Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. president and PM discuss Cyprus issue on the phone

[02] White House spokesman briefs reporters on Bush-Karamanlis phone conversation

[03] ND-dominated Parliament opens new legislative session

[04] Greek contingent in Kosovo steps up security measures

[05] Greek journalists attacked by Albanians during Kosovo violence

[06] UN temporarily closes Kosovo border crossings with

[07] FM spokesman says UN resolution 1244 essential for peace in Kosovo

[08] Public order minister to attend EU meeting on terrorism

[09] PM meets with ministers to prepare policy statement

[10] PM Karamanlis meets Public Order Minister Voulgarakis

[11] PM Karamanlis meets Cyprus' Democratic Rally president Anastassiades

[12] FM discusses Cyprus issue with Cypriot DHSY party leader

[13] Deputy defense minister decides reconsideration of all procurements and projects

[14] PASOK leader addresses main opposition's parliamentary group

[15] Memorial service held in Athens for Madrid terrorist victims

[16] Current account deficit flat in January

[17] New tax legislation to be unveiled in September

[18] New public sector enterprises' heads to receive lower salaries

[19] Hellenic Telecoms threatens to sue media over reports

[20] Greek oil product market steadily growing, report

[21] Thessaloniki business, politics forum gets foreign ministry backing

[22] New minister says no room for party politics in tourism policy

[23] Stocks drop in jittery trade

[24] Record number of countries to participate in 2004 Olympic Games

[25] Transport minister inspects progress at Athens Suburban Railway worksites

[26] Athanassaki defense quits ELA trial in protest over use of Stasi-file evidence

[27] Two tremblers in Edessa

[28] Kofi Annan expects sides to meet commitments

[29] UN: Cyprus talks process to be finalized next week

[30] Turkish Cypriot leader's decision causes problems, says spokesman

[01] U.S. president and PM discuss Cyprus issue on the phone

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Bush congratulated the recently-elected Greek premier on his victory in the elections and wished him success in his work, while stressing that the United States was prepared to assist in resolving the political problem on Cyprus.

Karamanlis replied that a solution on Cyprus had to be viable, functional and compatible with European Union standards and asked for Washington's intervention with the Turkish-Cypriot side in order to ensure a solution within this framework.

Karamanlis to attend four-way talks on Cyprus issue in Lucerne: Responding to an invitation sent out by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Greek government on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will attend UN-backed talks taking place in Switzerland to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Officials said the Greek premier would attend the later stage of the enlarged four-way talks in Burgenstock, near Lucerne, on March 28.

According to an ANA correspondent in New York, the UN chief sent out two-page letters to the leadership of Greece, Turkey and the two communities on the island republic, asking them to send representatives to the talks that begin on March 23, which seek to reunite the island republic before it officially joins the European Union on May 1.

Annan urges Athens and Ankara and the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leadership to reply as quickly as possible and points out that they must be represented at a sufficiently high level as to allow the taking of important decisions, in accordance with the commitments made in New York on February 13.

The UN chief's office has so far refused to confirm whether the secretary-general will take part in the four-way talks, saying that this will depend on the level of representation at the meeting.

The negotiations are expected to begin at the level of foreign ministers, with the two prime ministers and Annan himself joining in at a later stage, depending on how the talks progress. The four-way talks are scheduled to continue until March 31, while diplomatic sources say they will take place irrespective of whether Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash takes part or not.

According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also be attending the next round of talks on the Cyprus issue.

[02] White House spokesman briefs reporters on Bush-Karamanlis phone conversation

WASHINGTON 19/03/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

During a press briefing he made in the presidential plane carrying Bush to a military base in Kentucky, McClellan said: ''The President talked with the new Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. He telephoned to him to congratulate him on his recent victory in the parliamentary elections of March 7. The two leaders agreed on the importance of the completion of the agreement for Cyprus within the coming weeks through the procedure which has been presented by the (UN) Secretary-General. The two leaders also discussed close and continuing cooperation for the safe and successful hosting of the Olympic Games as the Games are returning to their birthplace.''

The White House spokesman described the conversation between the two leaders as ''a cordial, introductory telephone call.'' Asked whether something was discussed relating to the possibility of Bush visiting the Olympic Games, McClellan answered negatively.

[03] ND-dominated Parliament opens new legislative session

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The oath-taking ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, in the presence of representatives of the Holy Synod as well as diplomatic corps members.

MPs officially assumed their duties immediately after the taking of the oath.

On Friday, deputies will convene to elect the new Parliament presidium, comprised of a president, five vice-presidents, three deans and six secretaries. Ruling New Democracy deputy Anna Psarouda-Benaki will, by all accounts, be voted in as the new Parliament president, the first time a woman has held the post in Greece.

The fourth vice-president, one dean and one secretary will hail from the main opposition party, while the fifth vice-president and one secretary will come from the second, in terms of Parliamentary representation, political party.

The new government's policy statements will be read out on behalf of PM Costas Karamanlis on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, to be followed by a debate, with the leaders of the other political parties represented in Parliament taking the floor to present their positions. A vote of confidence for the new government is scheduled for Monday.

New Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, the former Athens mayor, was sworn-in on Thursday at the presidential mansion, along with Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Deputy Tourism Minister Anastasios Liaskos. The four new Cabinet members awaited presidential decrees creating their respective portfolio before being sworn-in.

[04] Greek contingent in Kosovo steps up security measures

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

According to latest press reports, the reinforced Greek contingent guarding the church after the attack Wednesday night, along with the few Serb families living in the area and a U.S. company, returned to the base of the 525th Mechanized Battalion in the morning.

U.S. soldiers specialized in riot control are now guarding the church, as are policemen from the Ukraine. The Serb families have been transferred to the region's U.S. army base.

The Greek contingent will resume its mission once order has been restored in the area.

NATO has decided to reinforce KFOR with U.S., British and Italian forces which are part of NATO reserves.

US reaction to earlier violence: Meanwhile, the US State Department on Wednesday issued a statement deploring the recent violence in strife-plagued Kosovo between the local Serb and Albanian communities. Recent clashes have resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, while the US statement calls for calm in the area. Washington has also specifically asked that the blockade of transit routes and other disruptive actions cease and that the citizens of Kosovo respect the international peace-keeping forces in the area.

The statement went on to offer condolences to the families of three Albanian youths who drowned last night as well as to the family of a Serb youth who was shot several days ago.

[05] Greek journalists attacked by Albanians during Kosovo violence

PRISTINA 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Constantina Syrvou and George Venetis were going into Urosevac to report on earlier violent incidents involving Greek peacekeepers.

The car windscreen was smashed in the attack and the two journalists were taken out by members of the U.S. peacekeeping force, who escorted them to the border between Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

[06] UN temporarily closes Kosovo border crossings with

FYROM SKOPJE 19/03/2004 (ANA - N. Fragopoulou)

Long lines of cars and trucks have formed on either side of the border at two crossings, where police have stepped up security measures on the FYROM side, while only foreign nationals are being allowed to pass from Kosovo into FYROM.

[07] FM spokesman says UN resolution 1244 essential for peace in Kosovo

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

''Greece believes that the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1244 constitutes an essential precondition to safeguard peace, stability and democracy in Kosovo,'' he said.

Koumoutsakos further said Greece supports the peace effort by the UN secretary general's special representative Harri Holkeri and considers the presence of KFOR and the other bodies of the UN's UNMIK mission as a guarantee of security and stability and calls on the two conflicting sides to abstain from any form of force and to respect life and basic human rights.

''The dialogue which has begun constitutes the only means of solving the complex problems of Kosovo. We call on both sides to come forward to the negotiating table. Lastly Greece, being a Balkan country and a European Union member, is prepared to assist substantively the economic growth and stability of Kosovo and of the wider region of the Western Balkans,'' he added.

[08] Public order minister to attend EU meeting on terrorism

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Greece will also be represented by Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras.

The meeting is expected to cover measures to combat terrorism in general and the need to take special measures on a EU-level after the tragic events in Madrid.

[09] PM meets with ministers to prepare policy statement

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras, who will be attending the Brussels meeting along with other EU interior and justice ministers, said he agreed with a proposal to create a new European Commissioner in charge of European policy on terrorism.

Karamanlis has apparently received memos from all his ministers regarding the government's policy statement, while sources said that both the premier and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos will be referring to the issue of tenure for public-sector contract workers.

Pavlopoulos intends to prepare a presidential decree that will be issued before the end of May on the method of recording employees with temporary contracts that cover standing needs, after which special committees will be sent up before the end of the year that will determine the positions and number of temporary employees that will receive extra points in exams held to assign the posts.

The premier was also briefed on issues pertaining to the development ministry, particularly preparations for the Olympic Games in August and the question of energy supply during the Games.

[10] PM Karamanlis meets Public Order Minister Voulgarakis

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Voulgarakis stated that the Greek government agrees with the proposal for the creation of the post of coordinator under EU High Representative for Security and Defense Policy Javier Solana, who will deal with the coordination of issues related to terrorism.

Voulgarakis said the resolution which has been submitted by the EU presidency and which is being processed by the permanent representatives is in a positive direction and, as he said, provides for closer cooperation on a bilateral level, as well as international cooperation.

The public order minister underlined that there was a delicate dividing line between the issues concerning security but also respect for human rights, noting that Greece will be a safe country, it will respect constitutional rights and will organize good and safe Olympic Games.

In reply to a question whether a change in the anti-terrorism law was being planned, Voulgarakis was categorical, saying ''there are no such things.''

[11] PM Karamanlis meets Cyprus' Democratic Rally president Anastassiades

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Anastassiades stressed that Greece's support to Cyprus was absolute and undivided, and noted that the prime minister's position is that ''we must continue with claims, aiming at a solution which will allow the reunification of Cyprus so that with our accession in the EU on May 1, the island enters united.''

The DISY leader stressed that if Turkey shows a conciliatory spirit on the basis of what it proclaims, there is hope for a solution also in the enlarged talks, adding that ''this does not depend either on Mr. Karamanlis, it also depends on us (Cyprus).''

Anastassiades said that the decision for the enlarged talks on a level of prime ministers was taken following a letter sent by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and to Karamanlis to be present in Lucerne, Switzerland from March 28 onwards.

[12] FM discusses Cyprus issue with Cypriot DHSY party leader

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Anastassiades said he was very pleased to ascertain once again how prepared Greece is to assist and contribute to the efforts of Cypriot Hellenism to enable a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on May 1.

Anastassiades expressed the gratitude of the DHSY party and of Cypriot Hellenism and said he looks forward to the future for the benefit of both sides.

Replying to a question on whether he is optimistic over a solution to the Cyprus issue, given the position of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Anastassiades said that for as long as it depends on Denktash's will he sees no solution to the Cyprus issue.

The DHSY leader added that a solution will depend on the real will of Turkey, which will become apparent in the enlarged talks in Lucerne (Switzerland), and this will appear in practice.

[13] Deputy defense minister decides reconsideration of all procurements and projects

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The decision does not include procurements from the Greek defense industry.

Michaloliakos also called for the substantiation of those characterized as urgent.

The purpose of the decision is to have the implementation of procurements take place through the holding of a public or international tender for the benefit of the Hellenic state.

[14] PASOK leader addresses main opposition's parliamentary group

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

He also referred to the causes for PASOK's defeat in the recent elections, saying the party had not managed to avoid the wear and tear resulting from its long stay in power and had become cut-off from ordinary citizens, who sought its renewal.

He said PASOK's primary goal was to first mount an effective opposition and then to return to power, stressing that it had to be prepared when it was once again given the electorate's mandate.

According to Papandreou, the government would face PASOK's opposition if its attempt to make records on those working in the public sector turned into a ''witch-hunt''.

He also announced that the government would set up a research and substantiation system to aid the work of the Parliamentary group, that would work in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic and Developmental Studies (ISTAME), operating as a sort of think-tank.

Finally, he said that he would be appointing a temporary Parliamentary representative for the debate on the government's policy statement and would then appoint various MPs as representatives on specific topics so that more deputies could gain experience in this role.

He appointed Evangelos Venizelos to lead the party's campaign for the Euro-elections.

[15] Memorial service held in Athens for Madrid terrorist victims

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, Labor Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos, the Secretary of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement's Central Committee Michalis Chrysohoidis, ambassadors and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Muslim community attended the service, among others.

''We must all address this horrible phenomenon of terrorism, united,'' Molyviatis said, while reiterating his sympathy for Spain's citizens and his revulsion at the terrorist attack.

Panayiotopoulos said he felt the need to express his sorrow and condolences to Spanish workers who lost their lives during their daily commuting to work.

''Terrorism concerns us all - regardless of where we live and regardless of what we believe in. It threatens society, humanity, and must be dealt with as such,'' Panayiotopoulos stated.

[16] Current account deficit flat in January

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

A drop in the trade deficit and a rise in the services surplus were fully offset by a decrease in the transfers surplus, while the income account deficit was almost unchanged, the central bank said.

The trade deficit narrowed by 173 million euros to 1.9 billion euros in comparison with January 2003 due to a considerable fall in the net oil import bill.

At the same time, the non-oil trade deficit grew slightly as an increase in export receipts was more than offset by a rise in import payments, the report said.

The increase in the services surplus stemmed from the growth of net transport receipts, while net travel receipts remained virtually unchanged.

A narrowing of the transfers surplus reflects almost exclusively a drop in net EU transfers to general government, the central bank said.

A substantial inflow of non-residents' funds of 426 million euros in January was observed under direct investment associated with an ongoing procedure of acquisition of Athens-quoted Vodafone-Panafon S.A. by Vodafone of the United Kingdom.

Under portfolio investment, a net outflow of 560 million euros was recorded. This mainly reflects the fact that outflows of funds due to increased residents' investment in securities issued by non-residents outweighed inflows of funds associated with increased non-residents' investment in Greek government bonds and treasury bills.

Finally, as regards other investment, a net inflow of 616 million euros was mainly connected with the substantial inflow of non-residents' funds for deposits and repos in Greece, which more than offset the rise in resident credit institutions' and institutional investors' deposits and repo holdings abroad, as well as a drop in residents' (mainly non-government sector) borrowing from non-residents.

At end-January 2004, Greece's reserve assets came to 4.1 billion euros.

In the first few months of 2003, the Bank of Greece diversified the composition of its reserve asset portfolio by reducing its holdings of non-euro area currencies (mainly US dollars) and increasing its asset items that either offer higher yields or are denominated in euros, mainly bonds issued by euro area member states, which are not included in the reserve assets.

Since the need to maintain a high level of reserve assets has been reduced, the Bank of Greece has improved the return on its investments and reduced the risk of losses stemming from the continuing fall of the US dollar and the appreciation of the euro, the report said.

[17] New tax legislation to be unveiled in September

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The ministry plans to set up a commission with the task of recommending the necessary changes in the tax inspection system, or any other changes in the tax system in general.

The government will seek to adhere to its pre-election policy platform announcements. Ministry officials categorically dismissed talk of higher taxes and stressed that the government would seek to cut public spending this year.

[18] New public sector enterprises' heads to receive lower salaries

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The officials stressed that the first figures for the country's fiscal condition would be published next Monday, while they noted that figures so far showed a divergence from budget targets set by the previous government.

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis has stressed, when he took over his post on March 10, that the new government was giving great emphasis on a review of the country's fiscal condition in cooperation with European Union agencies. This procedure, Alogoskoufis has said, will restore transparency in public transactions and reveal the truth about fiscal deficits and debt.

Economy and Finance Ministry officials said that professor Ploutarchos Sekallaris would replace Vassilis Rapanos at the head of the Council of Economic Experts.

The officials said that all new heads at public enterprises and utilities would receive lower salaries compared with previous boards, a decision aimed to show that party members could not receive salaries exceeding free market levels.

The ministry also plans to strengthen the role of a Privatization Secretariat, while officials reiterated that the new government did not plan to raise tax factors.

The ministry will decide on its final plan on a new tax system in September.

[19] Hellenic Telecoms threatens to sue media over reports

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

An OTE announcement said the telephone utility planned to file suits in the next few days seeking compensation for moral damages suffered by the organization and its chairman and CEO, Lefteris Antonakopoulos, as related to the way certain media presented the matter.

OTE also expressed its satisfaction over a decision by the first instance chief prosecutor to begin a preliminary investigation in the matter.

[20] Greek oil product market steadily growing, report

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

IOBE said that oil products account for 70 percent of energy products in Greece, although this rate was steadily declining in the period 1985-2000 due to the slow process of replacing oil products with other forms of energy.

The dependence of Greek economic sectors from oil products was almost unchanged throughout this period, with the transportation sector accounting for 57.6 pct of total demand, followed by industry (16.7 pct), households (16 pct), agriculture (8.5 pct) and services (1.5 pct).

The services sector recorded the biggest growth in demand for oil products in the 1990s in line with the sector's dynamic growth, followed by households and transportation, with growth rates of 46.4 pct and 23.6 pct.

According to the International Energy Agency, oil products will continue to dominate the country's energy balance in the current decade, with their share around 67 percent of total demand for energy products in 2010.

The report, however, said that the performance of domestic oil products production were "poor" based on current fundamentals, with not particularly favorable prospects. Greece's crude oil reserves at around 9.0 million barrels currently, the report said.

Export activity in the sector slowed significantly, with exports down 40 percent in 2001 compared with 1985, based on volume. The US (20 pct), former Yugoslavia states (9.0 pct), Spain (6.0 pct), France (5.0 pct) and Lebanon (5.0 pct), were the country's biggest export markets.

Imports, mainly of hydrocarbons rose 55 percent in 2001 compared with 1985, based on volume. Russia (33 pct), Saudi Arabia (24.5 pct), Iran (22.7 pct), Iraq and Libya (6.2 pct each) are the country's biggest suppliers.

IOBE said, however, the oil refinery companies' financial outlook was positive, although financial conditions worsened for oil product distribution companies.

Refineries recorded an 18.6 pct increase in sales to 5.58 billion euros in 2001, while pre-tax profits rose an annual average 258 percent to 142.35 million euros over the same period.

Hellenic Petroleum is the dominant company in the domestic market, with Motor Oil raising its market share rapidly in the last few years.

Hellenic Petroleum's share in the domestic refinery market was 51.6 pct in 2001, followed by Motor Oil with 27 pct and Petrola with 21.4 pct. BP (28 pct) is the company with the biggest oil product sales for the same year, followed by SHELL (22.7 pct), AVINOIL (10.3 pct), MAMIDOIL-JETOIL (9.9 pct), ETEKA (4.7 pct) and AEGEAN OIL (4.6 pct).

PETROGAZ (42.5 pct), SHELL GAS (29.6 pct), DEMOIL (8 pct) are the biggest players in the domestic gas distribution market.

[21] Thessaloniki business, politics forum gets foreign ministry backing

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The move was decided on Wednesday by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and the Association of Northern Greek Industry.

The association and the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce are the regular organizers of the forum.

[22] New minister says no room for party politics in tourism policy

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Avramopoulos was inaugurating his portfolio, which did not exist under the previous government. Operations will be housed in the development ministry until separate premises are found.

Among his ministry's first tasks would be to reverse the image of Greece as an expensive travel destination, especially before the Athens 2004 Olympics in August, Avramopoulos said.

In addition, the amount of government funding allocated by the previous government, ousted in general elections on March 7, was considered by the new government to be inadequate, he noted.

Finally, the ministry aimed to spur tourism all the year round versus the traditional seasonal bias, Avramopoulos added.

[23] Stocks drop in jittery trade

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.54 per cent to end at 2,383.90 points. Turnover was 141.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.03 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.82 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 3.0 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 281 to 35 with 40 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 18 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,235 1,207

[24] Record number of countries to participate in 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

In 1896, when the first modern Olympic Games were again held in Athens, 14 countries participated. The worst record was set in 1904 at the Games in Saint Louis with athletes from only 12 countries competing.

[25] Transport minister inspects progress at Athens Suburban Railway worksites

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

Liapis committed himself that he would visit the worksites of the Athens Tram line and of the Suburban Railway every week to be directly briefed and to oversee the progress of the works.

He ascertained major delays in work at the Menidi-Piraeus section, but this section is not included in the country's contractual obligations as host-city of the Olympic Games.

He was accompanied on his inspection by new Olympic Works Secretary General Spyros Kapralos, International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspector Philippe Bovi and Hellenic Railways (OSE) officials.

[26] Athanassaki defense quits ELA trial in protest over use of Stasi-file evidence

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

At the start of Thursday's session of the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court, presiding judge Elisavet Brilli announced that the court had decided to overrule objections raised by Athanassaki's counsel regarding the authenticity of the documents and their use in court but did not further clarify the reasons for the decision.

Excepted from the decision were three or four documents for which there was no official translation.

After their departure, and having failed to contact the third member of the defendant's team of lawyers Aris Konstantakis, the court asked Athanassaki if she wished to be represented by any of the lawyers defending the other four people on trial in the same case.

When she refused, the court proceeded to appoint two new lawyers picked from the Athens Bar Association list to her defense, Constantinos Aggelis and Theofani Dalla.

In arguments presented the previous day, Athanassakis' lawyers Dimitris Tsovolas and Katerina Iatropoulou noted that other European courts, including a German court of appeal and the European Court of Justice, had chosen not to admit documents from Stasi files as evidence. Apart from questioning the authenticity of the documents, the lawyers claimed the contents of the Stasi files had been tampered with and altered while these were in the hands of United States agencies.

During Wednesday's proceedings, the court had also asked witness Vassilis Zisis to produce copies of the application he made to German authorities for documents within the Stasi files and also a copy of the official reply from German authorities.

The court's decision to admit the documents was made before Zisis produced these, however.

Tsovolas and Iatropoulou walked out after the court refused to reconsider its decision, while Tsovolas protested that the court's failure to explain the reasons for its decision was a violation of legal and ethical principles.

[27] Two tremblers in Edessa

Athens, 19/03/2004 (ANA)

According to the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geophysics Laboratory, the earthquakes were recorded at 3:13 and 3:57 a.m. with their epicenters 20 kilometers northeast of Edessa, in the Aridaia region.

Geophysics Laboratory seismologist Vassilis Karacostas told ANA that the quakes most likely emanated from one of the many small seismic faults in the region.

A strong 6 Richter earthquake had struck on December 21, 1990, at a short distance from Aridaia towards the east, in the direction of Mt. Paikos, causing serious material damage and the death of one woman. The epicenter of that quake had been in the village of Grivas.

Karacostas declined comment on the possible development of the aftershock sequence.

Earth tremor felt in Iraklio, Crete: An earth tremor measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 17.14 on Thursday and was felt in Iraklio, Crete.

Its epicenter was in the sea region of Astypalea.

There were no reports of damage.

[28] Kofi Annan expects sides to meet commitments

UNITED NATIONS 19/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that talks would continue from March 24 in Switzerland and would be concluded on March 29.

''Pursuant to the February 13 agreement on the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, the Secretary-General yesterday sent letters of invitation convening a meeting of the two sides, with the participation of Greece and Turkey in order to lend their collaboration, in a concentrated effort to agree on a finalized text by 29 March 2004,'' a statement by the spokesman said.

The process underway will from March 24 continue at Burgenstock, a hotel complex in the outskirts of Lucerne, Switzerland, that would be United Nations premises for the duration of the meeting, it added.

''The Secretary-General looks forward to the two sides and Greece and Turkey meeting their commitments under the 13 February agreement, and has asked that all concerned be in a position to make final commitments at Burgenstock. The Secretary-General will be personally involved in the effort as it draws to an end,'' Eckhard said in his statement.

The spokesman refrained from commenting on the effect of a decision by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash not to attend next week's talks but said that ''the Secretary-General expects each side to abide by the commitments made on the 13th of February.''

Responding to questions, he said that as the effort draws to an end, the Secretary-General would be personally involved, so now it is his Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto who is involved, and at some point the Secretary-General will join the talks.

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash have been engaged in talks since mid February with a view at finding a negotiated settlement that would enable a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on May 1 this year.

[29] UN: Cyprus talks process to be finalized next week

LARNACA 19/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that the UN have sought clarifications about a decision by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash not to attend next week's talks and stressed that the UN wants representatives of Greece, Turkey, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides who are empowered to take final decisions.

Speaking on departure on Thursday, after three days of talks on the island, Sir Kieran said Secretary-General Kofi Annan will finalize the plan, on the basis of which the talks take place, but pointed out that the more the two sides in Cyprus can agree on, the better.

''My assessment is that good progress is being made in the various technical committees but maybe there needs to be an additional sense of urgency when it comes to the core issues,'' he said, adding that these are ''exceptionally interesting'' times.

He explained that there is not much time left before the talks move on to the next stage in Switzerland and said that if the existing gaps are not narrowed in Switzerland then, under the February agreement, it would fall to the Secretary-General to finalize the plan.

The February agreement was concluded in New York between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Denktash. It said that the two leaders would negotiate on the Annan plan to reach agreement but if they do not, Greece and Turkey will participate in enlarged talks to move things forward.

Should this fail too, Annan will finalize the plan, fill in the gaps and put it to separate simultaneous referenda.

Commenting on this process, Sir Kieran stressed that ''the less that is left to him and the more that can be agreed by the parties the better.''

He expressed some disappointment that there did not seem yet to have been very much of a process of give and take on the core issues under discussion but expressed hope that this would start now, so that the time remaining is put to good use.

''I know that people are concerned, the issues that remain are serious issues but I do not think one should be blinded by the seriousness of the issues and the need to engage in give and take and compromise,'' he said.

Sir Kieran talked about ''a real opportunity after decades of conflict to have a fair and honorable settlement that is put to people on both sides in referenda.''

Responding to questions about Denktash's decision, he replied ''we are still waiting for clarification of the position on the Turkish Cypriot side'' and added that the Secretary-General wrote to both leaders and the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey to invite them to move on to the next process in Burgenstock next week, in accordance with the agreement of February 13.

The letter also says the UN needed to have representation from all four on a level of representatives who are able to take final decisions on the spot, he underlined.

''The other thing to remember about this is that the process that we are engaged in at the moment moves on to Burgenstock next week and anyone who is not in Burgenstock is not in the process and the process is going to be finalized next week,'' he said.

He added the UN is looking for representatives of the Turkish Cypriot side who are empowered to take final decisions at Burgenstock.

[30] Turkish Cypriot leader's decision causes problems, says spokesman

NICOSIA 19/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The spokesman announced on Thursday that the National Council, the top advisory body to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on the handling of the Cyprus problem, would meet Friday afternoon and confirmed that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has extended invitations for talks next week in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock.

''Denktash's decision should be examined very carefully, this has caused problems relating to the substance as well as the procedure of

the talks,'' Chrysostomides said, pointing out that ''to date Denktash was our interlocutor in his capacity as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.''

He explained that talks had always taken place on community level and Annan's invitation refers to the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus.

''Now Denktash refuses to participate in the talks, the reasons he has cited for not attending the talks should be looked into in order to take our own decisions,'' Chrysostomides added.

Announcing his decision Wednesday, Denktash said he would not be attending next week's talks because he would hear the same things he has been hearing in the past three weeks or so and he saw very little chance of making headway towards meeting his own demands.

The spokesman noted that Denktash did not relinquish his post as interlocutor at the talks and that he said he would remain on the island in anticipation of the outcome of the talks, which he would scrutinize.

''President Papadopoulos and the National Council will decide on our reply to Annan's invitation to talks,'' he added.

Responding to questions, he said Annan's invitation to talks noted that those who go to Switzerland should be in a position to take decisions, adding that the Secretary-General himself would be in Burgenstock at the end of March.

The spokesman said the government has sought clarifications about a letter Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent to Annan with regard to derogations from European Union laws and regulations, in relation to a settlement in Cyprus.

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