Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-09

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Election winner Karamanlis receives mandate to form government

[02] US. State Department congratulates Karamanlis on his victory in the elections

[03] Cypriot leadership conveys congratulations to Karamanlis,

[04] Cyprus president expects full support from new Greek gov't

[05] Turkish PM Erdogan ready to work with new Greek gov't for Cyprus solution

[06] Erdogan says wants to cooperate harmoniously with ND gov't for Cyprus solution

[07] ND election victory dominates foreign news headlines abroad

[08] 'Corriere della Sera' publishes Karamanlis' first post-victory interview

[09] Domestic markets, trade and industry welcome 'clear-cut' ND victory

[10] Chambers of commerce want new gov't to focus on investment

[11] Industrialists seek action on jobs from new government

[12] Wave of optimism seen in tourism sector following ND victory

[13] Work stoppages planned at Rio-Antirrio ferry crossing

[14] Stocks finish slightly up after election

[15] Olympic Games, Karamanlis' top priority

[16] An Interview with Costas Kartalis, the Olympic Games general secretary

[17] Only 4 slots remain open for Olympic Tae kwon Do competition

[18] Athens 2004 and AEF to clean up Attica's beaches

[19] Eurobarometer says Greeks in favor of strengthening external border controls

[20] Roundtable discussion on 'modernism' at HEU Tuesday

[21] TIM launches cell-phone encyclopedia service on Monday

[22] Cyprus president: A solution must provide security

[23] Referenda to take place on April 20

[24] Political parties want Cypriot negotiators to reach agreement

[01] Election winner Karamanlis receives mandate to form government

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

At precisely 1:00 p.m. Monday, Karamanlis entered the Presidential Mansion to meet with President Costis Stephanopoulos, who told the ND leader ''I appoint you prime minister in accordance with the mandate and vote of the Greek people''.

Stephanopoulos told Karamanlis that ''everyone congratulates you, friends and opponents alike'' on ND's electoral victory.

The President also said that all the relevant Presidential Decrees would be ready for signing at the swearing-in of the new government, tentatively slated for Tuesday.

Elections: Vote count nearly completed - ND secures165 seats in parliament

With 97.02 percent of the vote from Sunday's general elections counted, up-to-now main opposition New Democracy party (ND) swept to victory with a 4.93 percent lead over the up-to-now ruling Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), with 45.50 percent of the vote, securing a majority 165 seats in the 300-member unicameral parliament.

PASOK, with 40.57 percent of the vote, secured 117 seats, while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), with 5.82 percent, secured 12 seats and the Radical Left Coalition secured 3.22 percent and 6 seats in parliament.

PM Simitis official resignation, congrats to Karamanlis on election win: Outgoing prime minister Costas Simitis on Monday officially tendered his resignation to President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos following Sunday's general elections throughout Greece that saw the up-to-now main opposition New Democracy party (ND) returning to government after 11 years of PASOK rule.

Simitis expressed hope that the political changes to take place would be in line with what was good for the country and that "the new government will respond to the demands of the Greek people for the interest of the country", and indicatively cited the ongoing search for a Cyprus solution.

Stephanopoulos, in turn, said that "regardless of how each citizen voted, all the citizens hope that the new government will succeed".

After the meeting with the President, Simitis thanked the journalists for their cooperation, adding that he would continue to exercise his duties until the new government was sworn in.

"Good luck to New Democracy and the task it is undertaking," Simitis said.

Karamanlis was also due to call on Stephanopoulos at 1:00 to receive a mandate to form a government, after outgoing parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis called on the President to formally brief him on the new composition of the 300-member unicameral parliament following Sunday's elections.

Earlier Monday, Stephanopoulos telephoned Karamanlis to congratulate him on his electoral victory.

Karamanlis received similar calls from Archbishop Christodoulos, Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, US ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller, and the prime ministers of Luxembourg and Slovakia.

Simitis also called Karamanlis to congratulate him on his electoral victory, and told him that he had ordered his ministers to remain in their posts until they handed over the ministries to the ND government's ministers.

The new government is due to be sworn in on Tuesday.

New Parliament representation unveiled: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Monday presented the new electoral map for Greece's 300-member legislature to President Costis Stephanopoulos, in the wake of Sunday's comfortable election victory for New Democracy and Costas Karamanlis.

According to the Constitution, the president will now hand a mandate to the leader of the party gaining the most votes in order to form a government.

Kaklamanis said results are almost final, without the possibility of final counts at remaining election precincts able to affect the order of the political parties and their representation in Parliament.

[02] US. State Department congratulates Karamanlis on his victory in the elections

WASHINGTON 9/3/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Boucher said that ''Washington will cooperate closely'' with him ''on issues of mutual interest,'' such as the solution of the Cyprus problem and the hosting of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

According to the White House, President George W. Bush will soon send a congratulatory telegram to the newly-elected prime minister of Greece.

[03] Cypriot leadership conveys congratulations to Karamanlis,

ND NICOSIA 9/3/2004 (ANA – G. Leonidas)

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, in fact, spoke with Karamanlis early on Sunday evening, with a view to arranging a face-to-face meeting as soon as possible.

Papadopoulos also spoke with outgoing Greek Premier Costas Simitis and PASOK president George Papandreou, who faced Karamanlis in Sunday’s poll. He thanked both men for their efforts to solve the long-standing Cyprus problem and support of the island republic’s stunning course towards European Union accession – something that will be officially finalized on May 1.

Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Nikos Anastassiades and EDEK Socialist president Yiannakis Omirou also conveyed their congratulations to the Greek prime minister-elect.

Moreover, both Cypriot party leaders agreed that recent developments aimed at a solution to the 30-year division of the island republic ahead of EU entry are reason enough to convene a session of Cyprus’ national council (representing all the political leaders) in Athens with Greek leadership.

[04] Cyprus president expects full support from new Greek gov't

NICOSIA 9/3/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Speaking as he made his way to the 11th meeting with Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to negotiate a Cyprus settlement, Papadopoulos described the Greek elections as a "celebration of democracy" whose results were absolutely respected.

"Our close ties all this time with both the outgoing government and the new government are a satisfactory guarantee for us that our excellent cooperation with the government of Greece will continue and we are certain of the full support of the new Greek government in the struggle of Cypriot Hellenism," he said.

He also appeared confident that the changeover in Greece would not affect the schedule for the Cyprus talks and stressed that Karamanlis was fully briefed on the latest developments and on the Greek-Cypriot side's positions and goals.

He said a meeting between himself and Karamanlis would be held as soon as the tight schedule of the Cyprus talks allowed.

[05] Turkish PM Erdogan ready to work with new Greek gov't for Cyprus solution

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

''What we expect of the government that will emerge from the March 7 elections is that it will contribute positively and constructively to the existing efforts for finding a just solution for the island (Cyprus),'' Erdogan said in the interview.

''We want the new government to understand that the positive developments for Cyprus will inevitably be reflected in the confidence and stability of the Mediterranean region and in Greek-Turkish relations. Our government is ready to work closely with the new government (of Greece) so as to contribute to finding a solution to the Cyprus issue,'' he continued.

Asked how Ankara would react if the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan plan in their referendum, Erdogan said that ''if southern Cyprus says 'no' to the Annan plan, the European Union and other countries of the international community will have to revise their stance on the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied north of the island republic'', which is recognized only by Turkey.

In such an eventuality, he added, first of all the economic embargo against the Turkish Cypriot 'state' would have to be lifted.

In another interview with the BBC Greek Service's correspondent in Istanbul, Aris Hatzistefanou, Erdogan confirmed his intention of visiting Athens after the March 28 municipal elections in Turkey, thus becoming the first Turkish prime minister after the late Turgut Ozal to pay an official visit to Greece.

Erdogan also reiterated that he was prepared to cooperate with the new Greek government just as he had cooperated with the outgoing government, adding that he looked forward to cooperation with the new Greek government for progress in the Cyprus solution process and Greek-Turkish talks concerning Aegean issues.

Asked what message he wished to send the new Greek government, Erdogan noted that for the past four years "the dialogue between Turkey and Greece has been continuing at a satisfactory pace", and "the fact that in those four years 22 agreements and protocols have been signed, proves that the relations of the two countries are on the right path".

He noted that Turkey had been pleased to ascertain, before the greek elections, that the Greek government, opposition and people supported a reinforcement of Greece-Turkey relations, adding that "we hope that the new government emerging from the March 7 elections will have as a priority the maintenance and reinforcement of the existing cooperation", and continued: "For that target to be achieved, we are prepared to cooperate with the new government just as we did with the previous one".

[06] Erdogan says wants to cooperate harmoniously with ND gov't for Cyprus solution

ISTANBUL 9/3/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

''We also desire to contribute positively with the new government and to conclude the procedure, without leaving any gap in the (Annan) Plan or in the negotiations,'' he said.

''If we don't fill in all the gaps, as anticipated by the New York agreement, the gaps will be filled in by (UN Secretary-General Kofi) Mr. Annan,'' the Turkish premier said.

''I wish the elections in Greece will contribute positively in the timeframe for a solution,'' Erdogan said, noting that negotiations will start on March 22 with the participation of Greece and Turkey on the basis of the agreement which was reached in New York in February.

The Turkish Anadolu news agency reported that Erdogan believes that by then, the new Greek government will have secured a vote of confidence.

[07] ND election victory dominates foreign news headlines abroad

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The election results, particularly the unexpectedly large majority over the second party PASOK, were extensively covered in neighboring Balkan countries sharing borders with Greece, such as Albania, Bulgaria and Turkey, but also in countries within the European Union, such as Holland, Austria, Britain and Italy.

For many, the new government led by Costas Karamanlis will face two major hurdles as soon as it comes into power: finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and organizing successful Olympics in August.

Both Dutch and British analysts stress the delays in Olympic projects, while the British paper ''Daily Telegraph'' expresses concerns that the change in government may have a negative impact on the Games.

According to the ''Guardian'', ND's election results are a personal victory for Karamanlis and a rejection of PASOK's ''despotism and economic policies'', while ''The Times'' notes that Karamanlis will also have to deal with problems such as a rising public deficit and unemployment levels currently running at 11 per cent.

Regarding foreign policy, Karamanlis is largely expected to continue the previous government's policies of rapprochement with neighbors Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), while several analysts note his good relations with the Turkish premier, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The new government's handling of the Cyprus issue, meanwhile, dominated coverage of the elections on Cyprus, where again Karamanlis is seen as providing continuity with the policies of the previous government and taking a close personal interest in the problem.

The Bulgarian media concentrated on ND pledges to modernize policies for immigration and simplify bureaucratic procedures, a vital issue for numerous Bulgarians currently living and working in Greece.

The new government's policies on immigration were also a key concern in neighboring Albania, where the Greek elections were the top news story, with several analysts expressing concern that a large-scale return of immigrants in Greece to Albania would disrupt domestic economic and political balances.

[08] 'Corriere della Sera' publishes Karamanlis' first post-victory interview

ROME 9/3/2004 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

Summarizing this in four points, he said it would pivot on a strong European orientation and the normalization of relations with Turkey, a new economic policy that will draw in investments and create jobs, state and civil-service reforms to combat bureaucracy and corruption and, finally, major investments in education.

Referring to relations with Turkey, Karamanlis noted that ''it takes two to tango'' and that Turkey's new prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented a good opportunity to improve things, since he was armed with a strong majority and the political will to control the military. He also noted that Turkey's European prospects were on the line, not just its bilateral relations with Greece.

With regard to the Cyprus problem, Karamanlis said this was an international problem being handled by the United Nations Secretary General.

''We expected a solution compatible with European standards, hoping that Ankara will play a positive role. Of course, a solution to the problem will significantly improve the climate (in relations with Turkey),'' he said.

Asked whether a solution would be achieved before May, when Cyprus officially joins the EU, Karamanlis said this would be a difficult target given the stance of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, though every effort had to be made.

''At the end, it is the Cypriots who will decide through a referendum,'' he added.

Regarding the Olympic Games, he stressed that no changes to the existing arrangements could now be made.

''I know that there have been delays and mistakes but this is not the time for criticism. We must do our duty and organize a great and safe Olympiad,'' he underlined.

He said that his government would be for ''all Greeks'' - rising above the divisions of the past - and that it would be made up mainly of younger politicians from his own generation because this was what the Greek electorate demanded.

[09] Domestic markets, trade and industry welcome 'clear-cut' ND victory

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry president Drakoulis Foundoukakos urged the new government to make necessary structural changes, cultivate a favorable economic climate, boost competitiveness and the modernization and development of businesses.

The head of the Panhellenic Association of Exporters (PSE) Christina Sakkelaridi stressed the need for a national plan to boost exports and a greater contribution by exports to GDP, while the National Confederation of Greek Commerce (ESEE) president Dimitris Armenakis said the new government's majority would allow it to make difficult decisions on issues that concerned markets.

''Without wasting any more time, the government must proceed with necessary structural reforms that will allow our country to gain a better position in the European Union than it has today. The state has continuity and we must finally be rid of the burden of political cost. Improving the day-to-day life of the citizens but also of businesses must be the first priority of the new government,'' he said.

The retail traders association SELPE called for a less interventionist attitude by the state and less red tape, while the general confederation of small-scale manufacturers GSEBEE urged ND to honor pledges to put small and medium-sized enterprises at the center of its economic policies.

Finally, the Athens Traders Association (ESA) said the election result was a ''four-year mandate'' for ND, during which the trade sector expected a solution to long-standing problems.

He also emphasized the ''climate of consensus'' seen in the statements by the leaders of the two main parties after the elections, noting that a necessary ingredient for markets to operate smoothly was political stability.

[10] Chambers of commerce want new gov't to focus on investment

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The union's president, George Kasimatis, said in a statement that stable, flexible, transparent and unbureaucratic rules should be made for the market, accompanied by strict controls on adherence.

[11] Industrialists seek action on jobs from new government

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

''The main issue in Greece is employment, which can only be tackled through economic growth, more jobs and education. These are the government's priorities and so I believe that the future will be good, will be optimistic for the country,'' SEB's president, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos said.

''We are optimistic that a strong government has emerged from the elections, which we believe will be in a position to meet the country's challenges this year and in coming years,'' Kyriakopoulos said in a statement.

The New Democracy party won general elections on Sunday with a strong majority.

[12] Wave of optimism seen in tourism sector following ND victory

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

In statements to the ANA, organizations such as the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE), the Greek Chamber of Hotels, the Association of Greek Tourist and Travel Agents (HATTA) and the Panhellenic Tourism Enterprises Federation (POET) stressed that ND appeared to show great interest in their sector, signified by its announcements about creating a tourism industry.

All these bodies noted that Greek tourism was not in the best possible state and that there was much room for improvement, while they were waiting to see how ND's proposals in detail.

All sides said the proposed tourism ministry was a step in the right direction. HATTA, in particular, stressed that the powers given to the proposed ministry should be broad enough to avoid the involvement of other ministries.

HATTA also called for long-term strategy for tourism and immediate steps to promote Greece as a tourist destination abroad.

[13] Work stoppages planned at Rio-Antirrio ferry crossing

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The seamen's union is seeking payment of holiday benefits and will hold another work stoppage in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

[14] Stocks finish slightly up after election

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.59 percent to end at 2,504.09 points. Turnover was 193.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.20 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper was 0.25 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 0.66 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 164 to 139 with 56 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 8 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,245 1,217

[15] Olympic Games, Karamanlis' top priority

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

According to ND party sources, Karamanlis will personally head efforts for the successful preparation of the Olympic Games. At a recent ND session, Karamanlis had stated that he will create a strong team of MPs and party members already familiar with related preparations problems so as to save time. Additionally, the mayors of Athens and Thessaloniki, Dora Bakoyianni and Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, respectively will also play a key role.

IOC President Jacques Rogge will be one of the first to visit Karamanlis and congratulate him on his victory, while Rogge has also announced that shortly after he will be meeting with the Greek prime minister again along with a team of IOC experts.

''The IOC would like to thank former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis as well as the former Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos for all their efforts regarding Olympic Games preparations,'' Rogge added.

The crucial Olympic Games-related issues requiring immediate attention are: - The decision whether the Calatrava roof over the Athens Olympic Sports Complex will be completed; when the entire complex will be ready for trial runs; and when rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies will be able to take place.

Both Jacques Rogge and Denis Oswald, IOC Organizing Committee President, have verbally asserted that the Calatrava roof is not necessary for the staging of the Games at the Olympic Stadium. - A new contractor must be assigned for construction of the Olympic Aquatic Centre's roof, following the resignation of the previous consortium, as well as completing work on the Centre's interior, and restoring its water supply after severe weather struck Athens recently. - The selection of a new contractor who will complete the Marathon course, by the end of June if possible. - Ensuring that there is sufficient energy supply, in light of delays in the construction of new substations in Vrilissia and Korydallos and in completing the wiring of facilities so as to avert a possible black-out. - Completion of Olympic venues must also be accelerated so that SAIC, the consortium charged with the Games' security, can install the necessary security systems. - The progress of the tram and the suburban railway system must also be closely monitored in light of very tight deadlines.

[16] An Interview with Costas Kartalis, the Olympic Games general secretary

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, Kartalis stressed that ''20 projects have been completed to date, including new sports venues and roadways. The only project still pending is the state-of-the-art roof over the main Olympic Stadium (OAKA), designed by noted Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava”.

As of March 8, roughly 70 percent of the project had been completed, with the first crucial engineering tests scheduled for early May. Moreover, the indoor venues at the Hellenikon Olympic Complex (softball, baseball, field hockey and canoe/kayak slalom) “will also be ready within the same period,'' as he noted.

In terms of non-sports projects, Kartalis cited the new tram network connecting downtown Athens with its coastal districts, which he said is progressing according to plan. The Athens metro is being expanded with new stations opening in the coming months in the suburbs of Ilioupoli, Peristeri and Aghia Paraskevi. The all-important new suburban railway line (connecting the metro network with the airport) is also progressing at a “satisfactory pace”, he said.

Regarding the troubled classical Marathon route from the eponymous township to central Athens’ Panathinaiko Stadium, Kartalis said another contractor will be selected in early March after the first contractor faced “severe difficulties due to financial problems”. He listed an end-of-May completion date.

Concerning the use of Olympic venues in the post-Olympic era, he said: ''Our intention is that these Olympic venues and projects serve the needs of local communities by creating increased local development and that, these in turn, are maintained by advanced infrastructure networks. Some 90 percent of current Olympic venues will be further developed after the Olympic Games. For example, the media village and the Olympic Village.''

''The media village at the (Athens) university will become a modern college dormitory, the media village at Maroussi will become the new headquarters of the education ministry and the media village at Amygdaleza will become a police academy.

''As far as the Olympic Village is concerned, it will be converted into a planned housing community for eligible low-income wage-earners after the Olympics; apartments will be assigned to 2,300 eligible applicants listed with the (state-run) Employees’ Housing Organization, a development that underlines the social dimension of this project.''

Regarding the crucial issue of security for the Olympics, Kartalis explains that every single unit of the country’s various law enforcement agencies are participating in a master plan designed by the public order ministry in consultation with an advisory group of countries, including the United States.

''Furthermore, the security plan includes the procurement of advanced security equipment and the training of 40,000 personnel. In contrast, only 18,000 personnel were involved in security at the Olympic Games in Sydney.”

He also cited the fact that cooperation agreements regarding security have been signed with more than 37 countries, before again citing the eight-nation advisory group’s (US, Britain, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and Israel) contribution, all countries with extensive experience in organizing large-scale international sports events.

[17] Only 4 slots remain open for Olympic Tae kwon Do competition

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The four remaining slots will be decided on May 31, when the IOC and the Tae Kwon Do international federation issue “wild card” invitations.

Moreover, 14 men and an equal number of women athletes qualified out of the 282 that competed in the world pre-Olympic tournament in Paris. Athletes hailed from 92 countries.

Twelve men and 12 women out of the 108 that competed in a pre-Olympic tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan (37 countries represented) qualified for Athens 2004.

The same number of athletes qualified out of 97 that competed at the pre-Olympic Asian tournament in Thailand (32 countries represented).

Moreover, 12 men and 12 women out of the 77 that competed in the pre-Olympic Pan-American tournament hosted in Mexico (29 countries represented) qualified for Athens.

Finally, eight men and eight women athletes out of the 56 that competed in the pre-Olympic Pan-African tournament hosted in Cairo (19 countries represented) will vie for the gold during the Athens 2004 Games.

[18] Athens 2004 and AEF to clean up Attica's beaches

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

AEF board member Jean-Michel Cousteau, renowned diver and the Olympic movement's first ambassador for the environment, will lead a team of divers and marine industrial clean-up crews at an underwater clean-up expedition, as they clean regional beaches and coastal waters around the Olympic perimeter of the Athens region.

The events are organized in coordination with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The expedition will include simultaneous beach and underwater clean-up operations where schoolchildren and members of the World Olympians Association will clean a specific beach area, divers will remove trash generated by human activities from the waters surrounding the beach, and marine tugboats with cranes will remove larger objects polluting the waters.

The refuse collected will then be separated and collected by trucks that will distribute it to facilities that can recycle or reuse whatever is possible, and properly dispose of the rest.

[19] Eurobarometer says Greeks in favor of strengthening external border controls

BRUSSELS 9/3/2004 (ANA/V. Demiris)

These conclusions are deduced in a special edition of the European Union's ''Eurobarometer'', focusing on justice and internal affairs, publicized here on Monday.

The opinion poll was carried out during the period of December 8-16, 2003, in 15 member-states with a sample of 7,514 European citizens.

Responding to the question of whether ''more immigrants are necessary to work in certain sectors of the economy'' only 16 percent of Greeks said they ''agree absolutely'' (26 pc for the ''15''), 27 that ''they more or less agree'' (30 pc for the ''15''), 26 that ''they more or less disagree'' (22 for the ''15'') and 30 that they ''disagree absolutely'' (19 for the ''15'').

It is the second lowest percentage among the ''15'' after the Germans 15 percent of whom ''agree absolutely'' with the need to employ more immigrants.

[20] Roundtable discussion on 'modernism' at HEU Tuesday

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

The discussion, part of the Union’s recently inaugurated “open university” initiative, will be coordinated by HAU managing director Fivos Koskos, while participants include historian and art critic Apostolos Diamantis, literary critic and writer Aris Maragopoulos, art critic and National Gallery curator Manos Stefanidis and writer and literary expert George Aristinos.

For more information, call the HEU at 36.80.071 and 3680047.

[21] TIM launches cell-phone encyclopedia service on Monday

Athens, 9/3/2004 (ANA)

This gives TIM customers immediate access to the contents of an encyclopedia on the subject of their choice by sending an SMS in Greek characters to the number 4000 or by using the WAP services in the 'My Mobile' category.

In response they receive an MMS containing information, including an image, on the subject of their choice.

There is no charge for the call to the 4000 number, while there is a 0.5 euros charge per MMS message received. There is a 0.0029 euros charge per second for using the WAP service, also available via GPRS.

[22] Cyprus president: A solution must provide security

NICOSIA 9/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Responding to questions on his return to the Presidential Palace after his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on Monday, in the framework of the UN-led direct talks aimed to solve the Cyprus problem by May 1, he said that both sides outlined their positions on the security issue which they consider as very important.

Noting that for the Greek Cypriot side the issue is regarded as one of the most important of the Annan plan, President Papadopoulos said:

''For us the security issue is not only the number of troops which will stay. It involves so many other issues. The Cypriot citizen must feel that the solution to be reached will provide him with security on a permanent basis.''

He said that the Greek Cypriot side always supports its positions with the submission of detailed documents.

As regards to the Turkish Cypriot side's comments on the security issue, the Cypriot president noted that Rauf Denktash also underlined the importance of the issue and that ''by no means they want Turkey's role as a guarantor power to be diminished.''

[23] Referenda to take place on April 20

NICOSIA 9/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''To facilitate preparations for the conduct of referenda on the two sides, Alvaro de Soto has informed the two leaders that a date has been set at April 20,'' Brian Kelly, spokesman for the UNFICYP said on Monday.

De Soto, who conducts the ongoing direct talks between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf

Denktash had a meeting on Monday with Papadopoulos.

In the morning he participated in another meeting between the two leaders during which they discussed security concerns.

Papadopoulos and Denktash are engaged in direct negotiations with a view at finding a settlement by May 1, when Cyprus joins the European Union. They are set to conclude talks on March 22, failing that Turkey and Greece will join them in the talks to help move things forward. Should such an attempt fail to produce results, UN Secretary General will step in to finalize a peace plan he has put forward, on the basis of which the talks are being conducted.

So far no actual give and take has taken place at the negotiating table.

[24] Political parties want Cypriot negotiators to reach agreement

NICOSIA 9/3/2004 (CNA/ANA)

They also said that the agreement that would emerge from the ongoing talks should be within the letter and the spirit of a UN proposal, the Annan plan, on a comprehensive settlement, which Papadopoulos and Denktash have before them at the negotiating table.

The two leaders have been engaged in direct talks, under UN auspices since mid February, with a view at reaching an agreement on the basis of the Annan plan which will subsequently be put to separate and simultaneous referenda, before May 1 when Cyprus joins the European Union.

Representatives of three different Greek Cypriot parties met with delegations from an equal number of Turkish Cypriot parties.

Greek Cypriot Demetris Christofias, General Secretary of AKEL party, said differences between the two sides can be resolved through a give and take process and stressed that the concerns of both sides should be met through a functional and viable solution.

''The people of Cyprus should not have before them a solution given to them from outside and be asked to say yes or no to it. We want a solution that is reached through mutual understanding,'' he said after a meeting with Ferdi Sabit Soyer of the Republican Turkish Party.

''We must all understand that any concessions we make will stay with us, here on the island and if we can do that, then we will have taken an important step towards a solution,'' Soyer said, warning that if Annan does this job for the Cypriots the outcome will not be to their liking.

Nicos Cleanthous, acting president of the Greek Cypriot Democratic Party and leader of the Turkish Cypriot Peace and Democracy Movement Mustafa Akinci talked about crucial decisions that need to be taken by the Cypriots and consider carefully the end result of the negotiations between Papadopoulos and Denktash.

''We want to see the finalization of the Annan plan by the Cypriots, not by some other people, if this is not going to be the case, we will have a plan in front of us finalized by Annan and we will have to make crucial decisions,'' Akinci said after meeting Cleanthous.

Akinci said that ''Turkey is the real power and both Ankara and Athens will play a real role.''

Cleanthous said he had a very constructive discussion, and added ''we must not remain simple spectators of what goes on, we must deal with our own affairs as this is our only hope to reach a settlement before May 1 or even after May 1 to secure our future.''

Leader of the Greek Cypriot Social Democrats Movement Yiannakis Omirou and Ozger Ozgur of the United Cyprus party, who also met on Monday, said an agreement should be reached by March 22, warning that things would get more difficult in the days ahead if this goal is not achieved.

''If a solution is reached at this stage it means that we shall have the end product of free negotiations which people will see as a positive conclusion of the ongoing talks,'' Omirou said after the meeting.

He expressed concern about changes Denktash wants to introduce to the Annan plan that lead to two separate and sovereign states with a loose connection between them.

Ozgur said ''the solution of the Cyprus question should not be left either to Greece or to Turkey, or to the UN or Kofi Annan because the solution of 1960 failed because it was prepared by foreigners.''

Responding to questions, he said Denktash must work for a solution within the parameters of the Annan plan and said that the Turkish Cypriot leader ''obviously opposes this plan.''

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article