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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and Turkish FMs describe Annan's final plan for Cyprus 'a compromise'

[02] Greek president makes appeal to Greek Cypriots regarding April 24 referendum

[03] Papadopoulos to confer with Athens before deciding on Annan plan

[04] US to work hard for positive Cyprus referenda, Powell says

[05] UN Swiss diplomat on Cyprus issue

[06] Deputy FM, ND Secretary to visit Cyprus on Tuesday

[07] UN Security Council discussion on April 28 to focus on Cyprus

[08] Poll shows overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots, Greeks against Annan plan

[09] FM Molyviatis to receive U.S. Ambassador Miller on Monday

[10] Karamanlis, Souflias discuss Cyprus issue, Olympic Games, 3rd CSF

[11] 73 DHKKI Central Committee members want the party to continue operating

[12] Gov't renews promise to deal with public sector contract staff

[13] International fur exhibition in Kastoria comes to a successful close

[14] New velodrome roof, OAKA indoor pool inspected by alternate minister

[01] Greek and Turkish FMs describe Annan's final plan for Cyprus 'a compromise'

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

At the same time, Gul gave notice that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would visit Athens probably in April.

Referring to the Annan plan, the Turkish foreign minister stressed the need ''for us to focus primarily on the positive sides of this settlement, which could only further the positive developments in Greek-Turkish relations.''

On his part, the Greek foreign minister reiterated that Annan's final plan constituted a compromise which has positive and negative elements for each side. ''The Cypriot people will assess it and take their decision. The government at this moment is studying the facts, is evaluating all the factors and will take its decision,'' he added.

At the same time, Molyviatis assessed that "if this plan is rejected either by one or the other community, a long time will pass before someone assumes a new initiative for a solution to be reached. It is very difficult for negotiations to start again."

Asked on the eventuality of the island's partition in the event of a negative answer in the separate referenda, Molyviatis restricted himself to saying: " This remains to be seen. What the consequences will be of a possible rejection..."

Concluding, Molyviatis stressed that the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations constitutes a basic strategic objective of both the sides, of Greece and Turkey.

[02] Greek president makes appeal to Greek Cypriots regarding April 24 referendum

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at an official luncheon given in his honor by Messolonghi Mayor George Prevezanos, on the occasion of celebrations marking the 178th anniversary of the heroic 'exodus' of Messolonghi, western Greece, one of the most symbolic episodes in the Greek War of Independence, Stephanopoulos said:’ All those who take the relevant decision and assume the relevant responsibilities, will naturally use many criteria which they know better than us. Criteria which conclude in a negative and criteria which conclude in a positive view and decision. I wish to request to them not to include among these criteria one and only, the sentimental, who very much burdens, in this case, but sentiment many times makes the correct decisions to deviate from the target. Without this meaning that by dismissing sentiment they must be attached to one or the other view, it will be good and useful with calmness, determination and patriotism for them to decide on the future of Cyprus, the future of Greece.''

The president added:’ For the future of Greece, I wish to express my complete optimism which is based on the past and on facts of reality. Optimism which is based in Messolonghi, at the start of the Greek nation during our new modern era for us to reach a very high level today.''

President Stephanopoulos also referred to the Olympic Games, stating that it is a unique opportunity for Greece to show its great potential and prospects to all the world.''

National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, representing the government at Sunday's commemoration of the anniversary, said that the sacrifice of the ''Free Besieged'', as the defenders of the town were hailed in the following century, was unsurpassed. He stressed that Messolonghi ''is not only history, it is poetry written in blood.''

Present at the events were Parliament President Anna-Psarouda-Benaki, Deputy Labor and Protection Minister Nikos Angelopoulos, the Armed Forces leadership, deputies and representatives of political parties and organizations.

[03] Papadopoulos to confer with Athens before deciding on Annan plan

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

President Papadopoulos noted that it would not be right to request a meeting between the governments and political party leaders of Greece and Cyprus to decide on the Annan plan in view of the April 24 referenda on the island to accept or reject the solution plan, noting that it would be wrong to ''shift our responsibilities onto Greece.''

The National Council, top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, convened today to examine developments after the UN-led talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, and to evaluate the Annan plan.

Asked if the negative feelings of the Greek Cypriots regarding the Annan plan would settle down by the time of the referendum, President Papadopoulos said he could not make such an assessment, noting that ''this plan is known to all the people.''

''I do not believe that in the history of Cyprus there has ever been another political document that was analyzed to such an extent, translated and circulated. Those interested have no excuse that they are not aware of it. They know it very well,'' the President said, adding however that certain points might not be comprehensible at first glance.

He said it would be unwise for the government and the people to vote in the referendum without taking into consideration the future consequences from a ''yes'' or ''no'' vote.

Asked if he was feeling pressure from the international community, President Papadopoulos replied in the negative, noting that ''the international community clearly prefers a solution of the Cyprus problem with the Annan plan, something which is known and is not a secret.''

''We will decide, judging all conditions, all facts and certainly taking into account the consequences of a 'yes' or 'no','' the President said.

Replying to questions, Papadopoulos said the Burgenstock talks ''gave much to the Turkish Cypriot side, compared to the changes we achieved,'' adding that the changes the Turkish Cypriot side obtained were ''much more significant than those of the Greek Cypriot side.''

Speaking after the National Council meeting, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said the Annan plan would soon be available to the people in booklet form, to study and decide on.

[04] US to work hard for positive Cyprus referenda, Powell says

NEW YORK 5/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Briefing the press en route to Washington, Powell said if the Annan plan is not accepted in the referenda, it ''will shut things down for a long time,'' adding that there is no plan B and ''whatever reservations either side might have about it, it is unlikely a better arrangement is going to be forthcoming.''

Powell said that during his meetings with European officials he ''pointed out that we have an historic opportunity now with this arrangement that Secretary General Kofi Annan has been able to make.''

He added that ''we have to work hard between now and the time of the referendum later in April to see if we cannot get the Cypriots, both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, to realize this is an opportunity that won't come again.''

''There is no plan B. This is it. And whatever reservations either side might have about it, it is unlikely a better arrangement is going to be forthcoming,'' Powell said, adding that ''in fact, this will shut things down for a long time if this is not accepted.''

Powell noted that for this reason ''we will all be working hard, and I will be working hard, over the next several weeks to en-courage all Cypriots to understand this agreement, for leaders in the region to help explain this agreement to their people.''

''I hope we can get a satisfactory referendum process underway and completed by the 24th of April,'' he concluded.

[05] UN Swiss diplomat on Cyprus issue

GENEVA 5/4/2004 (ANA/N. Robin)

The Swiss diplomat noted that ''if the Turkish Cypriots accept the plan and the Greeks reject it, Brussels can re-examine its position towards the Turkish community and offer it a more favorable status.'' He also expressed the fear that ''this could lead to a permanent partition of the island.'' However, he concluded by saying that ''we can definitely be able to think of the organizing of a new referendum within six months.''

[06] Deputy FM, ND Secretary to visit Cyprus on Tuesday

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

Valinakis will be received on Tuesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos while meetings are also secheduled with the leaderships of all the political parties of Cyprus.

Valinakis in continuation will visit Dublin to attend an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for European affairs.

Main opposition PASOK delegation to visit Cyprus on Monday : A delegation of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), headed by the party's foreign and defense policy coordinator Anna Diamantopoulou, will depart for Cyprus on Monday, according to sources by the Movement on Saturday evening.

The delegation will include former defense ministers Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Yiannos Papantoniou and probably also professor George Papadimitriou.

The sources said the PASOK delegation will visit Cyprus to hear the views and assessments of the island's political party leaders on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's final plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[07] UN Security Council discussion on April 28 to focus on Cyprus

NICOSIA 5/4/2004 (ANA/CNA)

The open discussion on Cyprus was announced on Friday evening by the resident of the Security Council for April and permanent representative of Germany Guenther Pleuger, after the Council was briefed by Alvaro de Soto, the special adviser of the Secretary General on Cyprus, regarding the final phase of negotiations in Burgenstock between the two communities.|

Ambassador Pleuger said the open discussion would focus on the outcome of the referenda of April 24 and their bearing on the future of Cyprus.

[08] Poll shows overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots, Greeks against Annan plan

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

According to the poll, 84.7 percent of Greek Cypriots and 61.7 percent of Greeks declare that they are in principle against the Annan plan.

Separate referenda will take place simultaneously in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on April 24 when voters will be called on to accept or not the Annan plan.

A total of 46.1 percent of Greek Cypriots declare that they have not reached a final decision on how they will vote in the referendum while 50 percent declare certain or probably certain about their vote.

A total of 38.1 percent said they would be very much or considerably influenced by President Tassos Papadopoulos' stance, while 31.9 declare that they do not know the basic points of the Annan plan.

However, 91.5 percent say that the solution is unfair for the Greek Cypriot side, while 84.1 percent say that they are satisfied with the president's handling of the issue.

In Greece, 69.3 percent view the solution as unfair.

According to the figures, 61.7 percent would reject the plan and only 17.7 percent would accept it. A total of 54.3 percent say they are not familiar with the points of the plan.

A total of 52.8 percent declare ''very'' or ''quite'' satisfied with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' handling of the matter.

The study was made, through telephone interviews and questionnaires from a sample of 605 people, from April 1-2.

According to an ANA dispatch from Nicosia on Sunday, 51 percent of Turkish Cypriots declared ''yes'' and 48 percent ''no'' to the Annan plan, in an opinion poll conducted on Saturday evening from a sample of 917 people.

[09] FM Molyviatis to receive U.S. Ambassador Miller on Monday

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

[10] Karamanlis, Souflias discuss Cyprus issue, Olympic Games, 3rd CSF

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

Commenting on developments in the Cyprus issue, Souflias reiterated that the government will take its decisions ''in time'', taking into account the positioning of the Cypriot leadership. Souflias made known that the meeting of the Council of the Political Leaders will take place after Easter.

On the course of the Olympic Games projects, the minister re-iterated that ''There were works which were proceeding really well but there were also certain other works which had great delays. I believe that finally all will go well.''

Papandreou promises a 'progressive, socialist' identity for PASOK Main opposition PASOK’s national council sessions continued on Saturday, with party president and former foreign minister George Papandreou twice taking the podium to announce the advent of a "new forceful, progressive, democratic and socialist identity" for the party.

Papandreou has repeatedly said that PASOK will be transformed, whereas he replied to queries over the party’s pre-election inclusion of two of Greece’s pre-eminent neo-liberal politicians (Stephanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos) by saying that although the party wants dialogue with other camps and schools of thought, this does not mean that in the end it will change its political orientation.

He also called on PASOK cadres not to exhibit signs of panic and insecurity, while also referring to subtle internal criticism of the opposition’s style and tactics. Regarding the latter, he said that PASOK’s role as the main opposition could become easier if it adapted every single request tabled, something he criticized ruling New Democracy as doing when it was in the main opposition.

In reference to the major political issue of the season, the Cyprus issue and pending referenda on the island republic over the Annan peace plan, Papandreou said his party will certainly express its opinion, while criticizing the government for what he called its "neutral stance".

Other top cadres and one-time ministers that took the podium on Saturday were Costas Skandalidis, Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Evangelos Venizelos.

[11] 73 DHKKI Central Committee members want the party to continue operating

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

The decision was taken during a meeting of the DHKKI Central Committee at a central Athens hotel on Saturday with the participation of 69 members present from the total 120. Sixty-seven voted in favor, two against, while another six members of the Central Committee made known through fax their approval for the continuation of the party's functioning.

[12] Gov't renews promise to deal with public sector contract staff

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

The government has repeatedly emphasized that the measure, one of its pre-election promises, affects only employees that "cover standing and continuous needs", and that a relevant EU circular on the specific issue of contract employees will be strictly adhered to.

[13] International fur exhibition in Kastoria comes to a successful close

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

''We are pleased as the Federation of Kastoria Furriers, but also pleased are the exhibitors according to their own statements," said the president of the federation, Lazaros Fotiadis.

Fotiadis stressed that many things changed this year, namely that there were more trade visitors than 2003, many and major transactions were made and agreements reached for further coo-peration.

Fotiadis also met with the commercial attache of the Chinese embassy in Athens with whom he discussed the Greek federation's presence at the International Fur Exhibition which will be held in Beijing.

[14] New velodrome roof, OAKA indoor pool inspected by alternate minister

Athens 5/4/2004 (ANA)

She also toured the worksite for the under-construction roof over the main stadium, a project similar to the one for the velodrome but on a much larger scale.

"Today is a very significant day because we had a chance to see the velodrome roof up close," she said, before promising to continue the Saturday inspections and tours of 2004-related sites, infrastructure and venues.

Finally, she praised workers, engineers and designers for the state-of-the-art velodrome roof, a much-needed success story following a decision last month to scrap a similar structure over the much-delayed Olympic Aquatic Centre.

18 illegals stranded on rock islet; rough seas prevent rescue on Sat.

Coast guard officials on Saturday said 18 stranded illegal immigrants were spotted on a deserted rock islet in the eastern Aegean, east of the Dodecanese island of Patmos.

According to reports, a navy helicopter dropped supplies to the group before nightfall, as rough seas in the region prevented vessels from approaching. Coast guard patrol boats will again attempt to reach the isle, identified as "Piato", on Sunday morning.

The specific sea region between Patmos and Leros is a favorite of Turkish migrant smugglers attempting to land mostly Third World nationals on Greek territory.

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