Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND leader addresses main Athens party rally, pledges to serve all Greeks

[02] PASOK leader G. Papandreou addresses election rally in Pyrgos

[03] PM Simitis visits Samos, accuses ND of hypocrisy

[04] Papandreou in television interview

[05] SYN leader appeals for 'electoral truce on a cultural political level'

[06] Website 'elections2004' to cover election night via the Internet

[07] Reactions continue over unsigned leaflets furor

[08] PASOK spokeswoman expresses condolences for death of Karatzas

[09] FM Giannitsis to represent Greek government at funeral of FYROM president

[10] Main opposition leader pledges 'final solution' for state contract workers

[11] Greek state bond market rises in volume, prices in February

[12] Travel agencies from Greece, Egypt sign cooperation protocol

[13] GNTO participates in the promotion of Olympic prefectures

[14] National Bank to halt business early Friday, marking death of governor

[15] Stocks rise in late buying

[16] 150,000 apply to volunteer in Athens Olympics

[17] Australia's rowing team for the Athens Olympics

[18] Greek taekwondo athletes to participate in test event

[19] Fire at Mt. Athos monastery under control, major damage to buildings reported

[20] Cox stresses Patriarchate's role in forging Europe's identity during Fanar visit

[21] Cyprus president says Denktash rejects suggestions on territory

[22] Negotiations move at slow pace, says Cyprus government spokesman

[23] Comments by Straw not a warning, says Cyprus FM Iacovou

[24] FCO spokesman: legal position on Cyprus EU accession remains clear

[25] UN envoy travels to Ankara on Friday

[26] State Department says Cyprus' accession to EU a watershed moment

[01] ND leader addresses main Athens party rally, pledges to serve all Greeks

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis said Greece ''will turn a new page'' and called on all citizens to ''hoist the flag of social responsibility, the banners of unity and the Greek flag'', adding that ''there will be no winners and losers on Sunday and all of us will move forward together.''

The ND leader thanked citizens for confidence they are showing him and promised to reciprocate and serve the country and the homeland with effectiveness and humility and stressed ''Greece and the Greeks come first. Extend your hands even to those who do not vote for us.''

Karamanlis also said ''Greece can no longer stand the past, the slide towards corruption and immunity, the party state and conservatism. It cannot stand being watched, provocation or temptations. Greece is turning its back on modern populism, on divisive dilemmas, on extremes and on extreme attitudes because the new era demands a new beginning, a new governance, a new policy, a new momentum and new people.''

He further said ''the new governance will embrace all the Greeks, unite, compose, look ahead and build tomorrow on stable foundations'' and accused the ruling PASOK party of ''trying to create phobic dilemmas in speaking of our and their youth''.

Karamanlis called on PASOK to decide even at this hour what it wants, expresses and stands for and posed the questions ''a state for all or a PASOK state, realities or myths, positive options or phobic dilemmas, the future or the past, the new era or talk of the past, seriousness or false words, composition or confusion, respect for the citizen or irresponsible abuse for half of the Greeks ?''.

Referring to the economy, Karamanlis said it is facing problems and stressed that the problem is an ''exclusively political one because the PASOK system cannot endure'' since ''funds, possibilities and opportunities exist, but what is necessary is a new economic policy, a different perception, a new governance without the economy being a toy, fixed for the few in power, one having rules which shall be stable and common for all and which shall be known beforehand and have transparency, stability and confidence.''

Summing up his address, Karamanlis said ''no vote must be absent in the change in page for any reason. I am requesting a mandate from you on all we have agreed on and I am asking for your positive vote and your confidence for a new governance and for a better Greece. I commit myself to serve my country with faith, to observe in full the agreement of honor we are signing jointly and to give all in my power to be worthy of your confidence.''

[02] PASOK leader G. Papandreou addresses election rally in Pyrgos

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou said that ''the leadership of (main opposition) New Democracy does not dare to openly condemn the extreme Right and its actions,'' adding:''They cannot condemn the extreme elements, not even today, therefore, they will never be able to do so. The conclusion is one - and it carries great weight for the future of all Greeks: Greece cannot stand the retrogression of the Right.''

He further noted:''The conservative party cannot even implement its promises. It will bring about experiments in society and in the economy. No working person, no family, no pensioner, no small-and-medium-size entrepreneur and no farmer can emerge a winner from austerity, the freezing of salaries and pensions and from the abolition of the social state.''

PASOK leader issues message ahead of main rally in Athens on Friday: ''The message of victory comes from every corner of Greece,'' ruling PASOK leader George Papandreou said on Thursday night, ahead of the last day of campaigning on Friday for the March 7 general elections.

Papandreou, who will address the main PASOK rally at the Pedion tou Areos Park in central Athens on Friday evening, said in his message that ''on March 7 we declare our will to continue with confidence the course of great Change, the great overturning which we started together.''

The PASOK leader added:''On March 8 a new era is starting. A new page is opening. A new start is being made for all, in all, everywhere. We come from the people and from the depth of their democratic traditions. Their struggles, their sacrifices, their hard work. For freedom and independence. For progress and prosperity. To the homeland and the Diaspora. To work and education.''

''With PASOK we changed the position and destiny of Greece,'' he said.

[03] PM Simitis visits Samos, accuses ND of hypocrisy

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Simitis said "ND has an extreme side which it does not wish to appear and when the state of the Right emerges they suddenly think and see that it has got out of hand and try to cover it up."

Speaking in the town of Karlovasi, Simitis referred to the issue of the abusive leaflet directed against PASOK leader George Papandreou, saying he saw it "printed in ND's semi-official newspaper in its entirety."

''How can you print a provocation if it does not express you? If it is a provocation then you condemn it and you do not print it. They want it, they are presenting it, it expresses them and it is their view,'' the prime minister said.

Simitis outlined the government's achievements to date, he made an account of work done in foreign policy over the past eight years and also referred to infrastructures created on the island.

He said that on March 7, the date of the elections, "the Greeks will decide whether they will have a policy for the working man or a policy leading the working man to unemployment."

The prime minister also visited the new hospital on the island, the new air terminal, the port at Malagari and the Union of Samos' Wine-Producing Cooperatives.

Simitis left for Athens late in the afternoon.

[04] Papandreou in television interview

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Speaking on a morning program on private Antenna television station, Papandreou referred to an issue that has arisen, according to which anonymous brochures slanderous to Papandreou have purportedly circulated in churches, over which PASOK has accused main opposition New Democracy of being behind the affair.

Papandreou said his party has taken the issue to court, adding "let them come there to belie us".

Questioned on how he intended to govern if PASOK won the elections, Papandreou noted that he had assumed the PASOK helm only a month ago, and two months ago had embarked on a campaign of dialogue with society.

He said his purpose was not to change PASOK's program, but to see where priority should be placed, thus bringing the State-citizen relations, education, health, and the problem of poverty, into the fore-front.

Papandreou said claims that Greece had no wealth were untrue, noting that the country had a growth rate of 4 percent annually, and would continue to do so, with PASOK as the guarantor. He conceded, however, that the wealth had not been equally distributed to the lower income strata, despite efforts made by PASOK to remedy that problem.

He said that the Greek economy was developing, and Greece was no longer a poor country, adding that he disagreed with the disaster-mongering.

[05] SYN leader appeals for 'electoral truce on a cultural political level'

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

On arrival at Iraklion, Crete to address a party rally ahead of Sunday's general elections, Constantopoulos told reporters: ''The people have before them two images: the sober image of a calm dialogue between all the political party leaders and the present juxtaposition of the two major parties which is being conducted on a low level and on an equally low moral level. Each to his own weapons, as they say. Let them knowingly choose, which of the two images they want.''

The SYN leader further said that it was inconceivable for him to believe ''that this systematic downgrading of the political level and the systematic contempt of the Greek people's intelligence will go unpunished.''

''It seems that in the minds of some, political culture is one thing and politics and bipartisan juxtaposition another,'' he added.

Twenty-two members of Italian Left support Greece's Coalition party: In an announcement on Thursday, the Coalition of the Radical Left said that 22 members of the Left in Italy had signed a statement expressing their support for the party.

According to a passage quoted in the announcement, "the Greek Left and the Coalition of the Radical Left is fighting for the unity of action of all Leftist and progressive forces, is actively involved in the international movement against neoliberal globalization and the wars that accompany this and is actively involved in unity of action and dialogue without exclusions of the forces of the Left for the creation of a Party of the European Left."

[06] Website 'elections2004' to cover election night via the Internet

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

As soon as the ballot boxes close on Sunday night, visitors to the Internet address  HYPERLINK "http://www.mpa.gr/elections2004"
http://www.mpa.gr/elections2004 will be able to see the results of all exit polls carried out during the day through comparative charts, after which there will be a steady stream of results from constituencies around the country as these are relayed from the interior ministry and by teams of reporters working for Greece's two national news agencies, along with the progressive overall results.

The site will also offer TV coverage of events on election night transmitted via Live Streaming Video, such as the statements of political leaders and top party officials, reports, discussions and a running commentary by a team of journalists.

During the pre-election period, the MPA, ANA and OTEnet also collaborated to present the pre-election campaigns of the parties on the Internet at the same site, which contained a wealth of information on all the party tickets in each prefecture, party activities and programs, the biographies of the candidates and information on the profile of the electorate, previous election results since the return of democracy in 1974, the Greek Constitution, electoral law etc.

The site also transmitted televised coverage of the major pre-election rallies by the parties in Athens, Thessaloniki and larger provincial towns, as well as a debate between representatives of all the parties running in the election. The last pre-election rally will be transmitted on Friday night.

[07] Reactions continue over unsigned leaflets furor

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

The bitter flap comes days before general elections take place on Sunday, with either Papandreou or ND president Costas Karamanlis (the leaders of the two main parties) almost certain to assume the premiership.

Ruling PASOK’s spokeswoman, EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, on Wednesday afternoon presented photographs of what she said were ND employees stamping and unloading the controversial folders at a central Athens post office, something that the main opposition’s spokesman vehemently denied a few hours later. PASOK also filed a lawsuit over the incident, while noting that the matter came to the party’s attention after postal employees saw a leaflet fall out of an envelope.

The unsigned material heaps criticism on Papandreou on issues ranging from religion to euthanasia to Greece’s relations with neighboring Turkey. According to reports, the intended recipients were priests and Orthodox Church parishes.

In a heated response, ND accused the ruling party of spying on its employees, stressing that it uses the specific branch on practically a daily basis and that the party and its representatives have absolutely no connection whatsoever to the specific leaflets. ND spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos referred to a provocation on the part of PASOK.

Additionally, a prosecutor was dispatched to the post office branch (in the Koukaki district) on Thursday to begin an investigation of the entire affair, while police had blocked off the office for most of the day. Moreover, a search of court records failed to turn up an organization by the name of “Citizens’ Action for the Protection of Our Heritage”, the name on the controversial leaflets.

In televised remarks earlier in the morning, Papandreou said: “in a political campaign, even if one party wants to emphasize certain facts about its opponent, it could do so publicly, so I could respond. I wouldn’t have a problem with that,” he said, noting that such mailings create the impression that they are being sent by a religious organization. He also denied that the incident was a provocation to discredit ND.

[08] PASOK spokeswoman expresses condolences for death of Karatzas

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Karatzas had for many years served as governor of the state-run National Bank of Greece, the largest bank and most influential bank in the country.

''Theodoros Karatzas was a prominent figure of political and economic life and his work has left a mark on the history of the country,'' she said.

[09] FM Giannitsis to represent Greek government at funeral of FYROM president

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

President Trajkovski was killed in an air crash earlier this week.

[10] Main opposition leader pledges 'final solution' for state contract workers

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis said that the fixed-term contracts of workers covering standing and continuous needs of the public sector would be converted to indefinite contracts, in accordance with a European Union directive that should have been implemented in 1999.

''We will put an end to this unacceptable situation, in which thousands of our compatriots are essentially political hostages, and ensure a permanent and fair solution,'' Karamanlis said.

[11] Greek state bond market rises in volume, prices in February

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Investors' interest focused again on medium- and long-term maturity securities (seven to 20 years), which absorbed 66 percent of total turnover.

The central bank, in its monthly report said that the 10-year benchmark bond, with a maturity date of May 20, 2014, recorded the biggest turnover at 13.65 billion euros, followed by the old 10-year benchmark bond (May 20, 2013) with a turnover of 6.82 billion euros.

Greek state bond prices rose in February following a trend in other European markets, with Greek benchmark bonds recording gains of 63-184 basis points.

The 20-year benchmark bond recorded the biggest monthly price increase, ending at 112.66 (yielding 4.85 percent) from 110.82 (4.99 percent) at the end of January. The 10-year benchmark bond recorded gains of 154 basis points in February, ending at 101.85 (yielding 4.27 percent) from 100.31 (4.46 percent) in the previous month.

The average yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German Bund rose slightly to 22 bps in February from 20 bps in January. Greece successfully completed two large auctions of state benchmark bonds, a three-year issue worth 1.8 billion euros and a five-year issue worth 5.0 billion euros.

The return of the three-year bond eased to 2.80 percent at the end of February, from 3.01 percent in the beginning of the month, while the 20-year benchmark bond returned 4.85 percent, down from 4.99 percent over the same period.

[12] Travel agencies from Greece, Egypt sign cooperation protocol

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

The protocol announces the creation of a Tourism Council between the two unions, envisaging the participation of other tourism agencies, with the purpose to design and implement joint actions and programs.

The protocol agreement is the result of a seminar held by both unions on Tuesday, 2 March, in an Athens hotel.

The agenda of the seminar also included tourism development in the Mediterranean region, cooperation in dealing with several common problems facing the tourist sector and increasing scheduled flights between Greece and Egypt.

The seminar was attended by Egypt's ambassador to Greece Mrs Magda Shahin.

[13] GNTO participates in the promotion of Olympic prefectures

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

The GNTO's participation amounts to 1,112,500 euros and is broken down as follows: 305,000 euros for the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, 65,000 euros for the Prefecture of Achaia, 100,000 euros for the Prefecture of Magnesia, 395,000 euros for the Prefecture of Elia, and 247,500 euros for the Prefecture of Iraklion.

''These programs, in which GNTO is participating extensively, will make a significant contribution to the promotion of cities hosting Olympic sporting events, but also as potential tourist destinations, thus creating positive results for the tourism sector in Thessaloniki and in Northern Greece after the Olympic Games,'' Minister of Development Akis Tsohatzopoulos said.

[14] National Bank to halt business early Friday, marking death of governor

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

Karatzas' funeral will be held in Athens on Friday.

[15] Stocks rise in late buying

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 1.36 per cent to end at 2,470.43 points. Turnover was 176.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.40 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.04 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 1.58 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 246 to 65 with 50 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 4 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,224 1,196

[16] 150,000 apply to volunteer in Athens Olympics

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

A total of 60,000 volunteers will be needed for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games (45,000 and 15,000, respectively).

Of those applying, 65.4% are residents of Greece and of the foreign residents 9.45% are Greeks living abroad. More women applied than men, representing 56% of total candidates.

The Organizing Committee has already interviewed 67,950 of the 150,360 applicants.

[17] Australia's rowing team for the Athens Olympics

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

After the first stage of testing, 173 candidates remained in the running, requiring 800 runs before the final selection was made.

Members of the Olympic team include Olympic medallists Boden Hanson, Geoffrey Stewart and Mike McKay.

The Australian Olympic team will come to Europe in mid-June, making its final preparations in Switzerland and Italy. It will come to Greece the week before the Games will commence.

[18] Greek taekwondo athletes to participate in test event

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

''The Hellenic Taekwondo Federation, its Olympic winners, its international winners, its European winners, are all preparing to honor their country once more,'' the announcement read.

Consequently, ''the above mandate obliges us to overcome minor problems that would otherwise deprive Greek sports of the chance to promote the country appropriately,'' the announcement continued.

Hellenic Taekwondo Federation president Thanassis Pragalos signed the announcement.

[19] Fire at Mt. Athos monastery under control, major damage to buildings reported

Athens, 5/3/2004 (ANA)

All the monks and the hundreds of priceless relics stored at the monastery had been saved from harm but the blaze had destroyed the monastery's guest quarters, monks' cells, two chapels decorated with 17th-century murals, a folk art collection and auxiliary buildings.

The extent of the damage was described as a ''disaster'' by an official of the semi-autonomous, all-male monastic community on the Mount Athos peninsula, also known as the ''Holy Mount''.

According to Polygyros Fire Department deputy chief Stylianos Ambaras, the fire broke out around midnight and was caused by an electric heater in the abbot's quarters. It then spread to the west wing of the monastery, which housed the guest quarters, monk’s cells and storage areas.

The 25 monks of Serb origin and a few laborers living at the monastery found them battling the blaze unaided during the night, as the rugged terrain around the monastery impeded swift access by the fire department. The first firemen from Ierissos and Arnaia arrived at day-break, followed by reinforcements from Polygyros and Thessaloniki.

Some 60 firemen and 11 fire-fighting vehicles eventually took part in the operation to put out the fire, their efforts hampered by the highly flammable wooden structures and by the fact that the vehicles had to cross very rough country in order to restock their water supply in the sea.

The 10th-century Hilandarion Monastery, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, is among the most historic of a score of medieval-era monasteries scattered on Mt. Athos peninsula - an area noted for its stunning natural beauty and a monastic community that dates back to the 5th century AD, its origins shrouded in myth and legend.

The Holy Mount is a self-governed part of the Greek state, subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its political aspect and to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople as regards its religious aspect.

According to ancient Greek mythology, the name Athos belongs to a Thracian giant. During the conflict between the mythical gods and the giants, Athos threw a huge rock at the god of the sea, Poseidon, but the rock slipped through his fingers and fell to the sea creating a huge block of land which is now Mount Athos.

According to Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary with John the Evangelist, on their way to visit Lazarus in Cyprus, encountered a stormy sea that forced them to temporarily seek refuge in the port which is now the Monastery of Ivira. The Virgin Mary, admiring the wild beauty of the place, asked God to give her the mountain as a present, and the voice of the Lord was heard saying: ''Let this place be your lot, your garden and your paradise, as well as a salvation, a haven for those who seek salvation''.

Since then, Mount Athos is considered as ''The Garden of the Virgin Mary''.

Fire at monastery on Mount Athos extinguished

A fire breaking out at Hilandari monastery on Mount Athos at midnight on Wednesday was extinguished by firemen on Thursday and, according to initial assessments, considerable damage has been caused to the monastery.

The fire brigade is preparing an account of the damage, while an overall assessment of the situation is expected on Friday.

[20] Cox stresses Patriarchate's role in forging Europe's identity during Fanar visit

ISTANBUL 5/3/2004 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

He noted that the Patriarchate held a "special place in the consciousness of many people," at a time when Europe's politicians were working to build a larger European Union based on values.

He also stressed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate was an inseparable part of the process for overcoming dividing lines, which was necessary in order to build the EU.

"We politicians and our institutions intersect the old dividing lines between cultures. The continuity of the spiritual leadership of the Patriarchate is an inseparable part of this process," he said.

[21] Cyprus president says Denktash rejects suggestions on territory

NICOSIA 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after returning to the Presidential Palace from his ninth meeting with Denktash, President Papadopoulos also said that the Greek Cypriot side submitted an overall plan on how to handle the issue of the transitional period.

President Papadopoulos said Denktash had submitted ''an additional document explaining the reasons why he does not accept our (G/C side's) suggestions on the status of the territory which will be returned.''

Noting the Greek Cypriot side has completed outlining its positions on the issue of territory, he said ''we proceeded to the second issue concerning transitional period. We explained that when the plan was originally submitted, it had foreseen for a transitional period of 16 months. As you know, the plan had said that it should be completed, full and self-executing, i.e. nothing should be left for further discussion to establish institutions and laws that are required for a state to run. Now these timeframes are not available, not because of our fault, and we have submitted an overall plan on how to handle this issue.''

Invited to comment on scenarios that talk about referenda taking place with no agreement reached, followed by the island's accession to the EU and a further attempt to find a solution, the Cypriot president questioned ''what happens if the second effort fails? In the meantime the Republic of Cyprus will have ceased to exist. There will be a new state of affairs. This is a danger which we must take into account so that we do not end up without a solution, without a new state of affairs, without a state.''

Asked if there will be a legal gap, President Papadopoulos replied ''this is what we are trying to cover with our proposals.''

Asked how he sees things after his ninth meeting, President Papadopoulos said ''every meeting has a special issue and we make the same effort. All issues are important. We have a firm position. The plan should be improved to be functional so that we are certain that we have a state which will not be merely on paper but will also be functional.''

He said UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast left Cyprus for New York as scheduled.

President Papadopoulos said Thursday's meeting was shorter due to Denktash's scheduled departure for Ankara. Denktash was scheduled to meet Turkish government officials.

Friday's meeting will be held at 1000 local time (0800 GMT).

President Papadopoulos and Denktash have been engaged in UN-led direct talks since February 19, with a view to reach a negotiated settlement before May 1 when Cyprus joins the European Union.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern third.

[22] Negotiations move at slow pace, says Cyprus government spokesman

NICOSIA 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who sits at the negotiating table with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, focuses his attention on promoting divisive positions that would keep the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots apart.

''President Papadopoulos is trying to lead the talks to proper negotiation so that we can introduce the necessary changes to the UN proposal, the Annan plan, within the deadlines set out by the UN Secretary General,'' Chrysostomides said.

He acknowledged that the negotiations ''have not progressed with the speed that it should have moved on.''

The spokesman said Denktash rejected on Thursday a proposal by Papadopoulos to place territories that would be returned to Greek Cypriots under the terms of a settlement under UN supervision until such time that the infrastructure is properly developed to allow a smooth return of displaced Greek Cypriots.

[23] Comments by Straw not a warning, says Cyprus FM Iacovou

NICOSIA 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The Cypriot minister said Nicosia did not make any representations to London on the matter as the full text of statements attributed to British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was not yet available.

Straw was reported to have said that if there is no solution in Cyprus the Greek Cypriots, as they join the European Union, will only represent themselves and nobody else. He also said, according to Reuters, that Greek Cypriots should not be complacent about EU membership.

''Straw could have avoided using ambiguous and undiplomatic language, we know he is a seasoned diplomat and a distinguished lawyer and he should have refrained from applying such diction,'' Iacovou said.

He said he would not interpret Straw's remarks as a warning about what might happen if Greek Cypriots reject a proposed peace plan, adding that what he said was not legal language nor did it represent Britain's position.

''I do not wish to exaggerate the importance of this incident,'' Iacovou pointed out.

The Cypriot minister recalled that the House of Commons and the House of Lords have ratified the Accession Treaty which the Republic of Cyprus has signed and wondered whether Straw can change a decision taken by 24 member states relating to Cyprus' accession.

''We expect foreign diplomats dealing with Cyprus to be aware of the absolute facts relating to the political situation here and use such terms that are subtle and diplomatic,'' he said.

Similar comments were made on the issue by Cyprus government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides who recalled that the Accession Treaty sets out the terms and condition of the Republic's EU membership, with or without a settlement.

He said it would be unfair to apportion responsibility on the Greek Cypriot side as the proposals it puts forward are totally within the framework of a UN plan on a comprehensive settlement.

Straw was reported as saying that a no vote by the Greek Cypriots to a UN peace proposal and a yes vote by the Turkish Cypriots would mean that the Greek Cypriot side would represent only the southern part of the island as it is de facto divided.

[24] FCO spokesman: legal position on Cyprus EU accession remains clear

NICOSIA 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''The legal position remains clear. Cyprus' accession to the EU on 1 May is provided for by the Treaty of Accession, which was signed in Athens last April and subsequently ratified by all EU Member States,'' the spokesman said in the wake of critical remarks from local politicians about statements by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

''In the absence of a settlement, a divided Cyprus will join the EU and the application of the acquis would be suspended in the north,'' the spokesman added.

Straw has told a press conference in Turkey that if there is no political settlement in Cyprus by May 1, the Greek Cypriots would represent only the southern part of the island.

[25] UN envoy travels to Ankara on Friday

NICOSIA 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He said de Soto ''hopes will be in a position to do likewise in Athens in the very near future.''

The UN envoy conducts the direct negotiations between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

The Turkish Cypriot leader traveled to Ankara on Thursday for consultations with the Turkish government.

[26] State Department says Cyprus' accession to EU a watershed moment

WASHINGTON 5/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In her testimony on Wednesday before the Subcommittee on Europe of the House International Relations Committee, Jones said the ''breakthrough in negotiations brokered by Secretary General Annan on February 13 brings a final settlement within reach.''

She noted that by ''March 22 Turkish and Greek Cypriots are to agree to the final text of an agreement'' and should differences persist, ''the parties have agreed to allow the Secretary General to use his discretion to finalize the plan that will then be put to separate, simultaneous referenda on the island on April 21.''

Jones said the ''President and the Secretary of State both have been engaged in this process and we will continue to support strongly the Secretary General's efforts to reach a final settlement so that a united Cyprus can join the European Union on May 1.''

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