Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Public order minister stresses need for European strategy against terrorism

[02] PM and ND party secretary discuss current affairs, ND congress

[03] Greek Parliament elects first woman Speaker

[04] Pat Cox due in Athens on Saturday for Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

[05] Athens mayor expresses message of support to Cyprus

[06] Patriarch Vartholomeos highly praises Turkish gov't's mentality under Erdogan

[07] FinMin, Bank of Greece governor discuss economy

[08] Finance ministry says no decision on VAT on real estate

[09] National Bank of Greece gets new governor

[10] Suburban rail line to begin operations on July 15

[11] Greece to fight for Mediterranean products, minister says

[12] Greek companies to participate in Balkan trade fairs

[13] Stocks drop in edgy trade

[14] Draw held for gymnastics events

[15] Concerts to accompany Olympic Flame in the Peloponnese

[16] Prosecutor files charges over construction of Acropolis Museum

[17] Court-appointed lawyer refuses to represent defendant in ELA trial

[18] Education minister visits Archbishop Christodoulos

[19] Greek participation at the International Book Fair in Paris

[20] President Stephanopoulos attends inauguration of museum for the blind

[21] Deputy culture minister visits National Theatre

[22] Cyprus president: Political will is needed by the Turkish side

[23] Greek Cypriot side to meet its commitments

[24] UN hopes Cyprus to join EU reunited in May

[25] President Papadopoulos sends Schroeder message on Cyprus developments

[01] Public order minister stresses need for European strategy against terrorism

Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis stressed the need here on Friday for a main European strategy to be defined to combat international terrorism.

Voulgarakis also indicated to the country's partners that Greece looks forward to the cooperation and assistance of European Union member-states to strengthen security for the Athens Olympic Games.

The public order minister, who represented Greece at the EU council with Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras, told Greek reporters that it is clear now that following the terrorist attacks in Madrid the EU has realized the immediate need of strengthening cooperation between its member-states on issues concerning terrorism and between national intelligence and security services in particular.

To this end, Friday's special EU Internal Affairs Council decided to approve the appointment of a special coordinator for terrorism issues.

It was also decided that relevant officials from the intelligence and security services of the enlarged EU's 25 member-states will convene next week to examine ways of improving their cooperation from now on.

In an announcement made after the meeting, Papaligouras said ''the scourge of terrorism is threatening Europe directly. On behalf of the Greek government I expressed at the EU's session of Justice and Internal Affairs Ministers the will of our country to contribute to the defining and immediate implementation of a common European policy to combat terrorism.''

Papaligouras also expressed satisfaction on behalf of the Greek government for the determination shown by all member-states to enlarge and coordinate their cooperation more effectively in the effort to combat terrorism, adding that Greece commits itself to give to priority to this effort.

[02] PM and ND party secretary discuss current affairs, ND congress

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Meimarakis said the premier would concentrate mainly on the Cyprus issue and the enlarged four-way talks in the immediate future, as well as preparations for the Olympics which were on an extremely tight deadline.

ND's secretary said that he had not made any specific proposal about the date for the party's congress, suggesting only that it be held after the Euro-elections, and said that he intended to start procedures for registering new members in ND's party organization.

[03] Greek Parliament elects first woman Speaker

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Ruling New Democracy party deputy Anna Psarouda-Benaki was elected House Speaker after a secret vote in parliament. Of the 300 deputies who voted for the new speaker, 163 voted for Mrs. Psarouda-Benaki, 136 cast blank ballots and one was invalid.

In the single-chamber House, ND controls 165 seats, PASOK 117, the Communist Party 12 and Coalition six.

The new 300-member parliament that emerged from March 7 general elections was sworn in Thursday.

Mrs. Benaki is a Law professor at the Athens University and a member of the Athens lawyers association since 1962. She was Education Minister in 1989, Culture Minister in 1990-92 and Justice Minister in 1993.

Her predecessor, Apostolos Kaklamanis, was House Speaker for 11 years, from September 1993 to March 2004, the longest ever period.

[04] Pat Cox due in Athens on Saturday for Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Taking part in the sessions of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly will be the presidents, vice-presidents and members of the parliaments of the EU-member countries, of the European Parliament and of the parliaments of the 10 countries of the southern and eastern Mediterranean, which take part in the Barcelona Procedure (Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Autonomous Palestinian Authority, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon).

The start of the sessions will be opened by Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda.

Within the framework of his visit, Cox will also take part, as main speaker, at an event for the prospects of the European Constitution which is organized on Monday by the European Parliament Bureau in Greece and the Greek Center of European Studies.

[05] Athens mayor expresses message of support to Cyprus

NICOSIA 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyianni stressed that the new Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was well prepared to deal with a decades-long problem, such as the Cyprus issue.

"Mr. Karamanlis is an exceptionally experienced man on issues concerning Greek-Turkish relations and international politics, he is someone who has spent many years on this issue and in the person of Mr. Karamanlis, Cyprus will have an experienced and able fellow combatant," she said.

[06] Patriarch Vartholomeos highly praises Turkish gov't's mentality under Erdogan

NEW YORK 20/03/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The Ecumenical Patriarch said that ''today's Turkish government under Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given sincere samples of will to examine with a much greater interest, than the previous governments, of the just claims of Turkey's Greek Orthodox minority and that of the other minorities there.''

Patriarch Vartholomeos stressed that the Turkish government ''has understood that the country's vital interests are served better through dialogue surrounding interests concerning the rights of minorities.''

The Ecumenical Patriarch also explained that these changes have been incorporated in the program of reforms which are being implemented by the Turkish governments to prepare the country for accession to the European Union.

These reforms are in absolute harmony ''with the vision of the founder of the Turkish Republic of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk for a more democratic society based on European measures of law and order and of free economy,'' Vartholomeos said.

''The safeguarding and respect of human rights is absolutely necessary given that Turkey claims the position which it deserves in the European and world scene, the Patriarch said, stating that the reforms taking place of recent ''respond to a more general change in Turkish public opinion which we definitely applaud.''

[07] FinMin, Bank of Greece governor discuss economy

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The two men also discuss the issue of a change in voting and decision-making, currently under negotiation within the European Central Bank.

Mr Alogoskoufis also met with representatives of Credit Lyonnais, the French bank holding a minority stake in Emporiki Bank. The Greek minister briefed the French bank's officials over changes in the Greek bank's board.

[08] Finance ministry says no decision on VAT on real estate

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Ministry officials stressed that the new government aimed to reduce tax burden on real estate assets.

A ministry announcement said that a financial crimes' squad would continue its regular work of inspections in the distribution of goods and tax-evasion cases.

Ministry officials noted that the announcement was part of the ministry's efforts to send a clear message to the market that inspections would continue despite the ministry's intention to make changes in the operation of the financial crimes' squad.

[09] National Bank of Greece gets new governor

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The bank's board of directors comprises executive members Takis Arapoglou, who is also chairman and governor; Theodoros Pantalakis; Andreas Vranas and Apostolos Tamvakakis as deputy governors; as non-executive members the metropolitan bishop of Ioannina, Theoklitos, Dimitrios Daskalopoulos, Vassilios Konstantakopoulos, George Lanaras, Miltiadis Nektarios, Ioannis Panagopoulos, Dimitrios Papoulias, Vassilios Rapanos and Avraam Triantafyllidis; and as independent non-executive members George Tsougiopoulos and Panagiotis Lambropoulos.

The board has retained the current allocation of duties of the governor and deputy governors.

Takis Arapoglou's career

Between 1978 and 1991, Takis Arapoglou was based in London where he worked for Paine Webber, Citicorp Investment Bank and Chase Investment Bank.

He has specialized in debt and equity capital markets, derivatives and strategic advice and offered services mostly to financial organizations, multinational companies and North American, Scandinavian and western European governments.

In 1991, Arapoglou returned to Greece and became chairman and managing director of the Ionian and Popular Bank Group. At the same time, he was appointed Chairman of DIAS Interbank Systems overseeing the completion of the interbank systems delivered to Greek banks in 1993.

In 1994, Arapoglou became general manager of American Express, Greece; and in 1997 the general manager of Citibank/Citigroup, Greece.

In 2000 he returned to Citigroup, in London, as managing director and head of Global Banks Industry.

As of January 2004, Arapoglou served as senior advisor to Citigroup’s London-based Global Corporate and Investment Bank.

He was a member of the Hellenic Banks Association in 1991 to 1993.

[10] Suburban rail line to begin operations on July 15

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The heads of the Suburban Rail-Line, Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), ERGOSE (a subsidiary of OSE) and the Athens Metro Operating Co, said the project would be ready in time and that there would be enough time for tests to avoid any problems during the summer Olympic Games.

The minister reiterated his intention to visit worksites every week. Liapis has scheduled for a meeting with all companies participating in the construction of the Athens tram network on Monday to discuss final delivery dates of that project.

Transport minister tours urgent suburban rail line sites: Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis on Thursday inspected worksites of the Athens suburban rail line, a necessary project for the upcoming 2004 Olympic Games.

Liapis told reporters that he will continue personally inspecting tram and suburban rail projects every week in order to gauge progress.

Moreover, he cited major delays in work on the Menidi-Piraeus section, although this portion is not included in Athens' contractual obligations as host-city of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Liapis was accompanied by new Culture ministry secretary general for the Games Spyros Kapralos, International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspector Philippe Bovi and Hellenic Railways (OSE) officials.

[11] Greece to fight for Mediterranean products, minister says

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, ahead of a crucial meeting of EU Farm Ministers in Brussels next Monday, Mr Tsitouridis said that the government would fight to achieve the best possible solution for Mediterranean products. "The battle," he said, "is given on uneven terms since the opportunity to include Mediterranean products in the first reform of CAP in 2003 was lost," the Greek minister said.

Mr Tsitouridis also announced the fields of responsibility of the two ministry deputies. Mr Evangelos Basiakos will take over forests, fishery and farm production, while Mr Alexandros Kontos will take over livestock, tobacco, research and applications.

[12] Greek companies to participate in Balkan trade fairs

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The Chamber said that companies could seek new business partnerships through participating in international trade fairs to be held in Skopje, June 8-13, Bucharest, November 3-7 and in Tirana, November 25-30.

[13] Stocks drop in edgy trade

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.78 per cent to end at 2,365.40 points. Turnover was 156.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.62 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.40 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 1.98 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 273 to 55 with 32 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 19 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,244 1,215

[14] Draw held for gymnastics events

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The draw was held under the auspices of the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and the procedure was handled by Technical Delegates of the corresponding disciplines.

The Artistic Gymnastics events (August 14-23) and the Trampoline event (August 20-21) will be held at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, while the Rhythmic Gymnastics events (August 26-29) will be held at the Galatsi Olympic Hall.

Present at Friday's draw was President of the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique and IOC Member Bruno Grandi, who commented with enthusiasm on the venue and the excellent working conditions Athens 2004 had secured for the judges of the three disciplines during Games-time.

''We are preparing for the Gymnastics event with serious and hard work, and the Artistic Gymnastics Sport Event currently under way at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex gives us the opportunity to gain more information on the technical specifications required so that the athletes can compete under ideal conditions,'' Athens 2004 COO Marton Simitsek said.

Thirteen Greek athletes will be participating in this Olympic sport event for the first time.

[15] Concerts to accompany Olympic Flame in the Peloponnese

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The Torch Relay will begin in Olympia on March 25, Greek Independence Day, and the first torchbearer will be Greek javelin Olympic Champion Kostas Gatsioudis.

The first leg of the Greek route of the Olympic Flame will cross five prefectures in Central and Southern Peloponnese and the islands of Argosaronikos - Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Salamina, and Aegina - before reaching Athens' Panathenaic Stadium where it will remain until early June. It will then travel through all five continents - for the first time in Olympic Games history - to return to Greece for the third and final leg.

The Committee chose to organize the following concerts, wishing to emphasize that the Torch Relay is a celebration:

On March 25, popular singer Glykeria will perform in Andritsena, a town located 65 km. outside Pyrgos.

The Greek music group Pyx Lax will be performing in Pylos on March 26, in Kalamata on the 27th, and in Gythio on the 28th.

Dionysis Tsaknis will be giving a concert on the 29th in Tripoli and the series will close with Yiannis Kotsiras on the 30th in Nafplio.

The concerts will be held outdoors and admission will be free.

[16] Prosecutor files charges over construction of Acropolis Museum

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The prosecution was requested by a Supreme Court Deputy Public Prosecutor and concerns the commissioning of plans for the construction of the new museum, the ratification given by the Central Archaeological Council to the final construction plans and the issue of a permit for digging and supports that has allegedly damaged surrounding antiquities at the base of the Acropolis.

The issue was brought before justice after a complaint filed by current Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis a year ago, when he was an MP for the main opposition party.

Investigation of the case has been assigned to a regular examining magistrate.

[17] Court-appointed lawyer refuses to represent defendant in ELA trial

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The two lawyers were chosen on Thursday from the Athens Bar list, after her own defense team quit in protest over what it said was an unjustified court decision admitting documents contained in the files of East Germany's Stasi secret police as evidence.

Despite being warned by the prosecutors on the bench that his refusal constituted a criminal and disciplinary offence, Constantinos Aggelis steadfastly refused to accept the appointment for personal reasons and on principle, saying that he needed to have his client's trust in a case as serious as this.

The defendant herself stated that she did not wish to be represented by the second lawyer appointed by the court, Theofanis Dallas, but the court overruled her objections.

She will henceforth be represented by Dallas and by the third lawyer on her defense team, Aris Konstantakis, who was absent on the previous day.

The court also decided to bring contempt of court charges and begin disciplinary proceedings against Aggelis.

The trial has been adjourned until March 26 so that Dallas can examine the contents of the case file, though the defense lawyers of the other accused have decided not to attend the court session on that day in protest against the decision to prosecute Aggelis.

[18] Education minister visits Archbishop Christodoulos

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

According to Yiannakou, the one-hour meeting had focused on social issues and the role of the Church, as well as a bill on religious education and ecclesiastical training that was outstanding.

She said the ministry had a ''positive stance'' regarding the role of the Church and that both sides accepted that their roles were discrete, while stressing that the government would be frank and direct if there was disagreement on any issue.

A later announcement by the Archbishop's office, meanwhile, stressed that the ''Church does not seek roles that are foreign and incompatible with its mission, nor does it formulate policy that is the responsibility of the government, nor does it desire confrontation with the State, with which it always seeks to have functional and honest institutional relations''.

The Archbishop also heaped praise on the new education minister, describing her as possessing ''political will, expert schooling and in-depth knowledge of the complex contemporary reality''.

[19] Greek participation at the International Book Fair in Paris

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Greece's participation was co-organized by The National Book Center of Greece, the Panhellenic Federation of Publishers and Book Sellers, the European Center for the Translation of Literature and Human Sciences, and the Writers' Society under the auspices of the Culture Ministry.

Representative Greek books published in 2003-2004, as well as publications of the Ministry of Culture will be displayed at the 108 sq. m. pavilion.

The Paris-based Greek bookstore Desmos has organized a series of author appearances at the Greek pavilion during the Fair. They include: Kostas Axelos (19/3); George Skabardonis and Florence Noiville (20/3); Jacques Lacarriere (21/3); Jean Cuisenier, Michel Sivignon, and Nikos Aliagas (23/3). On Sunday March 21, the authors George Skabardonis and Vassilis Vassilikos will be discussing the Greek novel.

[20] President Stephanopoulos attends inauguration of museum for the blind

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

The president toured the renovated premises of the museum, accompanied by politicians and representatives of agencies for people with vision problems, admired exhibits and ascertained the museum's usefulness for the blind.

Earlier, the museum's president C. Kolokas gave President Stephanopoulos a sculpture titled ''The blind soccer player.''

Kolokas said in a brief address that the museum has been housed in the building initially used since 1994 when it was founded. It closed down in 1999 due to damage it sustained from the earthquake. It was ultimately renovated and it has currently reopened.

[21] Deputy culture minister visits National Theatre

Athens, 20/03/2004 (ANA)

Tatoulis had meetings with the director of the National Theatre Nikos Kourkoulos, a former actor, members of the theatre's board and its chairwoman Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, as well as members of the company.

He promised new policies for the arts and government support for those producing culture, which he described as the ''great tool that will lead to the new age of the 21st century''.

The minister also promised changes to the culture ministry that will make it less bureaucratic and more useful, with ''stable structures that will not change with every change of government in Greece''.

Kourkoulos expressed satisfaction that the prime minister had chosen to head the culture ministry himself, saying it was a good sign for the arts and culture.

Afterward, Tatoulis attended a closed meeting of the theatre's board.

[22] Cyprus president: Political will is needed by the Turkish side

NICOSIA 20/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at the state banquet in honor of Hungary's President Ferenc Madl, who is paying a state visit to the island, President Papadopoulos added that ''our effort so far has aimed at this objective and we shall continue to work in this direction.''

Referring to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash decision not to take part in the talks that the UN Secretary-General has convened from March 23 until 31 at Burgenstock in Switzerland, President Papadopoulos said ''this declaration coming from him on the eve of a crucial stage in the talks presages the negative stance that the Turkish side will demonstrate at the talks and so even before the negotiations start he is trying to lead them to an impasse.''

''For the UN Secretary-General has invited the leaders, and not their authorized representatives to the talks, who will be prepared there and then to take binding decisions,'' he added.

It is not possible, President Papadopoulos noted, to hold a substantial procedure of 'give and take' when one of the two leaders refuses to attend and demands that this negotiation should take place on condition of referring to him 'ad referendum'.

We hope, President Papadopoulos said, that the Turkish side will take the appropriate political decisions so as to allow that negotiations to take place between competent negotiators so that this process will not degenerate into a mere formality devoid of substance, simply a public relations exercise having as its sole objective the improvement of Turkey's image in order to promote her European Union aspirations.

''We hope that this message will be very clearly understood by the Turkish side so that it can show the necessary political will and work constructively within the framework of the negotiations,'' he noted.

Regarding the Hungarian's president visit on Friday to UNFICYP's Headquarters and the Hungarian contingent at Athienou as well as Saturday's visit to the old city of Nicosia where he will witness the only remaining dividing line in Europe which has been imposed by the Turkish occupation forces since the invasion in 1974, President Papadopoulos noted that ''this line is the wall of shame which all foreign visitors describe as anachronistic and as a wound for the vision of a United Europe.''

The Cypriot president reminded that Nicosia, the capital, is the only remaining divided city in Europe.

Division is the Turkish side's ''vision'' which it has so actively tried and is trying even now at the negotiating table to consolidate since 1974, something it has repeatedly declared at the talks, the Cypriot president said.

He added that the United Nations Secretary-General's Plan is a comprehensive proposal for the solution of the Cyprus problem pointing out that ''our side has repeatedly stated its commitment to engage in substantial negotiations on the basis of the Plan in order to reach a functional and viable solution in line with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Organization and the acquis communautaire.''

''Our proposals for improvements of the Annan Plan have been drawn up very carefully to be within the parameters and the philosophy of the Plan and focus on the improvement of the functionality of the Plan thus securing its viability,'' he said.

The most important thing, he added, is that we wish to have such improvements of the Plan so that they would allow us to fulfill our obligations to the European Union and the acquis.

''We expect to be a constructive partner in the enlarged European Union and not a troublesome member state,'' President Papadopoulos said adding that internal constitutional arrangements should be such as to guarantee our normal functioning in the Union and not to create problems in the European procedure.

The Cypriot president said that as a result of the Greek Cypriot side's positive approach in New York, a new round of negotiations started as of February 19, 2004.

Our side, he said, takes part in these negotiations with all the necessary political will and positive attitude for the attainment of a viable solution before May 1, 2004.

''I reiterate that all the proposals we have submitted at the negotiating table are within the parameters of the Annan Plan and aim to make the settlement more functional and viable,'' he added.

On the contrary, he pointed out, Mr. Denktash with the full support of Turkey, continues to demonstrate his known intransigent stance at the negotiations and has proposed changes which are outside the philosophy of the Plan and he keeps repeating persistently his anachronistic ''vision'' on the principles of a settlement in Cyprus which has already been rejected by the international community.

President Papadopoulos expressed his belief that the visit of his Hungarian counterpart will contribute to the enhancement of the excellent relations and strong cooperation that already exist between the two countries and peoples.

''As we are fast approaching the formal date of the accession of our two countries to the European Union, we attach great importance to your visit,'' he concluded.

[23] Greek Cypriot side to meet its commitments

NICOSIA 20/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides told reporters after the meeting that the Greek Cypriot side expected the Turkish Cypriot side to respond accordingly.

He said the National Council, top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, decided that ''our side would meet the commitments undertaken in New York.''

''We expect that the Turkish Cypriot community will respond accordingly, so that it will be in a position to undertake commitments there and then, as requested by the UN Secretary General,'' Chrysostomides said.

Asked if the government believed the Turkish Cypriot side could meet those commitments, the spokesman said ''we await developments.''

On the work of the technical committees working on certain aspects of a Cyprus settlement, the spokesman said they had not yet decided on the national anthem of a reunited island, noting that he had no relevant information.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash repeated on Friday evening that he would not attend next week's UN-sponsored four-party talks in Switzerland.

The National Council meeting was attended by political party leaders or representatives, former president Glafcos Clerides, Foreign Minister George Iacovou, the spokesman, Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pashardis, and Director of the President's Diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Talks between the two sides on the island began last month in Nicosia under UN auspices and are set to enter a second phase next week in Switzerland with the participation of Greece and Turkey.

[24] UN hopes Cyprus to join EU reunited in May

UNITED NATIONS 20/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The UN chief's spokesman Fred Eckhard said ''the talks that are going on now are intense as you know and we are keeping our comments to a minimum.''

He added that Sir Kieran Prendergast, UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, ''rejoined the talks for a few days and made a few comments to the press,'' adding that ''really we are not saying too much.''

''The action is there, the door is open, we are hoping that both parties, as well as Greece and Turkey, will keep to their commitments of the February agreement and bring this 40-year standoff to a happy conclusion so that Cyprus can join the European Union unified. That is our objective,'' Eckhard pointed out.

Asked if the UN had received any replies from the parties to the Cyprus talks to his letters, Eckhard said he did not know.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Talks between the two sides on the island began last month in Nicosia under UN auspices and are set to enter a second phase next week in Switzerland with the participation of Greece and Turkey.

[25] President Papadopoulos sends Schroeder message on Cyprus developments

NICOSIA 20/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The message was handed over by Cyprus Minister of Communications and Works Kyriakos Kazamias to Germany's Minister of State for Europe Hans Martin Bury, a close partner of Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, at a meeting on Thursday.

An official press release, issued here, said Bury referred to an announcement by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he would not participate in the second phase of the ongoing Cyprus talks, as agreed in February in New York, noting that this is a negative development.

Regarding transitional periods, Bury said that these should not and could not become permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire and underlined the importance his country attributes to Cyprus' effective representation to the EU.

Bury noted that although Germany acknowledged the difficulties at the talks, it was willing to encourage both sides not to miss the present historic opportunity for a solution.

Bury and Kazamias exchanged views on developments and the latter briefed the former in detail about the present phase of the talks, pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side had displayed sincere will to reach a positive outcome at the talks for a functional and viable solution by May 1, when Cyprus joins the European Union.

Kazamias stressed the Greek Cypriot side remained committed to the New York agreement, which led to the resumption of the talks, but noted that certain issues had to be resolved in a satisfactory manner.

These, he identified as, transitional periods that must serve specific goals and have clear timeframe, agreement by the three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and Britain) before a solution is signed and the administration of territory to be returned under Greek Cypriot control by the UN.

Kazamias said that Denktash put forward at the negotiating table proposals outside the framework of the Secretary General's plan, on the basis of which talks take place.

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