Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Karamanlis satisfied with Council's conclusions on Cyprus

[02] Karamanlis says EU constitution talks to resume

[03] Karamanlis discusses Cyprus, Balkans with EU officials

[04] Cyprus negotiations noted in EU summit conclusions

[05] KKE criticizes European Council's conclusions on Cyprus issue

[06] Papandreou, Papadopoulos confer by phone on Cyprus issue

[07] Greece and Turkey both desire to preserve positive climate, Turkish PM says

[08] Diplomatic sources say Greek initiative for Cyprus at EU summit a success

[09] ND MP Paleokrassas resigns post to take over DEH board helm

[10] US ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on new transport minister Liapis

[11] Archbishop Christodoulos pays return visit to education minister

[12] Interior minister reports lack of funds for Euro-elections in June

[13] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

[14] SAE leader thanks Bush for Greek Independence Day Declaration

[15] Greek deficits higher than anticipated, new PM says

[16] Farm Minister criticizes previous government policy

[17] Commission to downgrade Greek economic outlook, sources

[18] Greece's civil aviation authority to be upgraded before summer Olympics

[19] World Bank, IMF to hold forum in Greece on combatting poverty

[20] Athens derivatives market to offer currency options from April 5

[21] Stocks rise, fuelled by markets abroad

[22] Oswald commends government on Olympic preparations progress

[23] Gov’t ministers discuss Olympic projects

[24] Draconian security measures at soccer sport event Sunday

[25] Greek team defeated twice in Goalball

[26] Apologies expressed for Paralympic team's snub

[27] International Softball Tournament-Greece beats Czech Rep

[28] Handball sport event opened on Friday

[29] Albania's Archdiocese offers to fund repairs to Kosovo church and mosque

[30] Defense lawyers abstain in protest during ELA trial

[31] Albanian driver arrested at border after 8 kilos heroin found in truck

[32] Torso of archaic statue found on Hios

[33] Greek swimmers take five medals at Eindhoven meet

[34] Cyprus President Papadopoulos receives UN documents

[35] UN Secretary-General expects Cyprus parties to make final commitments

[36] Cyprus president committed to UN and acquis-based settlement

[37] EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement

[01] Premier Karamanlis satisfied with Council's conclusions on Cyprus

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis also said that the decision about a Cyprus settlement should be taken by those sitting at the negotiating table. Athens, he pointed out, acted in concert with Nicosia. In its conclusions, the Council reaffirmed its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and reiterated its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded.

Speaking at a press conference, Karamanlis said the paragraph on Cyprus was included after ''our initiative'' and it was satisfactory since it clearly referred to the acquis communautaire and the framework of the basic principles of the European Union.

As regards to Verheugen's presence at the talks, he said the Commissioner announced the news himself during a working lunch of European heads of state. ''We sought the Commission's presence, it is a positive development'', he said.

Referring to Turkey's efforts to secure permanent derogations in a Cyprus settlement, he noted that a UN plan currently under discussion at the talks provided for transitional periods within a specific framework. ''We correctly insist on our positions and we cooperate fully with the Cyprus government,'' he said.

Concerning the role of the Greek government in the efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, he said ''we assumed a responsibility in a procedure already decided and we are trying to do our best,'' he added. He said the solution in Cyprus remained a top priority for Greece as Athens genuinely wished to achieve a viable and functional settlement on the basis of UN resolutions and the acquis. ''We are not the ones negotiating. This means that the directly interested parties are the ones that have to take the decisions, if a solution is to be found,'' he stressed. Greece, he concluded, was there to help and support always in consultation with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and the Cyprus political leadership.

[02] Karamanlis says EU constitution talks to resume

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Asked to comment on press reports that the Irish EU presidency had submitted a compromising proposal, Karamanlis said that the Greek government was not aware of any such proposal. Greece is proposing a double majority that will be based on 50 per cent of the vote, provided it represents 50 per cent of the population.

[03] Karamanlis discusses Cyprus, Balkans with EU officials

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The discussion also focused on convergences from Community law being sought by the Turkish side in a prospective Cyprus agreement.

No statements were made after the meeting, which was also attended by foreign minister Petros Molyviatis.

Verheugen sufficed to tell waiting reporters that the discussion had been ''productive'', and declined to give any details.

According to diplomatic sources, Verheugen told Molyviatis that any permanent divergences from the EU's acquis communautaire would be ''inconceivable''.

"The EU is always prepared to assist in achieving a (Cyprus) solution accepted by the sides involved and which is in line with the fundamental principles on which the EU is founded," Verheugen was cited as saying.

Later, Karamanlis met with EU high commissioner for foreign policy Xavier Solana and discussed the situation in the Balkans, particularly the recent rekindling of violence in Kosovo.

The two men agreed that such acts of violence do not contribute to stability in the region, and condemned all acts that do not respect cultural heritage.

[04] Cyprus negotiations noted in EU summit conclusions

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

It said a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May and urged all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration

of the governments of Greece and Turkey.

In the conclusions, the European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The Council welcomes the Commission's continued willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis communautaire.

Furthermore, it welcomes the Commission's continued willingness to offer assistance for the CommissionÔs offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on 15 April to prepare a donors' conference. The European Council stressed that it "remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to an achievable outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey".

Concluding, it "reaffirms its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and reiterates its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with principles on which the EU is founded".

[05] KKE criticizes European Council's conclusions on Cyprus issue

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

According to the KKE, the EU summit ''gave the message of a European plan of action on terrorism, with the speeding up of the European arrest warrant and handover, with the institutionalization of a solidarity clause, with the special coordinator on terrorism, the strengthening of Europol and of Eurojust, the strengthening of the exchange of information.''

The KKE said ''these measures, with terrorism as an alibi,'' aim at diminishing popular and individual rights and safeguarding capital.

[06] Papandreou, Papadopoulos confer by phone on Cyprus issue

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

According to Papandreou associates, the telephone call was made at the initiative of Papadopoulos who briefed the PASOK president at length on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, both in the context of the negotiations in Lucerne, Switzerland, and on the European Council's relevant conclusions.

According to the same sources, the Cypriot president asked of Papandreou to utilize his contacts with various European and European Commission officials to secure the most possible active involvement and presence of the Commission in the Lucerne negotiations.

Within this context was also the latest telephone communication which Papandreou had on Friday afternoon with EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen who departs for Lucerne to take part in the consultations on the Cyprus issue.

[07] Greece and Turkey both desire to preserve positive climate, Turkish PM says

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

He said that this was reaffirmed during a brief meeting between himself and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday, on the sidelines of a European Council working dinner, while both sides had also reiterated their commitment to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Erdogan also said that he had once again contacted Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and asked him to reconsider his decision not to attend negotiations for the Cyprus issue taking place in Lucerne.

[08] Diplomatic sources say Greek initiative for Cyprus at EU summit a success

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The same sources said that the reference to the Cyprus issue in the Council's conclusions, which included all the elements that interest the Greek and Greek-Cypriot sides, acquired special significance because of the specific juncture at which the text was adopted, when exceedingly difficult and complex negotiations on the political problem were underway in Lucerne, Switzerland.

They pointed out that similar texts adopted by past EU summits did not face the current difficulties, since they were distant in time from such a crucial and decisive phase in negotiations as that currently underway in Switzerland.

Among the issues raised in the text was that of accommodating EU laws in any Cyprus settlement, as well as respect for the Community's principles.

This result was apparently achieved after long and feverish deliberations by Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister for European affairs Yiannis Valinakis.

[09] ND MP Paleokrassas resigns post to take over DEH board helm

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Hence, Paleokrassas will be sitting in on Monday's meeting of the new parliamentary committee on DEKO public utilities in his new capacity, and not as an MP.

Paleokrassas' parliamentary seat will be taken over by the first runner-up ND candidate for the Cyclades, Ariadne Manousou-Binopoulou.

[10] US ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on new transport minister Liapis

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Miller, who has embarked a round of courtesy calls with the new ministers, discussed matters concerning the preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens with Liapis.

They also discussed a variety of topics falling under the ministry's authority, such as flight safety in civilian flights, air transports and telecoms, which are of major importance in view of the Olympic Games in August.

After the meeting, which was also attended by the US embassy's commercial attache, Miller told reporters that they had discussed current issues, and wished Liapis success in his work.

Replying to questions on Olympic preparations, Miller noted that 141 days remained to the commencement of the Games, ''and we must focus our attention on what has not been done yet''.

To a question on Games security, Miller said that the US government was not actively involved, given that the initiative belonged to the Greek government, but was ''helping out in whatever is asked of it''.

Asked about various comments on Olympic preparations appearing in the US media, Miller replied that ''there are 290 million Americans, and every one can voice his opinion''.

Earlier, Liapis met with Finnish ambassador in Athens Ole Nobbark, who in the past has served as transport minister in his country. During the meeting, the two men discussed Olympic preparations.

[11] Archbishop Christodoulos pays return visit to education minister

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

After the one-hour meeting, Christodoulos said it had taken place in a warm and friendly climate and that a new page had opened in relations between the Church and the State.

He said they had talked about outstanding issues, such as that of ecclesiastical education.

Asked to comment on opinions recently expressed by Yiannakou that the record of religion on identity cards was "not necessary", the Archbishop said that the issue had not been discussed.

"It is a different point of view that is respected," he said.

Describing the meeting as "good", the minister noted that the roles of the Church and State were discrete and there might be disagreement on certain points but that dialogue was real and not a pretense.

[12] Interior minister reports lack of funds for Euro-elections in June

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Complaining that he had found ''empty coffers'', Pavlopoulos said the outgoing administration had left a budget of just 500,000 euros for the Euro-elections, when the sum required was 71.9 million euros.

He said that official ministry documents contradicted the claims made by the main opposition's leader George Papandreou, former premier Costas Simitis and his predecessor at the ministry Costas Skandalidis, who claimed they had handed over the ministry's management with no outstanding problems.

Responding to the minister's statements, Skandalidis denied that there had been mismanagement and said it was standard practice for a ''symbolic'' budget to be assigned for all elections. According to Skandalidis, budgets for elections can only be drawn up indicatively.

''The General Accounts Office records a sum as a formality and then pays off the actual cost after the elections. Especially in the last elections, which were carried out without election booklets and with non-local voters voting where they normally reside, the costs were naturally harder to predict and much higher, since they demanded additional campaigning and materials,'' he said.

According to Skandalidis, the alleged budget overshoot of 71.9 million euros actually brought about savings of 90 million euros through the non-movement of people living outside the area where they are registered to vote.

[13] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

In all cases, the 19 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek jets, while in two cases the interception process developed into a mock engagement.

It was reported that four of the Turkish warplanes recognized and intercepted were armed.

[14] SAE leader thanks Bush for Greek Independence Day Declaration

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

''On behalf of the Hellenic community in the U.S. and around the world, we thank President Bush for highlighting this day which reminds all Hellenes of heroism and sacrifice and fills them with pride,'' Athens said. ''We are anticipating a couple of days of special meeting with the President, especially on April 1, during a ceremony at the White House that will be attended by his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.''

President Bush stated in his remarks, ''The love of liberty that helped shape our constitution has deep roots in the spirit of Ancient Greece. As we observe Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the timeless democratic principles that all freedom-loving people cherish ... In celebrating Greek Independence Day, we are also grateful for the many ways Greek Americans have enriched our communities and strengthening our country.''

On March 25, Athens attended a reception given by the Consul General of Greece in Chicago, Aliki Hatzi.

[15] Greek deficits higher than anticipated, new PM says

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA)

''They will be much higher than presented, because that is the reality and it cannot be hidden,'' Karamanlis told reporters on the sidelines of an EU summit in the Belgian capital.

The prime minister said that he had asked leaders at the summit to help ensure that Mediterranean products received equal treatment with north European products in upcoming negotiations on the bloc's common agricultural policy, which was not on the meeting's agenda.

Asked to comment on his plans for an overhaul of the social insurance system in terms of the EU's Lisbon targets, Karamanlis said that the government was against an increase in both the pensionable age and contributions.

He added that problems in operation of country's social insurance funds were linked to undeclared labor and poor handling of assets.

Finally, Karamanlis said that the EU needed to hasten implementation of the Lisbon targets by advancing research and innovation, completing the internal market, strengthening small and medium sized enterprises, and improving the framework for reform.

He placed special emphasis on boosting social cohesion and protecting the environment.

It was necessary for involvement by the social partners to be increased in the reform drive ahead of release of an interim report scheduled for 2005.

[16] Farm Minister criticizes previous government policy

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Mr Tsitouridis accused the previous PASOK government of "irresponsible policy" said that the new administration has found the ministry's coffers empty. "The previous government's commitments total around 180 million euros, while there currently only 900,000 euros left in ministry coffers with 20,000 olive oil producers still have not been paid a single penny from subsidies," Mr Tsitouridis said.

The Greek minister stressed that the ministry was currently examining 14 different scenarios to ensure payment to olive oil producers.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Tsitouridis reiterated the government's five demands in EU talks for a reform of Common Agricultural Policy (extending implementation periods, changing decoupling rates, etc).

"To achieve these goals we need the cooperation of other EU member-states," Tsitouridis said. The Greek minister has scheduled a tour of European capitals to discuss CAP issues with visits to Rome, Paris and Lisbon.

[17] Commission to downgrade Greek economic outlook, sources

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The same sources said that Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and his aides were being told, during a meeting with EU Commissioner Pedro Solbes, that an estimate by the Greek minister of a fiscal deficit around 2.7 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was nearing reality.

Mr Alogoskoufis' aides said that the government would make every possible effort to keep the country's deficit below the 3.0 percent level.

The sources said that the European Commission would forecast slower recovery growth rates for the European economy.

[18] Greece's civil aviation authority to be upgraded before summer Olympics

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with visiting head of SH&E, Louis Serrentino, the main consultant for the American aviation authority FAA, Mr Nerantzis said he received the reassurance that the critical and useful upgrading of Greece's Civil Aviation Authority would be decided before the Games.

SH&E is an American company valuating flight safety standards.

The Greek government seeks to upgrade its civil aviation authority to the first category, which included all developed countries, from its current second category status.

[19] World Bank, IMF to hold forum in Greece on combatting poverty

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The conference will focus on reducing poverty in Balkan countries, organizers said in a statement.

The first Balkan poverty forum held in October 2002 helped countries in the region to forge clearer strategies in the sector, the statement said.

[20] Athens derivatives market to offer currency options from April 5

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Beginning on April 5, the new product is part of a process of modernizing the market and offering investors a greater range of options, the statement said.

[21] Stocks rise, fuelled by markets abroad

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 1.61 per cent to end at 2,332.21 points. Turnover was 139.1 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 3.01 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 2.72 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 290 to 38 with 28 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 26 2004

Parities in euro

Banknotes

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,227 1,199

[22] Oswald commends government on Olympic preparations progress

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

''Two weeks ago we asked the new government to come up with answers to certain issues we raised and they provided us with the answers during today's meeting. We have a clear picture and a distinct timeframe. We feel that the decisions which have been made will accelerate procedures. Everything will be finished on time,'' Oswald said after the meeting.

[23] Gov’t ministers discuss Olympic projects

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The International Olympic Committee has asked for a top priority to extend the Athens metro network to "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport.

"We will make every effort possible to have both networks reach the airport," Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis told reporters after a meeting with Mr Souflias to discuss ways of better coordination of Olympic projects and especially the suburban rail-line and the Athens tram line.

"We have an excellent and fruitful cooperation," Mr Liapis said, adding that "in the end everything will work smoothly and Olympic works will be ready in time".

[24] Draconian security measures at soccer sport event Sunday

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

According to ATHOC, Patras and Klauss streets will be closed off from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., while police will be carrying out thorough checks in the surrounding area.

No one will be allowed to enter the Stadium without an invitation or pass, which will be given out on Saturday at 11 a.m.

[25] Greek team defeated twice in Goalball

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

In their first game, the Greek team lost 11-1 to Germany, followed by a 12-2 defeat to the U.S.

Denmark beat the U.S. 10-4, which in turn lost to Germany 5-3.

Goalball has been a Paralympics event since 1976 and is held in accordance with the International Blind Sports Federation Goalball rules.

[26] Apologies expressed for Paralympic team's snub

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

“Just as I take credit for the successes, I take the responsibility for the oversights,” Nikolaou said a day later, while at the same time expressing his apology for the incident.

On his part, the president of the Paralympic coaches’ association, Efthymis Ktenidis, simply referred to a “human error”.

[27] International Softball Tournament-Greece beats Czech Rep

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Greek coach Linda Wells said she was pleased with the team's performance on Friday. Regarding Saturday's game, she said, ''We realize tomorrow's challenge because we've already played against the UK. We will do our best.''

The Czech Republic's coach Kevin Henderson stressed that the Greek team is very strong.

Following are the preliminary results: 1st place UK; 2nd place Greece; 3rd place Czech Republic. Russia had no wins.

[28] Handball sport event opened on Friday

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

[29] Albania's Archdiocese offers to fund repairs to Kosovo church and mosque

Tirana 27/3/2004 (ANA)

''The burning of churches and mosques does not promote justice and peace, nor of course progress. Instead, it takes us back to eras and practices that led the Balkans to backwardness, division and tragedy,'' the announcement said.

It also stressed that real social progress could only be achieved through the peaceful coexistence of religious communities.

The money offered will be diverted from sums raised to build a cathedral in Tirana and will be allocated by the proper authorities, in order to ensure that it is spent in accordance with the spirit of the initiative.

[30] Defense lawyers abstain in protest during ELA trial

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

In a statement read out in court, the defense lawyers said their abstention was in protest against what they described as an illegal court decision to appoint new counsel to the defendant Irene Athanassaki when she already had counsel of her own choice, as well as the court's decision to prosecute one of the lawyers thus appointed when he exercised his legal right to refuse.

The statement said the court's decision to continue the proceedings on Friday in their absence countervened the Constitution and that the public prosecutor's recommendation that the trial continue without defense counsel was unprecedented.

The lawyers announced that they will return to the court on Monday in order to ''restore legality'' and so that the illegal appointment of a defense lawyer by the court might be revoked.

The two public prosecutors on the bench, meanwhile, urged the court to consider the defense’s abstention as a departure and to appoint new counsel from the Athens Bar list for all the defendants. They said the statement read out in court bordered on contempt and that the defense was blackmailing to revoke its decision.

The trial was adjourned until Monday before any decision on the public prosecutors' recommendations was taken.

Earlier on, the third member of the defense team originally hired by Athanassaki, Aris Konstantakis, asked the court to revoke the appointment of Theofanis Dallas to his client's defense, while Dallas told the court that he faced a moral dilemma representing a client who did not want him.

Dallas was one of two lawyers chosen by the court from the Athens Bar list to represent Athanassaki after two of her defense team walked out in protest over the court's decision to admit documents from the files of the former East German Stasi secret police as evidence in court.

[31] Albanian driver arrested at border after 8 kilos heroin found in truck

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

They said the driver was arrested after 8 kilos and 480 grams of the narcotic substance were found hidden in the double roof of the foreign-license truck Thursday afternoon, during a search of the vehicle.

Acting on a tip, police stopped the truck on the Krystallopighi-Florina highway and a search turned up the heroin in the secret compartment, packaged in 16 packets.

The heroin was confiscated, and the driver was due to be brought the Kastoria public prosecutor.

[32] Torso of archaic statue found on Hios

Athens 27/3/2004 (ANA)

The statue has been preserved from the neck to the knees, measuring 0.96 meters. It forms part of a series of Ionian-rhythm kouros statues from the islands dating around the middle of the 6th century B.C.

It is the only life-size kouros found on Hios to date.

[33] Greek swimmers take five medals at Eindhoven meet

Eidhoven 27/3/2004 (ANA)

Dimitris Manganas won the gold medal for the 400-meter freestyle event (3:51.78) and Ioannis Kokkodis won the second gold in the 200-meter individual medley event (2:04.01).

The silver and one bronze medal went to Yiannis Drymonakos for the 100-meter butterfly event (55.81) and the 200-meter individual medley event (2:05.41), respectively.

Zoe Dimoschaki won the other bronze medal for the 200-meter freestyle event (2:03.88).

[34] Cyprus President Papadopoulos receives UN documents

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA-CNA)

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels after the end of the

European Council and before flying back to Switzerland for UN-led talks on the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said that at the end of the Cyprus solution process the EU would become involved, probably with Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen.

Referring to the European Council conclusions and specifically the paragraph on Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said the Republic of Cyprus was satisfied and noted that the text reflects the conclusions of previous Councils.

Asked about information that the UN had given the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides a document during the Burgenstock talks, President Papadopoulos clarified that he had been handed the document by the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto before leaving for Brussels on Thursday.

He added that the document was ''in the context of preparations,'' noting that ''the UN are obliged to be ready for all eventualities.''

The documents, he said, were those that would be signed in the event of an agreement on the problem of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern third.

President Papadopoulos explained that the documents included a declaration of the two guarantor powers, Greece and Turkey, in the case of an agreement. The two countries are currently participating in UN-led talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, along with the two sides in Cyprus, with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to referenda, the positive outcome of which would enable a reunited Cyprus to join the EU in May this year.

The documents also include a declaration for the two sides in Cyprus that a positive outcome in the referenda would mean the

implementation of a new order on the island, as well as a paper for the Council of Europe to sign stating that the United Republic of Cyprus would be replacing the Republic of Cyprus, and similar papers for the UN and the EU, the president said.

Responding to questions, President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side was participating in the talks ''to achieve a solution.''

''If there is to be a result, two are needed. Them to accept our demands and us to accept theirs, as a whole or in part or as they are or altered,'' he added.

Regarding the process of the talks, he said there were daily meetings, either direct or proximity.

He also said the Greek Cypriot side had requested the involvement of the EU in the process ''in the final stages, something the Turkish side opposed.''

However, the EU has now requested to become more involved and will be sending a senior official to the talks, probably Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, the president added.

''It is not possible to negotiate a solution, which we wish to be European, without a say or ratification from the EU that the agreement we will reach is indeed compatible with the acquis

communautaire,'' he noted.

Asked if Cyprus was satisfied with the European Council conclusions on Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said ''it follows the texts of previous Councils and we are satisfied.''

Regarding the Turkish demand for derogations from the acquis

communautaire, the President said this was a matter for the European Commission and not the European Council at this stage.

[35] UN Secretary-General expects Cyprus parties to make final commitments

Secretary General Kofi Annan, who will fly to Burgenstock for the UN-led Cyprus talks, expects all interested parties to be in a position to make final commitments, his spokesman Fred Eckhard said on Friday.

Speaking at his daily press briefing, Eckard said that ''the Secretary-General is leaving New York tonight, he will arrive in

Burgenstock, Switzerland tomorrow, where the talks involving the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot parties are underway, with the participation also of Greece and Turkey."

''The Secretary General has asked that all concerned be in a position to make final commitments at Burgenstock. He will be personally involved in the effort as it draws to an end," the spokesman added.

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community are engaged in talks, in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, under UN auspices with a view at finding a negotiated settlement that would allow a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on May 1 this year.

[36] Cyprus president committed to UN and acquis-based settlement

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA-CNA)

Speaking at the working lunch of the heads of state and government of the EU member states and the acceding countries, in the context of the Brussels European Council, President Papadopoulos said ''our aim is to achieve a functional and viable solution before May 1st,''

adding that the Greek Cypriot side aimed at a European solution, which meant ''a solution based on the principles on which Europe is founded and which incorporates the acquis communautaire.''

The president noted that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to negotiate and to agree on transition periods in various issues but not permanent derogations from the acquis.

''We aim at a functional and viable solution within the parameters of the Annan plan, and all our proposals have this purpose. This position of ours aims at serving not only the whole of the people of Cyprus but also the EU, to which Cyprus belongs,'' he said.

President Papadopoulos also noted that the absence of progress in talks to reach a settlement was due solely to the stance maintained by the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that despite the situation, the second round of talks has begun in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with the presence of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Turkey, who ''will lend their collaboration.''

On Thursday, speaking at the first working session of the European Council on the issue of terrorism, President Papadopoulos assured that Cyprus joins its voice with all the other EU member states and acceding countries in the condemnation of the Madrid terrorist attacks.

He added that the declaration adopted by the Council sets out the ways, procedures and means to be used in order to wipe out the growing threat of terrorism.

President Papadopoulos said it was right for the framework of actions to be placed ''on the basis of the EU's fundamental principles, the UN Charter provisions and the obligations emerging from Security Council resolution 1373 (2001)."

Ending his speech, the president said Cyprus welcomes the strengthening of the member states' solidarity regarding issues of combating of terrorism, among others, and assured that it will contribute with all its might in implementing it.

[37] EU underlines readiness to accommodate terms of Cyprus settlement

Brussels 27/3/2004 (ANA-CNA)

It said a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by May 1 and urged all parties to maintain a firm commitment to a successful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey.

In the conclusions, the ''European Council emphasizes its continuing strong support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General Annan to help the parties seize this historic opportunity to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem consistent with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.''

The Council ''welcomes the Commission's continued willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis.''

''It also welcomes the Commission's offer to organize a high-level international conference in Brussels on April 15 to prepare a donors conference.''

The European Council, stressed that it ''remains convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by May 1. It urges all parties to maintain a firm commitment to a successful outcome to the negotiating process with the collaboration of the governments of Greece and Turkey.''

Concluding it ''reaffirms its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus to the European Union and reiterates its readiness to accommodate the terms of such a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded.''

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