loss for his country and the Balkan region, since it comes after a time of great effort by the political forces in FYROM to normalize political life, for national reconciliation, to establish stability and security and to strengthen the country's ties with European institutions.

''President Trajkovski played a definitive role in this national effort,'' Yiannitsis added.

''On this tragic occasion, I wish to reaffirm the ties of friendship and cooperation between Greece and FYROM and its people and our desire to stand by their side, as we have done all these years, for the benefit of our bilateral relations and for the good of the greater Balkan region,'' he concluded.

Trajkovski was killed on Thursday when his plane crashed into Bosnian mountains in thick fog, while on his way to an economic conference in the Bosnian city of Mostar.

According to reports, there were six aides on board the plane in addition to Trajkovski and the crew. So far, no survivors have been found.

PASOK, ND leaders express regret over FYROM president's death

PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Thursday expressed his profound regret over the ''violent death of (FYROM President) Boris Trajkovski, a good friend with whom I had worked for peace and stability in our region'', on being informed of the accident which cost him his life.

''President Trajkovski was an inspired leader and a pylon for FYROM's stability. The vacuum he is leaving behind will be difficult to fill,'' Papandreou added.

The PASOK leader also said ''I hope he will be an example for all leaders in the region. We shall continue the effort for peace, prosperity and cooperation between the peoples of the Balkans and to vindicate the memory of President Trajkovski.''

Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos also addressed a letter of condolences to FYROM's Vice President Radmila Sekerinska and expressed Greece's willingness and readiness to offer assistance with rescue crews if this was desired.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis addressed a letter of condolences to FYROM's Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski and to Parliament President Ljubco Jordanovski.

[06] Navy chiefs of Greece and France meet in Athens

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The meeting covered relations between countries taking part in the Mediterranean Dialogue, namely Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Israel, Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria, with international organizations, cooperation between the Greek and French navies in dealing with contemporary threats and personnel training.

Antoniadis also reiterated that Greece desired to participate in a European operations naval force that included units from France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

The French Navy chief then paid a ceremonial visit to Greek Armed Forces General Staff Chief General George Antonakopoulos, while on Friday he will visit Salamina where he will be briefed by the commander of the fleet about the activities of Greece's Navy headquarters.

[07] US State Department report on human rights released

WASHINGTON 27/2/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The 26-page country chapter on Greece also noted incidents of xenophobia directed against Albanians, and, stressing that Greek law prohibits trafficking in persons, categorizing it as a criminal offense carrying large prison terms and stiff fines, it noted the trafficking of women and young girls for sexual exploitation, chiefly from countries of Eastern Europe.

It said violence and discrimination against women continued to present problems, and cited cases of foreign children forced into begging.

Noting a Presidential Decree for the protection of victims of trafficking in persons, and the encouragement of government cooperation with NGOs, the report said that, during the year, 10 television stations ran public service announcements on child trafficking and major radio stations and magazines carried announcements on trafficking in women. In October and November, the NGO Stop Now distributed anti-trafficking brochures with funds from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The report further said that some leaders of minority religions noted a general improvement in government tolerance, but noted that laws that restricted freedom of speech remained in force, and some legal restrictions and administrative obstacles on freedom of religion persisted.

It also said that there were no politically-motivated disappearances, imprisonment for political reasons, or political killings, but noted that in September, border police shot and killed an Albanian who was trying to cross illegally into the country. The policeman was charged with homicide.

Also, it said that, in December, 15 members of the terrorist group November 17 were convicted of various crimes including homicide; the leader of the group and key operatives were given multiple life sentences.

The report further said that anti-Semitism continues to exist, particularly in the press. Vandalism of Jewish monuments continued to be a problem, although the Government strongly criticized the acts.

Cyprus: The 31-page country chapter on Cyprus said that human rights were generally respected in Cyprus, both in the free, government-controlled part of Cyprus and in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.

It noted, however, that the main problems were pinpointed in the occupied sector.

The report said that although Turkish Cypriot authorities generally respected the human rights of citizens living under its control, there were, however, problems in some areas. ''Police reportedly abused some suspects and detainees. Civilians continued to be tried in military courts. The (Turkish Cypriot) authorities reportedly subjected members of the Greek Cypriot community living in the north to surveillance. The authorities filed criminal charges against journalists for their reporting. The police interfered with some demonstrations. For part of the year, Turkish Cypriot authorities restricted freedom of movement to government-controlled areas and prohibited most contacts between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. On April 23, Turkish Cypriot authorities relaxed many restrictions on movement between the two communities, including abolishing all crossing fees; the new procedures led to relatively unimpeded contact between the communities. Cooperation between Turkish Cypriot authorities and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was uneven. Turkish Cypriot authorities took some steps to improve the conditions of Greek Cypriots and Maronites living in the territory under their control, but these groups remained subject to discriminatory treatment. Violence against women and trafficking in women for prostitution were problems,'' the report specified vis-a-vis the occupied sector.

The report further noted that since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus while the northern part is ruled by a Turkish Cypriot administration which has proclaimed itself the ''Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'' (''TRNC'') and is not recognized by the United States or any other country except Turkey, adding that a substantial number of Turkish troops remain on the island.

Turkey: In the 58-page country chapter on Turkey, the report said that the country had approved expensive reforms in the area of human rights, but added that they had not been fully implemented during the year.

The report noted indirect influence by the Turkish military on the country's political life, stressed the need for materialization of the democratic reforms voted into law so as to ensure the independence of the justice system, respect of human rights, the activities of the Kurdish parties, and to tackle human rights violations by para-military organizations.

The report further said that the Turkish authorities continued to monitor the activities of non-Moslem religious foundations, and that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has repeatedly requested the reopening of the its seminary, the Theological School of Halki, which was shut down in 1971.

It stressed that, under the existing restrictions, the religious communities in Turkey are unable to train new clergy.

[08] Greek gov’t begins payment of financial subsidy to taxi car owners

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said that the financial aid for taxi cars up to 1,950 cc would be 3,500 euros and for cars of more than 1,951 cc the aid would total 4,500 euros.

Mr Verelis said it was the first time in Greece that the state offered financial support to taxi car owners to help in renewing their fleet and upgrading the sector.

[09] Black Sea Bank to meet in Tirana, June 6-7

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The Thessaloniki-based bank said it has scheduled to hold a 5th Black Sea Business Seminar during the general assembly and announced that Albanian Prime Minister Mr Fatos Nano will inaugurate the meeting.

The business seminar will have three themes: a) developing regional infrastructure networks, b) farm industry and c) attracting foreign investments in the Black Sea region.

The seminar will be addressed by Albanian government officials, and officials from the Black Sea Bank and other international financial organizations, businessmen and investors from the wider region.

The Black Sea Bank for Trade and Development is an international organization based in Thessaloniki. It was founded by 11 countries (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine).

[10] Stocks rise in consolidation

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.96 per cent to end at 2,415.89 points. Turnover was 533.3 million euros, boosted by bloc trades.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.88 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.81 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished with gains of 1.20 percent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 228 to 61 with 65 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of February 26 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,254 1,225

[11] ATHOC chief: 'We'll be ready when the time comes'

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Athens 2004 Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki outlined progress for the Games to an audience of keenly interested delegates, and amid recent high-profile concerns over delayed work on the classical Marathon route and the new state-of-the-art roof over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA), among others.

On his part, IOC chief inspector for Athens, Denis Oswald, noted that although much needs to be done until August, he still is confident that everything will be ready.

High-ranking culture ministry official Costas Kartalis promised that the “signature” roof project over the OAKA stadium -- dubbed by the “Calatrava dome” by local media for the surname of the noted Spanish architect who designed it, Santiago Calatrava -- will be finished by the end of June.

The culture ministry general secretary said the procedure for easing the entire glass-and-metal framework into its final position, a reportedly tricky endeavor, will begin in late April, with a crucial round of engineering tests set for May 5.

In terms of other projects, he said landscaping work will begin around the “Olympic Village” next week; while a new Y-shaped tram network will debut in the Greek capital in June, with 22.5 kilometers of track already laid down. Finally, he said 22 kilometers of the suburban rail project, which connects the metro lines with the airport, are ready.

Regarding the crucial issue of security for the 2004 Games, the ATHOC chief said organizers, Greek authorities and a bevy of international advisory countries, including the United States, consider security as the No. 1 priority for the upcoming Olympics.

Turning to specific venues, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said the all-marble Panathinaiko Stadium – the site that hosted the first modern Olympic in 1896 – will be ready in a few weeks. The U-shaped stadium in downtown Athens will host the Olympic archery competition and serve as the finish line for the Marathon race.

She also promised that a host of facilities along coastal Athens’ at the Helliniko district, hosting everything from handball to the basketball preliminaries, will also be ready by June as well.

“We have offered our commitment, from the very first moment, that the Games of Greece will be unique. We have already broken our first record – In 24 weeks, athletes from 202 countries around the world, the largest participation of countries ever (in the Olympic Games), will parade at the Athens Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. This makes our responsibility even greater. We’re ready to meet the challenge … “Nineteen facilities will be ready by the end of March” she told NOC delegates from around the world.

Finally, Oswald, the Swiss-born chairman of the IOC coordination commission for the 2004 Games, praised both Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and the level of cooperation between ATHOC and the Greek government, before stressing that the IOC continues to press for stepped up progress in the face of tight completion deadlines.

[12] PM has meeting with top IOC officials, Greek organizers on Athens Olympics

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

This will probably be the last time that Simitis meets Rogge in the capacity of Greek premier. The two men have a history of good and open cooperation since the Greek premier personally took over the task of monitoring coordination of Olympics preparations in 2000 and of chairing an Interministerial Committee in charge of preparations for the August Games in Athens.

During the final meeting, there was an overview of the progress made so far and the problems that still remained, such as the works at the OAKA Olympics complex involving the Calatrava dome, a roof for the Olympic Swimming Pool, roadworks on Marathonos Avenue and other projects of lesser importance.

No statements were made after the meeting and Rogge headed for the headquarters of main opposition New Democracy for talks with ND leader Costas Karamanlis.

[13] ND leader holds talks with IOC president

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis stressed that ''the success of the Olympic Games is a national issue which concerns all the Greeks.''

During the meeting, attended by Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki, ND secretary Vangelis Meimarakis and the party's Olympic Games sector chief Fani Palli-Petralia, Karamanlis reassured Rogge that there will be no loss of time and that all who had worked in past years to achieve the great undertaking will continue their work unimpeded.

The ND leader said ''Greece will honor the commitments it has undertaken towards the Olympic family'', adding that ''only 169 days are left until the beginning of the Athens Olympic Games and it is certain that not even one of them must be lost.''

[14] Olympic Committee Association chief satisfied with Olympic Games presentation

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

''Athens 2004 made a full presentation. Never until now has there been such a detailed report corresponding so much to reality. Our only objection has to do with airline tickets. Athens 2004 had promised to cover us, which has happened by 70 percent, while the remaining Olympic Committees have expressed concern over the specific issue. We shall refer to this in our report, trying to change something in the time to come,'' the Mexican president said.

In essence, the problem has appeared with about 15 National Olympic Committees which are not satisfied with the bonus -and not the tickets, since Athens 2004 does not offer tickets- which shall be provided for them and which amounts to about 13 million euros.

Referring to the General Assembly's work, he said ''it was one of the most complete assemblies. We addressed 23 points in the agenda and listened to 107 speakers. We secured the Union's unity, which is very important for us. For the first time a total of 202 National Olympic Committees participated.''

[15] Greek mountaineers set off to hoist 'Athens 2004' flag on Everest, Kilimanjaro

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

''This time, the third in a row, following failed attempts in 1993 and 1996, we are well prepared and organized. Our national mountaineering team has been set up with the best and most experienced mountaineers, and for this reason we foresee success in the venture,'' Tsivelekas said.

The attempt to climb the peak of Everest will be attempted simultaneously by two teams and from two different directions. Six mountain climbers will participate in each team. The one, headed by Tsivelekas, will start from the north of the highest mountain in the world, from Tibet, while the other team, headed by Kotronaros, from the southern side, from Nepal.

The members of the national mountaineering team will depart on Friday for Kilimanjaro, at the peak of which (at 5,895 metres) they will also hoist the ''Athens 2004'' flag. This climb is within the framework of their preparations to climb Everest.

[16] Exhibition in Nicosia on Olympic Games

NICOSIA 27/2/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

Cyprus' Education and Culture Minister Pefkios Georgiades will inaugurate the exhibition at the Events Hall of Laiki Bank at 7 p.m. on March 1.

The exhibition, held with the support of the Education and Culture Ministry, honors the Olympic Ideals and the national unanimity of the era of the revival of the Games.

[17] Rescuers, consignment of aid from Greece arrives in Morocco

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The aid was gathered and sent to Rabat in Morocco on Wednesday, in the wake of an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale that struck the north African country early on Tuesday, killing nearly 600 people.

The first plane carried a rescue team, materials, search and salvage equipment and specially-trained dogs, while the second plane carried five members of the non-governmental organization "Greek Rescue Squad", four members of the non-governmental organization "Doctors of the World", a mobile hospital and pharmaceuticals.

[18] PM inspects projects in Piraeus

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

Afterwards, the prime minister inspected road works and the HSAP station under construction in the district of Neo Faliro, as well as the renovated electric railway station in Piraeus.

His next stop was the prefecture of Piraeus, where he was welcomed by the Prefect Yiannis Mihas who referred to all of the prefecture's projects in his address to the prime minister.

Simitis focused in his reply on the importance of projects which have either been carried out or are being carried out in the region, and on the government's work in general and on the course of the country.

The prime minister's tour was completed with a visit to the PASOK party's election center in Pasalimani.

He was accompanied on his tour by Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, Deputy Culture Minister Nikos Alevras, Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris, PASOK's candidate deputies in the region and Mihas.

[19] Greece to award medal to European Ombudsman Diamantouros

STRASBOURG 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The medal was presented to Diamantouros at a special ceremony held at Greece's Permanent Representation at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, which was attended by dignitaries from the CoE, the European Court of Human Rights and Strasbourg's diplomatic authorities.

[20] Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian prefects discuss cross-border cooperation

Athens, 27/2/2004 (ANA)

The meeting between the three prefects was held within the framework of the creation of a network of border region prefectures, the founding of which was decided in Xanthi at the initiative of Xanthi prefect G. Pavlidis.

Taking part in the network are the prefects of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, of Bulgaria and of Turkey.

The framework of the cooperation as well as the plan of the network's charter was discussed at length at the Orestiada meeting.

The final proposals which will be shaped will be submitted at the plenum of the prefects which will be held in Smolyan, Bulgaria in March.

[21] Cyprus President says Denktash paper contains unacceptable positions

NICOSIA 27/2/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He said that Denktash's document raises core issues that relate to the philosophy of the UN proposed plan, which both sides have agreed not to disturb during their latest effort to reach a negotiated settlement.

The president noted that he would not leave the negotiating table. His comments came at the end of the fourth day of meetings between Papadopoulos and Denktash, in the presence of UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, that aim at concluding an agreement by March 22 to enable a reunited Cyprus join the European Union on May 1 this year.

''Denktash has raised issues in his document that are completely outside the parameters of the Annan plan, there are issues that are unacceptable for us and we are not going to get entangled in the framework to which Denktash wishes to lead this process,'' the president said, adding that the Turkish Cypriot leader brings back to the forefront his vision of two sovereign states.

''I believe the points Denktash raises cannot remain unanswered, this however does not mean that we accept that they become topics of discussion at the negotiating table. We have no intention of getting involved in discussions about his vision,'' the president said.

He pointed out that the issues and the timetable of the talks have already been determined and he would adhere to this agenda, with good will.

''We are ready to enter into substantive negotiations to bring about those changes we consider necessary to render the proposed UN plan functional,'' the president said.

Replying to questions about the Denktash document, he said it is entitled ''recommendations''. The president said the Turkish Cypriot leader was asked to explain his positions on issues under discussion and to make suggestions on all the issues Denktash thinks he is entitled to raise or he wants to raise.

''Denktash raises issues in the document that are unacceptable to us, he also raises issues of substance and matters that relate to the philosophy of the plan, such as his position to revert the fundamentals of the Annan plan back to ethnic basis instead of constituent states,'' he said.

This, the president pointed out, is a ''very fundamental change in the philosophy of the Annan plan.''

Asked what Denktash might be attempting to do, he said ''if we follow his course, if the negotiations are led to where Denktash wants to lead them, this would undermine the entire negotiating process and instead of having substantive negotiations to amend the plan, the process would be led to a repetition of his vision and his former positions.''

Invited to say if the current procedure can allow substantive negotiations to take place, the president replied ''this is what we are trying to do, we have entered the stage where we discuss in detail what is being proposed, what we expect to achieve and we listen to the views of the other side.''

He said he does not expect that either side should anticipate a reply, a yes or a no answer, to points it raises on the day such issues are put forward.

Asked if talks can move ahead, following the submission of Denktash's paper, Papadopoulos pointed out that he had not heard anybody suggest withdrawal from the talks.

''I have not heard anybody so far suggesting that we should leave the negotiating table and we are not going to leave the negotiating table,'' he stressed.

The president said that the talks would continue on Friday.

[22] French Ambassador sees problems if a divided Cyprus joins EU

NICOSIA 27/2/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In an interview with CNA De La Tour-Du-Pin said if the Cyprus problem is not solved by Cyprus' accession to the EU on May 1st, 2004, the Union ''will inherit a situation which is very difficult and tricky.''

''To have a divided member within a club is never a good situation for the club. It is not a good situation for the member, so that's why I don't want to think about that,'' he said.

Asked about his country's position on the Cyprus problem the Ambassador referred to the meeting France's Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin had Monday in Brussels with Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou, on the sidelines of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, noting that de Villepin expressed to Iacovou the good will of France ''not only to maintain the contacts but also to provide some help if need.''

''So we'll see how we could for instance within the framework of the UN good offices be of some help,'' the French Ambassador added.

He also stressed that, even if France is not directly involved in the negotiations, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a member of the EU it has ''a double interest in having a solution'' that ''has to be a long-lasting solution, otherwise it is not a solution, it will create more problems that it will solve.''

Asked if the Annan plan serves the goals of a viable and just solution, De La Tour-Du-Pin said up to now this is the only plan the communities in Cyprus, the negotiators and those who want a solution, including France, have.

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