Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-08

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus president in address to the nation calls for a 'no' vote to Annan's plan

[02] Cyprus president tells reporters 'I assume my responsibilities very seriously'

[03] Greece's letter of response to UN to be submitted Wednesday

[04] Valinakis departs Nicosia after talks with Cypriot leadership

[05] Powell communicates with Greek and Turkish FMs on Cyprus issue

[06] European Commission discusses latest developments in Cyprus issue

[07] EU enlargement commissioner discusses Cyprus with PASOK state deputy

[08] PM Karamanlis confers on Cyprus issue with former ND leader Evert

[09] Papandreou cites PASOK's support for Annan peace plan

[10] Communist party says PASOK leader fuelling partitioning planning in Cyprus

[11] New tourism minister seeks dialogue on policy

[12] Commission's report confirms bad state of fiscal condition, Greek FinMin

[13] Greek credit expansion growth slowed in January

[14] Foreign investors raised their share in Greek market in March

[15] Greek exports up 7.2 pct in Jan-Nov 2003

[16] S&B Industrial Minerals to acquire German group

[17] Karamanlis discusses Olympic preparations with Athens mayor

[18] OEK cedes property for Olympic telecoms center

[19] Ex-culture ministry tours OAKA worksites

[20] Wrestling champion will not compete in Athens Games

[21] 5.2 Richter quake on Greek-Albanian border

[22] Greece to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair

[23] Four Turks, driver arrested after high-speed chase in NE Greece

[24] EU Commissioner hopeful about outcome of referendum

[25] Commission: Cyprus president to be invited to Donors' Conference

[26] MEP's Crespo and Rothe: EU will accept referenda outcome

[01] Cyprus president in address to the nation calls for a 'no' vote to Annan's plan

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

In his address, which lasted 52 minutes, President Papadopoulos called on the people to say ''no'' in the referendum on April 24 on acceptance or not of the Annan plan.

He also said that it was still uncertain to what degree there will be a ratification of the agreement by the Turkish National Assembly, with the consequence of there being uncertainty for the future of the Cypriot state.

He also said that the Turkish Cypriots will obtain all which the plan provides, 24 hours after the approval of the plan, while whatever the Greek Cypriots will take they will obtain sometime in the future.

President Papadopoulos analyzed in depth what took place in New York and in Burgenstock, Switzerland, saying that there, without negotiations being made, the UN Secretary-General included the 11 Turkish demands, which were outside the perimeter of his plan, in his final proposal.

The President of the Republic analyzed the points of the Annan plan which he deemed negative for the Greek Cypriot side, such as restrictions in the acquisition of property, the return of refugees and the denial of the political rights of those who will return.

With the Annan plan, he said, the Cypriots were not satisfied but the permanent claims of Turkey are satisfied.

He added that the stay, even of a small number of Turkish troops and the increased guarantee rights, without the existence of the National Guard, creates conditions of insecurity for the Greek Cypriots.

He said he viewed doubtful the economic viability of the plan, which will have serious repercussions for the standard of living of the citizens.

With regard to the accession to the European Union, he said that although Cyprus will enter, there is a danger of the immobilization of its participation until all the laws of the new state are activated.

President Papadopoulos said that the answer to the question for a solution would have been a resounding ''yes''. However, he said, ''the proposed solution does not reunite Cyprus, because there will be two states which will live separately and simply cooperate.''

He added that ''there are many aspects of the plan which are not satisfactory from the arrangements which were made, without a negotiation being made.''

He went on to say that the adjustments which were made to Annan plan 5 are more unfavorable than the provisions of the Annan plan 3 which were simply accepted as a basis for negotiation.

He said that ''the fact that the decisions will be taken with a 50-50 percentage, gives the possibility to each side to create paralyzing impasses which might possibly lead to the dissolution of the state within 24 hours.''

He added that it is not possible nor acceptable to ask from the European Union, as the Annan plan requires, for the agreement to constitute first stage law, neither to ask from the Court of Human Rights for all the refugees to be withdrawn which citizens of the Republic of Cyprus have registered for violation of their rights.

In any case, he disagreed with the view that this will be the last chance for a solution to the Cyprus issue, adding that the prospects for a solution will be better, due to Cyprus' EU accession on May 1 and Turkey's aspirations to become a member. He added that the efforts for a solution will also continue after May 1.

He further said that there was no danger of the recognition of the pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied north of the island by countries which are of importance for Cyprus, such as the EU countries.

Addressing himself to the Turkish Cypriots, Papadopoulos said that the tangible interest of the state for them will continue.

What they must understand, he said, is that ''as much as I do not want their rights to be trampled on, so much more I do not want the rights of the Greek Cypriots to be trampled on by a plan which is unfair for Cypriot Hellenism.''

He said Cyprus will support Turkey's pursuit for the securing of a date soon for the start of accession negotiations.

He said that ''with the plan we are called on to abolish the Re-public of Cyprus, because the collapse of the new federal state which will arise will lead with mathematical accuracy to partition.''

Concluding, he said that ''the final decision and verdict will be the people's,' but that he himself ''cannot accept to sign the Annan plan.''

President Papadopoulos, visibly moved, said he did not receive a state so as to deliver it as a community, and directing himself to the people, said:’ I call on you to say a resounding no to the Annan plan.''

[02] Cyprus president tells reporters 'I assume my responsibilities very seriously'

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

The people of Cyprus prepare to vote on the Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement in referenda on April 24.

Commenting on the fact that Greece's main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) supported the Annan plan, President Papadopoulos said that he was not disturbed by this, saying it was an opinion of one party. However, he noted that the consequences of the solution, good or bad if they arise, will be sustained by the people of Cyprus, adding that Greece has its own interests and its own expediencies. He further said that he had said from the start that the decision will be taken by the Greek Cypriot people.

Asked whether he will lead a campaign to support his decision, he replied that he had ''full confidence in the judgment of the Cypriot people who are in a position to judge.''

[03] Greece's letter of response to UN to be submitted Wednesday

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The spokesman explained that Wednesday (today) was the deadline for submitting Greece's response, stressing that this action does not produce lawful consequences and does not anticipate the Greek Cypriots' response to the Annan plan.

Koumoutsakos said Greece's letter, which would be submitted by the country's permanent representative for the UN, ambassador Vasilakis, in no way anticipated or pre-empted the outcome of the referenda.

He added that the two communities in Cyprus -- Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot -- were the sole authorities for deciding their future.

Under the New York agreement, provided both communities voted 'yes' to the Annan plan in simultaneous referenda on April 24 and following completion of the domestic process of evaluation of the plan, Greece and the other two guarantor countries of Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus would sign the Treaty for the new status quo in Cyprus, which would enter into effect as of April 29.

[04] Valinakis departs Nicosia after talks with Cypriot leadership

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Valinakis reiterated that it is now up to the people of Cyprus to decide; a decision that must be respected by all.

The Greek deputy FM’s next stop is Dublin for the EU Council of foreign ministers’ meeting.

[05] Powell communicates with Greek and Turkish FMs on Cyprus issue

WASHINGTON 8/4/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

''The minister is actively involved, attempting to create a dynamic support of the UN Secretary-General's plan,'' State Department spokesman Adam Ereli told reporters, noting that ''Mr. Powell spoke today with the foreign ministers of Greece and Cyprus.''

Having stressed that Powell is determined to do all he can in this direction and ''to help the people of Cyprus to enter the European Union on May 1 as one country,'' Ereli concluded by saying that during the talks he had, Powell reiterated that the Annan plan ''is just, balanced, offers a good framework and is to the benefit of the inhabitants of Cyprus.''

Ereli added that according to Washington's opinion, it is the only plan which can offer a solution to the protracted problem.

[06] European Commission discusses latest developments in Cyprus issue

BRUSSELS 8/4/2004 (ANA - V. Demiris)

According to EU sources, Greek Commissioner Stavros Dimas opposed the involvement of European officials in campaigning for the referenda on the approval of the Annan plan, pointing out that there would be negative consequences if it appeared that the Commission was taking a position since this would be interpreted as an undesirable involvement in the domestic political issues of Cyprus.

The same sources said that Dimas mentioned that the Cypriots should be allowed to take this decision with sobriety, seriousness and full consciousness of facts.

[07] EU enlargement commissioner discusses Cyprus with PASOK state deputy

BRUSSELS 8/4/2004 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Diamantopoulou underlined in a statement the significance of the Annan plan being implemented in the EU's institutional framework, without permanent deviations from the acquis communautaire, and noted that this relation must be continuous and binding. She said the guaranteeing role the European Commission must have in the implementation of the acquis communautaire in the united Republic of Cyprus in the event of a solution to the issue of Cyprus was discussed.

[08] PM Karamanlis confers on Cyprus issue with former ND leader Evert

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the half-hour meeting, Evert said that Cyprus had the responsibility of deciding, and Greece extended its support.

[09] Papandreou cites PASOK's support for Annan peace plan

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The two communities on the divided island republic of Cyprus -- the Greek Cypriot community in the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community in the Turkish-occupied one-third of the island -- will vote in separate referenda on April 24 on whether they accept or reject the plan.

Papandreou made the announcement following a meeting of top PASOK cadres, including former premier Costas Simitis, two former European commissioners (Papoutsis and Diamantopoulou), as well as the party’s executive bureau members.

While voicing PASOK’s support for the plan, Papandreou nevertheless stressed that his party will back the Greek Cypriot people’s decision no matter what, and will stand with the island republic in exploiting positive elements or to face any difficulties that may lie ahead.

He added that it was PASOK’s duty to express its position ahead of the referendum, while underlining that he does not want to recommend a solution. Moreover, Papandreou called on world leaders to allow the Cypriots to freely decide their future.

The former foreign minister said his party will continue to table initiatives on the crucial issue, noting that the European Social Party grouping will create a special committee at the European Parliament to follow the plan’s implementation, assuming it is approved by the two communities on the island.

Finally, he criticized the Karamanlis government for not taking a stand on the Annan plan, as he said.

Government spokesman criticizes PASOK leader on Cyprus statement: Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, referring on Wednesday to criticism directed at the government and the prime minister by main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou regarding its position on the issue of Cyprus, said Papandreou chose the wrong period to conduct opposition exercises, adding that national issues are not suitable for this.

Roussopoulos reiterated that the government will take its decisions at the appropriate time, reminding of the relevant commitment made by the prime minister in Parliament.

In another development, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis received Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis at the Maximos Mansion on Wednesday afternoon. The foreign minister said afterwards that the prime minister's regular briefing and cooperation with him is not news.

Karamanlis also met with Yiannis Varvitsiotis, who will be heading the ruling New Democracy party's election ticket in the Euro-elections in June.

Varvitsiotis said he had not seen Karamanlis for a long time and that they discussed current issues.

[10] Communist party says PASOK leader fuelling partitioning planning in Cyprus

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

''George Papandreou, in his address on the Annan plan, apart from what was known and expected regarding 'yes to the Annan plan', also spoke of 'motherlands', as he named Greece and Turkey in relation to Cyprus. It is a repetition of the relevant reference made by Kofi Annan in his plan, in which he brings back the conception of 'national centers','' the Communist party's announcement said.

''Cyprus is an independent member-state of the UN and not a state under Greek-Turkish custody. Such views and practices have cost and are costing a great deal to the people of Cyprus. It shows that George Papandreou is deliberately 'forgetting' both. The above statement by George Papandreou fuels partitioning planning,'' it added.

[11] New tourism minister seeks dialogue on policy

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The immediate priority was to link the Greek tourism product to the Athens Olympics in August, a move to which the previous government had given inadequate attention, Avramopoulos told reporters after a meeting with sector trade groups.

[12] Commission's report confirms bad state of fiscal condition, Greek FinMin

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Mr Alogoskoufis reiterated that the government would implement its pre-election policy platform taking into account current limitations.

"We will implement a program that will aim to growth, employment and social cohesion and that will envisage restoring fiscal discipline and transparency in public finances," the Greek minister said commenting on the Commission's unfavorable forecasts for the country's fiscal deficit.

"The Commission forecasts confirm the serious condition of our fiscal situation," Alogoskoufis noted. He strongly criticized the country's previous government for "irresponsible management" and added that the government would complete a fiscal evaluation work by the end of April.

According to early estimates, Greece's fiscal deficit was currently at 2.95 percent of Gross Domestic Product, nearing the 3.0 percent ceiling set by the EU's Stability Pact.

[13] Greek credit expansion growth slowed in January

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Credit expansion growth slowed to 16.4 percent in January, on a year-on-year basis, from 17 percent in December 2003, with total debt by Greek enterprises and households to financial institutions totalling 102.748 billion euros (from 101.178 billion euros in December.

Household debt totalled 40.809 billion euros, while the remaining 61.939 billion euros was corporate debt, the central bank said in a report.

The Bank of Greece noted that consumer loans' growth accelerated to 28.4 percent in January from 27.2 percent in December with total consumer credit debt at 12.690 billion euros.

Credit card borrowing accounted for half of consumer credit debt, at 6.308 billion euros in January, while mortgage loans' growth rate slowed to 24.6 percent in January from 25 percent in December and 34.8 percent in January 2003.

Savings deposits rose 12 percent in January 2004 from the same month last year, although the value of savings eased to 114.996 billion euros from 115.750 billion euros in December. Repurchase agreement contracts saw their portfolio value ease to 10.231 billion euros in January, down 48 percent from the corresponding month in 2003.

Greek inflation rises to 2.7 pct in March, yr/yr : Greece's harmonized annual consumer price index slowed to 2.9 percent in March, from 3.9 percent in March 2003, the National Statistics Service said on Wednesday.

NSS, in its monthly report, said that the harmonized inflation rate rose 2.9 percent in March from February 2004, up from 2.5 percent in March 2003.

The average harmonized consumer price index, for the period April 2003-March 2004, rose 3.2 percent, NSS said.

Greece's annual inflation rate rose to 2.7 percent in March from 2.5 percent in February, for a monthly increase of 2.5 percent compared with February 2004.

The statistics service said that the March inflation figure reflected a 7.2 percent rise in alcohol and tobacco prices, a 4.7 percent increase in hotel-restaurant prices, a 4.5 percent rise in healthcare prices, a 4.4 percent increase in education prices and rises in clothing-footwear, entertainment and food prices (3.7 pct, 3.0 pct and 2.8 pct, respectively) compared with the same month last year.

On a monthly basis, prices rose 18.7 percent in the clothing-footwear sector, 3.4 percent in durable goods, 1.5 percent in housing and 0.7 percent in food.

[14] Foreign investors raised their share in Greek market in March

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Official figures published on Wednesday by the Athens Stock Exchange, showed that Greek investors' share eased to 66.49 percent in March from 67.67 percent in February and to 58.56 percent from 59.63 percent in the blue chip index, respectively.

According to March figures, foreign investors accounted for 41.3 percent of turnover, of which 37.4 percent were institutional investors, while from the Greek 58.7 percent share, 39.4 percent were private investors and the remaining 16.4 percent Greek institutional investors.

Foreign investors increased their share in the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index to 18.228 percent in March from 16.699 percent in February, while their share in the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index rose slightly to 14.883 percent from 14.174 percent over the same period, respectively.

ASE's chairman, Panayiotis Alexakis, commenting on the figures said that an increasing participation of foreign investors in the Greek market was a very significant development and that it offered evidence it remained attractive and competitive offering significant investment opportunities.

[15] Greek exports up 7.2 pct in Jan-Nov 2003

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Based on statistics issued by the National Statistics Service of Greece, the institute said in a report that the rise would stand at 8.6 per cent excluding petroleum products.

At the same time, imports rose by 19.7 per cent against January-November 2002, with the rise at 19.3 per cent again excluding petroleum products, the report said.

[16] S&B Industrial Minerals to acquire German group

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The purchase price for Stollberg is 43.8 million euros, with S&B assuming a net debt of 10.7 million euros, the statement said.

The acquisition is subject to approval by regulatory authorities, and completion is expected in about two months, it added.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 7 2004

Parities in euro

Banknotes

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,219 1,191

[17] Karamanlis discusses Olympic preparations with Athens mayor

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

[18] OEK cedes property for Olympic telecoms center

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The telecommunications center will cover the Olympic and Paralympic Games' needs, while it will continue operating after the Games, serving OEK's residents.

[19] Ex-culture ministry tours OAKA worksites

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

Former culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, former deputy minister Nasos Alevras as well as the culture ministry’s ex-general secretary for the Games, Costas Kartalis, were accompanied by the latter’s successor, Spyros Kapralos, who resigned as executive director with the Athens 2004 Olympic organizing committee (ATHOC) to move to the culture ministry with the new Karamanlis government.

Venizelos noted that OAKA’s image has radically changed, whereas progress for the roof over the stadium creates a certainty that it will be ready on time. He nevertheless stated that constant supervision and pressure on the contractors is necessary.

[20] Wrestling champion will not compete in Athens Games

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

[21] 5.2 Richter quake on Greek-Albanian border

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute and the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geophysics Laboratory said the earthquake was recorded at 4:32 a.m., at a distance of 70 kilo-meters west of the town of Florina, with its epicenter at the Greek-Albanian border.

A powerful earthquake of 6.7 Richter was recorded in the wider region in 1911, according to seismologists.

[22] Greece to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

The National Book Center of Greece has organized ''Barefoot Pictures'' - an exhibit which will showcase the work of 32 illustrators - while the Panhellenic Association of Publishers and Bo-ok Sellers will present recent releases at the Greek pavilion.

Greece's participation is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.

[23] Four Turks, driver arrested after high-speed chase in NE Greece

Athens 8/4/2004 (ANA)

According to reports, the four Turks illegally entered the country through an unguarded pass on the Greek-Bulgarian frontier before being picked up by the unidentified driver. All four were also found in possession of fake passports and ID cards.

Police said the 40-year-old driver was paid 1,600 euros to drive the four to the western port city of Patra, where they hoped get aboard Italy-bound ferry boats. The fake passports and IDs were reportedly purchased in Bulgaria.

The vehicle, 1,500 euros, three mobile phones and a dubious 200-euro banknote were confiscated. All five suspects are due to face a local prosecutor.

[24] EU Commissioner hopeful about outcome of referendum

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

However, he cautioned against any kind of pressure or intervention on the Greek Cypriots, pointing out that the democratic process in Cyprus should be respected but also said that he believed this was the last opportunity for reunification for the foreseeable future.

Verheugen also said that in the event of a negative outcome at the referenda, the Republic of Cyprus would join the EU representing the entire island but the EU would have to continue its support on many levels towards the Turkish Cypriots.

The Commissioner said a positive result that would reunite the island would send an important political signal to the region of the Eastern Mediterranean that the EU can resolve and prevent conflicts and said that a reunited Cyprus would serve as a model in that part of the world.

''It is our clear preference to welcome the United Cyprus Re-public on May 1 and we are very very close, just inches away, this opportunity should not be missed,'' he added.

''The Commission unanimously adopted today a draft regulation which will be sent to the Council that seals the most essential

characteristics of the peace plan for Cyprus and transposes this into community law,'' he announced at a press conference in Brussels.

He said the outcome of last week's talks in Switzerland demonstrated that it was possible to come up with a proposal that had a very good chance to be approved in both communities in the referendum, adding that he assumed that all three guarantor powers (Britain, Turkey and Greece) would ratify the UN plan.

''I get the impression that public opinion within Cyprus is starting to change,'' he said, noting that the recent negative outlook was partly due to a number of arrangements that were contained in the previous UN plan which the Greek Cypriots found difficult to accept.

The Commission was quite keen that there could not be permanent deviations from community law for legal and political reasons, he said.

He stressed that the EU could not weaken the quality of integration as a result of enlargement and added ''we are against constant infringements that alter the Treaty and that also applies to Cyprus.''

He also explained that legal adaptations did contain certain number of restrictions but this could not be interpreted as meaning that legal adaptation would allow for permanent deviation from the Treaty.

''I can only express the hope that the two communities in Cyprus will seize this opportunity to reconcile their differences and in case of a successful outcome on April 24 the Council will then adopt this regulation and on May 1 the United Republic of Cyprus will accede to the EU,'' he said.

Accession of reunited Cyprus, he pointed out, would not solve all problems as the Turkish Cypriot side had not prepared for membership but said that the EU had played a significant contribution in ''an exemplary way'' working with the UN throughout the process.

He referred to next week's donors conference to which the Greek Cypriot side and the Turkish Cypriot side have been invited to try and agree on the cost of the agreement.

Replying to questions about a possible negative stance by the Greek Cypriots, he refrained from speculation but explained that if the referendum failed the Accession Treaty would enter into force as it stands.

''This means the Republic of Cyprus as it is will be a member state of the EU and legally representing the whole island, this is the international law, it is really clear that perspective, only the government of the Republic of Cyprus is representing the whole island,'' he said.

He said if the Greek Cypriot side say no to the plan, the EU would have to consider ways to avoid ''political, economic and social tension'' on the island and should continue support programs for Turkish Cypriots on infrastructure, economic improvement and to find ways to overcome economic relations with the northern part of the island.

Asked to send a message to the Greek Cypriots, ahead of the referendum, Verheugen said ''we should be very very careful not to give the impression that we put pressure now on the Greek Cypriots, after all it is their country.''

''This is a democratic process and we have to respect the results of the democratic process, we have to explain to our Greek Cypriot friends why we prefer the membership of a reunited Cyprus and why this would be in the interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,'' he stressed.

He said politically the solution would be ''politically an extremely important signal, especially in that part of the world'' as it would demonstrate that European integration was capable not only of conflict prevention but also of conflict resolution.

''It would also demonstrate that there is a model how communities of different cultures, different religion can live peacefully together on one island,'' he added, pointing out that such a signal in that part of the world would be very important.

He said also that during last week's talks in Switzerland ''there was much more at stake than the future of Cyprus, the future of Turkey in Europe and the rest of the world.''

''I hope the Greek Cypriots will come to the conclusion that a settlement is in their interest, in the interest of Greece and Turkey and the EU,'' he said.

The Commissioner said it was not his advice at present to send ''delegations to the island, all the big shots from Europe, this could overkill.''

''My advice is let them in peace now and let them have their little debate, let us give all the answers if there are questions but we should be careful not to intervene too much,'' he stressed.

Responding to another question about leverage that might be left to apply on the Greek Cypriots for a future solution, if this plan is rejected, Verheugen explained that the Republic of Cyprus is

internationally recognized, the northern part is recognized only by Turkey, Turkey does not recognize the government of the Republic of Cyprus, and Turkey has a very high number of troops deployed in the north part of the island against resolutions of the Security Council.

''My impression with talks with Kofi Annan in Switzerland is that for him this is definitely the final approach, there will be no other. I do not believe that another opportunity will present itself, of course nobody can foresee future developments but for the foreseeable future it is my sincere conviction that it is the last opportunity and if it is missed the opportunity will go for a very very long time,'' he concluded.

In a written statement issued in Brussels Verheugen said the draft act of adaptation, which is included in the Annan plan, ''does not include permanent derogations from the acquis, but only transitional periods.''

He said the preliminary donors conference would take place on April 15, just over a week before the referenda in Cyprus, and that on June 13 federal and constituent state elections will be held together with the European Parliament elections.

[25] Commission: Cyprus president to be invited to Donors' Conference

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

A statement by the Commission's Delegation in Cyprus said that, contrary to press reports, it confirmed ''President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, will be invited to the high level preparatory Donors' Conference for Cyprus to be held on April 15, 2004 in Brussels.''

It further said that contacts on this matter have been made with the government and that the official invitation ''will be handed shortly.''

Around 100-150 high level representatives from current and future EU member states, the UN, all current members of the Security Council, OECD members, international financial institutions (IFIs), Gulf Cooperation Council members and other interested parties are expected to attend.

The conference will take place just over a week before referenda are held in Cyprus to approve or dismiss a UN proposal for a comprehensive settlement.

Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third, will become a full EU member on May 1.

[26] MEP's Crespo and Rothe: EU will accept referenda outcome

NICOSIA 8/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Crespo and Rothe urged the people in Cyprus to study carefully the Annan plan, decide rationally and exploit the chance for a solution of the Cyprus issue.

Both MEP's said that the Socialist Group will make a suggestion to the European Parliament, to set up an ad hoc committee, that would examine the implementation of the settlement, in case the Annan plan is approved by the Cypriots.

Crespo and Rothe met here on Wednesday with Socialist Movement EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou, who expressed his gratitude to both MEP's for their support regarding Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Later on, they met with Cyprus Harmonization Coordinator Takis Hadjidemetriou, whom they informed about the debate on the Annan plan, due to take place April 21 at the European Parliament.

Asked how would the EU act, in case the Cypriot people reject the Annan plan, Crespo said, ''the EU will accept it, cause it would be the democratic decision of Cyprus people, but in Europe when there is a possibility we try to exploit it.''

''We think it is important we make a major breakthrough this moment,'' he said.

On her part, German MEP Rothe said that ''there is now a real chance for a solution'' and expressed hope that ''when Cypriots read the details of the Annan plan, they will say yes at the referendum.''

''We are not here to make any pressure. It is up to the Cypriots to decide. If they decide no, the EU has to accept it and will accept it,'' she noted.

She reassured that if the Cypriots vote for a solution based on the Annan plan, then ''they must know, that as an EU member, they will have security and the Union has to look that the new structure is workable.''

''I hope that without a lot of emotions against or in favor, the people can decide rationally and that there can be a break-through. I have the feeling that the Cypriots are aware of the special situation now and will look very carefully in the next weeks to the proposed solution,'' Rothe said.

On April 24, two separate and simultaneous referenda will take place among the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, asking the people to vote either against, or in favor of the UN Secretary-General's plan for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

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