Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime minister will announce decisions on Annan plan on Thursday

[02] PASOK leader Papandreou discusses latest developments in Cyprus issue

[03] Coalition party leader agrees with postponement of Cyprus referenda

[04] US to pledge a substantial amount at Donor's conference

[05] Deputy FM to attend informal council of EU FMs

[06] Public order minister proposes close cooperation between Greece and Albania

[07] U.S. Ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on Macedonia-Thrace minister

[08] Gov't announces nominee for OTE president; other top positions

[09] Development ministry to reinforce Competition Committee

[10] Stocks nose down

[11] Petralia responds to press reports on Olympic preparations

[12] Cyprus' symbolic gift to the host city of the Olympic Games

[13] Athens 2004 comments on preliminary inquiries

[14] Bulgarian officials: 400,000 visitors to pass through country for Olympics

[15] AKEL urges UN to postpone Cyprus referenda

[16] Turkish Cypriots rally in favor of UN solution plan

[17] US Ambassador stresses need to implement solution, if agreed

[18] EU expects donors to pledge sums at Brussels conference

[01] Prime minister will announce decisions on Annan plan on Thursday

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

Rousopoulos was speaking after an inner cabinet meeting at which the issue of Cyprus was discussed.

The spokesman said Karamanlis will announce his decisions after previously listening, as he had committed himself in Parliament, to the views of all on the Annan plan.

According to reports, Karamanlis did not announce his finalized position during the meeting, but a discussion was held among the senior ministers on the positive points contained in the plan, as well as on difficulties existing concerning issues of workability and after a briefing was made by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis on latest developments.

Government sources said the Greek government will not take an initiative to have the Cyprus referenda postponed, but added that it has no objection if all the other sides agree.

Replying to a question if national interest necessitates Karamanlis to say ''yes'' to the Annan plan, the sources said ''you will have the reply tomorrow.''

However, reports insisted that in no way will the prime minister say no to the Annan plan.

The government believes that it is up to President Kostis Stephanopoulos whether or not a joint communique will be issued on Thursday, but cadres mentioned that a joint communique was issued after all previous meetings of the Council of Political Party leaders.

PM Karamanlis confers separately with US, Cyprus ambassadors: Prime minister Costas Karamanlis had separate meetings Wednesday with US ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller and Cyprus ambassador Leonidas Pantelides for talks on Cyprus developments.

After his meeting with the premier, Miller told reporters the discussion had focused on the Cyprus issue and his upcoming visit to the US (slated for May 20).

Regarding UN secretary general Kofi Annan's plan for a Cyprus settlement, Miller said that the "overall evaluation of the (US) State Department us that the Annan plan is very, very, good", but refrained from replying to a question as to whether the plan was the last opportunity for resolving the Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot ambassador made no comments to the press after his own meeting with Karamanlis.

Foreign ministry spokesman on Annan plan reaction: The Greek government hinted on Wednesday that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will comment on the Annan peace plan for Cyprus following Thursday’s extraordinary council of political leaders’ meeting, convened to examine the specific issue.

A spokesman for the foreign ministry nevertheless added that evaluations emanating from the meeting are not binding for the government.

Spokesman George Koumoutsakos also said that Athens is not planning any initiatives aimed at postponing separate referenda for the two communities on the island republic, referenda now scheduled for April 24. However, he said the Greek government would have not reason to object if concerned parties agreed over a postponement.

Donors’ conference: Meanwhile, a meeting to prepare an upcoming donors’ conference for Cyprus will take place in Brussels on Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis will represent Greece.

According to reports, British Deputy PM John Prescott and the US State Department’s special coordinator for the Cyprus issue, Thomas Weston, will also participate, along with representatives of 25 other countries as well as international organizations.

A donors’ conference is planned in the wake of the double referenda on Cyprus.

PM and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos hold telephone conversation: Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday night, government sources in Athens revealed on Wednesday night.

The sources said President Papadopoulos thanked the prime minister for the assistance he is providing for the issue of Cyprus.

[02] PASOK leader Papandreou discusses latest developments in Cyprus issue

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

The PASOK leader made the statement after a meeting he had with his associates at his office in Parliament, with whom he discussed the latest developments in the national issue, ahead of Thursday's meeting of political party leaders.

Papandreou stressed that PASOK as government acted these past years on this national strategy and shaped ''not only broad consensus not only for Cyprus' (European Union) accession course but also on the manner for a solution to the Cyprus problem''.

Taking part in the meeting were Haris Paboukis, Panos Beglitis, Nikos Athanasakis, as well as professors Dimitris Tsatsos and George Papadimitriou.

Meanwhile, the ''Greek Socialists'' trend, which operates in the interior of PASOK and is represented by Pantelis Oikonomou, in a letter he sent to the party's Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis, said that the ''Greek Socialists'' supported a ''no'' vote to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan for a settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in separate and simultaneous referenda on April 24 are called on to accept or not the Annan plan.

Annan is considering a postponement of the referenda providing all sides, including the governments of Greece and Turkey agree to this.

[03] Coalition party leader agrees with postponement of Cyprus referenda

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

Constantopoulos placed responsibility on both Greece's former PASOK party government and on Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos for their moves during negotiations, but believes that the Annan plan ''despite problems, secures a solution based on the prospect of coexistence between the communities and the peaceful integration of the Cypriot bizonal and bicommunal federation.''

The Coalition party leader further said ''the position of the Left must be categorically opposed to the prospect of partitioning. Our position is in favor of the reunification of the island and the coexistence of the two communities and we believe that coexistence can very quickly promote social and class criteria to becoming dominant ones.''

He reminded that his party as well as Greek and Cypriot governments permanently supported a solution concerning a bizonal and bicommunal federation having one international personality, one nationality and one sovereignty based on UN resolutions.

Constantopoulos also said serious mistakes were made by the Greek and Greek Cypriot sides during negotiations in New York and Lucerne which ''evaluated the case of (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash mistakenly and did not assess the decision by Ankara and (Turkish Prime Minister Recep) Erdogan to link the Cyprus issue to Turkey's accession to the EU.''

The Coalition party leader also stressed that '' a considerable section of public opinion in Greece and Cyprus considers coexistence between the two communities impossible and wants the basis of a bicommunal and bizonal federation to be abandoned.'

[04] US to pledge a substantial amount at Donor's conference

WASHINGTON 15/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis/CNA)

''We're going to go to the donors' conference in Brussels tomorrow (Thursday) and pledge a substantial amount'', Boucher said at his daily press briefing, during which he announced that Secretary of State Colin Powell had telephone conversations with Cypriot former presidents Glafcos Clerides and George Vassiliou, left-wing AKEL party leader Demetris Christofias, right-wing DISI President Nicos Anastassiades as well as with the so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat.

Replying to a remark that Powell did not talk with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Boucher noted that ''obviously we would welcome a change of mind''.

''We also want to talk to people who may be in the process of making a decision on their positions, people who may be outspoken already in support of the referendum so that we can make sure that we are meeting the needs of those who support the referendum'' the State Department spokesman added.

Boucher also reiterated that the US government is ''going to do everything we can to try to support this agreement, and we think it is the best course forward,'' noting that the proposed agreement offers "specific benefits to both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots alike''.

''We're going to be working with the United Nations to make sure that everybody on the island and elsewhere understands that the United States and the United Nations will work to ensure implementation of the agreement, and consistently find ways to make clear our view that this is an agreement - this is an opportunity for the people of Cyprus that needs to be taken,'' Boucher concluded.

European Parliament Committee approves motion for Cyprus resolution

BRUSSELS 15/04/2004 (ANA-M.Spinthourakis/CNA)

The motion, which will be sent to the European Parliament Plenary for adoption, notes that the EU institutions shall do their best to guarantee with other international institutions the implementation of the settlement.

''The European Parliament calls on the Cypriots to be fully responsible, consistent and committed to their status of EU citizens and to seize this historic opportunity to reunify their country in a peaceful way,'' the motion says.

It adds that the Parliament ''assures both sides that the EU institutions shall do their best to guarantee with other international institutions the implementation of the settlement.''

The Parliament ''reminds both sides on the island that the EU, through the involvement of the Commission, has underlined its support for the process leading towards the final shape of the peace and reconciliation plan,'' according to the motion, which adds that the Parliament ''takes the view that the gradual demilitarization of the island would facilitate the mutual understanding between the two communities and pave the way for their full reconciliation.''

The motion notes that the Parliament ''shares the view of Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that the fundamental choice of the electorate is a choice between the Annan plan and no solution in the near future.''

It also notes that the Parliament ''understands that the population of Cyprus has numerous questions regarding many extremely complex elements of the plan but is convinced that any difficulties which could arise in the implementation of the agreement can be solved with the assistance of the EU institutions, especially with respect to property, restitution and the re-establishment of the 1974 refugees.''

It furthermore ''considers that the plan does not contain permanent derogations of the acquis communautaire'' and ''considers that the final revised plan institutionalizes a functional federal system of government which is able to ensure that a reunited Cyprus can speak with one voice and fully play its role in the framework of the European institutions.''

The motion considers that the final Annan plan ''constitutes a historic compromise which would end one of the longest running conflicts in Europe and could serve as a shining example for handling equally difficult international issues.''

UN top envoy on Cyprus: compromise seems 'hard to digest': The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto said on Wednesday that Cypriots are only now beginning to realize that a solution of the Cyprus problem will be a compromise that may be hard to digest but warned that if the solution plan proposed by UN chief Kofi Annan is rejected in April 24 referenda, then one would wonder if there could ever be a settlement.

Addressing a joint meeting of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee and the Delegation of the European Parliament to the Joint Parliamentary Committee with the Republic of Cyprus, that took place in Brussels, de Soto said one of the reasons there has not yet been an agreement is that the people have not come to understand that a settlement could not satisfy their aspirations fully.

He also spoke of ''massive distortion and misrepresentation of the plan'' in view of the April 24 referenda, noting that although the leaders of the two communities achieved substantial improvements to the Annan plan, they did not reach an agreement on the plan as a whole, but said ''there is little hope that the leaders would be able to come to terms even if they had an infinite amount of time at their disposal.''

The Peruvian diplomat made an extensive reference to the UN effort that led to the final solution plan proposed to the sides by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and which is set to be put to simultaneous separate referenda on April 24 in the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides.

He also referred to the main points and provisions of the Annan plan, specifically regarding governance, the supreme court, human rights, citizenship, property, territory, and security.

De Soto said ''it is no secret that, as we speak, a debate is raging on the island regarding whether the plan should be accepted or rejected in the referenda.''

''The opposition to the settlement plan of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Rauf Denktash, has been known for some time. It has

continued unabated despite the improvements for the Turkish Cypriot side contained in the March 31 final revision,'' he said.

He added that ''the strong opposition of the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, voiced in an address to the people on the night of April 7, in which he called on the people to respond with a resounding 'no', was a more surprising development and a source of disappointment for the Secretary General.''

De Soto noted that ''this is despite the improvements for the Greek Cypriot side in the final plan of March 31,'' adding that ''Mr. Papadopoulos is of course aware that the UN does not agree with his analysis of the plan or the conclusion he has reached.''

The UN envoy also mentioned calls from the Greek Cypriot side for a postponement of the referenda for a few months, noting that forces in the Turkish Cypriot side are ''campaigning strongly in favor of an affirmative vote in the referendum and do not want the referendum postponed.''

[05] Deputy FM to attend informal council of EU FMs

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

Valinakis will also represent Athens at a EU-Asia council meeting in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Deputy FM Evripidis Stylianidis will attend a Balkan Summit preparatory meeting in Sarajevo on April 20-21, with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and FM Petros Molyviatis expected to attend the Summit itself.

[06] Public order minister proposes close cooperation between Greece and Albania

TIRANA 15/04/2004 (ANA /I. Pacho)

Speaking at a joint press conference, Voulgarakis said cooperation is essential with the world community for the security of the Olympic Games, particularly with neighboring countries and especially with Albania which is a strategic partner of Greece. The two ministers stressed the need for the exchange of information, while Toschka said the Albanian authorities will collect information on possible dangerous people, coordinate actions and cooperate closely with the Greek police.

The Greek minister also met with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano and Albanian police chief Bayram Ibray.

Voulgarakis was accompanied on his visit by senior police officers.

[07] U.S. Ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on Macedonia-Thrace minister

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

On his part, Miller said that he was in full agreement with what the minister told him.

[08] Gov't announces nominee for OTE president; other top positions

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

Additionally, the names of several ministries’ new general secretaries and utility presidents were also announced.

Specifically, Rafael Moisis was appointed as the new president of the Public Gas Co., while Nikos Katsaros was chosen to head up the new state agency for monitoring foodstuffs (EFET). Both entities fall under the jurisdiction of the development ministry. Meanwhile, new general secretaries at three health and social solidarity organizations were also announced.

Finally, civil engineering professor Panayiotis Patargias will be recommended for the managing director’s post at the School Buildings Organization.

[09] Development ministry to reinforce Competition Committee

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

Papathanasiou said that the ministry intends to reinforce the Committee with additional staff as well as to proceed with institutional reforms if necessary.

The Committee is due to submit its proposal over the next few days, suggesting changes in national law in line with EU directives, as well as any other changes the Committee deems necessary.

The deputy minister said that changes and reinforcement of the Committee will take place immediately in time for the Olympic Games.

Speaking of the Games specifically, Papathanasiou stressed that there will be increased inspections in the upcoming period as well as awareness initiatives aimed at informing consumers on issues of price and quality.

Additionally, the development ministry, Athens 2004, and other related ministries, have cooperated and set up a special committee to ensure the smooth operation of the market during the crucial Games period.

[10] Stocks nose down

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 1.41 per cent to end at 2,440.64 points. Turnover was 96 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.43 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.28 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities fell 1.64 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 266 to 41 with 44 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 14 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,201 1,174

[11] Petralia responds to press reports on Olympic preparations

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

According to Palli-Petralia Greece will provide the best response in the end, which will be in the form of a successful staging of the Games.

In reference to the related foreign press reports, the Alternate Culture Minister said that, ''unfortunately, no clear-cut strategy was either drawn nor implemented over recent years regarding this issue. Just 120 days before the Games the government is formulating a specific plan.''

In the statement, she also adds: ''We should not and will not forget the commitment we've made to Greek citizens: that we will not hide anything. Greeks have worked and contributed financial resources for Olympic Games preparations and deserve to know the truth.''

[12] Cyprus' symbolic gift to the host city of the Olympic Games

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

''Kyrenia - Eleftheria'' will be used for scientific, research, educational and cultural programs.

The boat will sail from the ancient city of Amathous in Cyprus on Saturday, April 17 and will reach the port of Piraeus on May 15.

Special ceremonies will be held in Piraeus, Athens and on islands included in the boat's itinerary.

''On the occasion of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the 'Kyrenia-Eleftheria' will make a scientific and cultural journey to Greece, in order to convey Cyprus' symbolic gifts to the host city of the Olympic Games.

This journey will become a pan-Hellenic event, that will constitute one of the most important cultural activities in the pre-Olympic Games period,'' KEDKE President Paris Koukoulopoulos said.

[13] Athens 2004 comments on preliminary inquiries

Athens, 15/04/2004 (ANA)

''Athens 2004 adheres to all legal procedures in the tender process, and has a triple system of checks and balances in place.

In the cases where a preliminary inquiry was deemed necessary there is nothing that was done contrary to the principles of the Organizing Committee.

The Courts will have all necessary Athens 2004 material at their disposal regarding these specific cases.''

[14] Bulgarian officials: 400,000 visitors to pass through country for Olympics

SOFIA 15/04/2004 (ANA – B. Borisov)

The officials spoke at a press conference in the Bulgarian capital focusing on additional security measures for Athens Games.

Better patrolling of the Greek-Bulgarian frontier, security teams for sports delegations and other measures are expected to cost 2.5 million euros, according to officials.

Improvements to major north-south roadways and upgrades on the Koulata border post (adjacent to Promahonas on the Greek side) are also envisioned.

[15] AKEL urges UN to postpone Cyprus referenda

NICOSIA 15/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Christofias reiterated the decision by AKEL's central committee that in the opposite case, the party would be ''obliged to not support the approval of the plan'' in the referendum among Greek Cypriots.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon before an extraordinary party congress, which was expected to finalize later on Wednesday night AKEL's position in view of the referendum, Christofias said that in requesting a delay of the referenda, ''AKEL does not seek to bury the plan.''

We want to have the opportunity for a calm dialogue on the Annan plan so that we can explain objectively its content ''without demonizing or beautifying it,'' he explained.

He said AKEL was asking for a postponement to make time to ''correct certain wrong provisions that cause functional problems so that the day after the referenda we are even more prepared for the solution.''

AKEL also wanted the extra time ''for negotiation that would naturally not lead to a different plan but would at least provide assurances that its implementation would go ahead as envisaged in the plan itself,'' he added, noting that such assurances were necessary in order to ''allay the justified concerns and reservations leading today many people to vote against the plan.''

''We renew today our call on the UN and the international community.

If they truly aim to solve the Cyprus problem and not just to apportion blame or to facilitate Turkey's European prospects, they should target, as we do, a 'yes' vote from both communities,'' Christofias said, adding that ''they should work so that an opportunity is created for a 'yes' vote in both communities.''

The AKEL leader said the proposal by the party's central committee had not fallen on deaf ears. ''Quite to the contrary, it has created an impetus. Not only the UN Secretariat but also many others on the international level do not reject our suggestion. They are sounding out and consulting with all interested parties on prospects for its implementation,'' he said.

Christofias sent ''warm greetings'' to Turkish Cypriots, expressing appreciation for their struggle for a solution and accession to the European Union together with Greek Cypriots.

At the same time, he assured them that AKEL would remain in the frontline of the struggle for a Cyprus settlement and for rapprochement between the two communities on the island, divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974.

We ask them to show understanding towards our concerns, he added, noting that it was ''in their interest as well to secure assurances that will allow us to implement in the smoothest way a solution that in itself will be difficult.''

In the final analysis, Christofias said, the people of Cyprus themselves were ''the guarantee of a solution.'' This does not impede us from safeguarding as best possible the prerequisites of a solution in order to begin our common life under the best possible conditions,'' he concluded.

[16] Turkish Cypriots rally in favor of UN solution plan

NICOSIA 15/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Participants to the rally, clad in shirts and caps with the word 'yes' on them, were waving flags and holding balloons, as they demanded the resignation of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash who fiercely opposes the plan.

''Peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented'', ''Everything for the children'', ''A yes vote will connect us to the world'', ''Yes to peace, yes to the future'' were some of the slogans on the banners Turkish Cypriots held during the 90-minute demonstration in Inonu square.

There were also other banners critical of a preliminary decision by the Greek Cypriot AKEL party to reject the Annan plan, if the referendum is not postponed.

''We have a historic duty to say yes in order to build democracy and solidarity in Cyprus,'' Ali Gulle, one of the organizers and head of the trade union DEV-IS, told the gathering. He called on all Cypriots to endorse the plan.

Gulle also urged the international community to do the best it can to have a settlement on the basis of the Annan plan.

He said Turkey and Greece should do their historic duty and help Cyprus reconcile itself and become an island of peace.

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will vote in separate referenda on April 24 to say whether they agree to the Annan plan that aims to reunite the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, and allow it to join the European Union as the United Republic of Cyprus.

[17] US Ambassador stresses need to implement solution, if agreed

NICOSIA 15/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''We see a settlement not simply being a question of a piece of paper. A settlement means that words on paper have to become realities on the ground. It means that Greek Cypriots have to be able to return to their homes that they left in 1974, it means that territory has to be returned, it means that you have to have a functioning system so that the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots together can live in peace and security,'' he said on Wednesday after a meeting with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and three visiting Congressmen.

He said it was ''a very good meeting'' during which there was a very broad discussion of the Cyprus situation and a strong affirmation of good relations between the United States and Cyprus and of our common effort together on the war on terrorism.

Responding to questions, Klosson said the US supported strongly this settlement plan, the Annan plan and believed it was a plan that would work and would bring Cypriots a more secure and a more stable and a more prosperous future.

He said it was US policy to ''support full implementation of the plan and ensure that all parties to the settlement fulfill their obligations.''

Ambassador Klosson said he had had meetings over the past couple of weeks with Papadopoulos and added ''I think he understands quite clearly that the United States stands in full support of the implementation of the settlement if that's what Cypriots choose when they go to the referenda.''

[18] EU expects donors to pledge sums at Brussels conference

BRUSSELS 15/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Jean Christophe Filori, Spokesman for European Commissioner on Enlargement Gunter Verheugen, told the press in Brussels on Wednesday that Thursday's meeting was of a preparatory nature, ''not a donors' conference as such,'' noting ''what we expect tomorrow is a political commitment by the international community to support the implementation of the Annan plan.''

He added that the morning session would be of a political nature while the afternoon meetings would be ''more technical and experts will give us their assessment as to the financial cost of the implementation of the Annan plan.''

Filori said 34 countries were expected to attend Thursday's conference, as well as financial institutions.

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