Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN chief Annan to submit report to Security Council on Cyprus issue

[02] FM Molyviatis on Cyprus issue: 'There are no last chances'

[03] Powell offers assurances on security if Annan plan accepted

[04] Irish EU presidency: 'Historic opportunity' for the Cypriot people

[05] Cyprus President Papadopoulos says he is ''at ease with his conscience'

[06] Archbishop Anastasios of Albania on Cyprus issue

[07] Athens condemns Hamas leader's slaying

[08] Pakistan allowing Tasman Spirit crew to return home, deputy FM Valinakis says

[09] Greece seeks French support for EXPO 2008 bid

[10] Forged document ring busted; 3 Pakistani nationals arrested

[11] Memory of Holocaust victims honored

[12] Calatrava roof will be ready 'very soon', alternate culture minister assures

[13] Public order minister Voulgarakis on Olympics security

[14] Last 4 teams for Olympic synchronized swimming qualify

[15] Weekend matches will determine Greek Olympic boxing team

[16] Results of Greek First Division soccer matches played over the weekend

[17] Cyprus government welcomes UN SC statement

[18] Cyprus FM holds meetings in Ireland, to visit Moscow

[19] Kyrenia-Freedom sets sail

[01] UN chief Annan to submit report to Security Council on Cyprus issue

New York, 19/4/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

U.S. and British diplomats leave it to be understood that the eventuality remains open of a Security Council decision being reached after the submission of Annan's report, with which the implementation of the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem will be placed under the UN's Chapter 7, on the basis of which the peacekeeping mission will have the right to proceed in military operations aimed at enforcing the implementation of the agreement.

A senior diplomatic source told the ANA that the possibility of the Security Council members agreeing on such a thing is very restricted, while it evaluates that in such a development Turkey will disagree.

Regarding Annan's demand for the adoption of the proposed solution by the Security Council, the officials of the UN General Secretariat, of the United States and Britain are making intense behind-the-scenes consultations for it to be achieved, with the aim of an eventual future renegotiation of the Annan plan to be excluded. For the time being, Russia, China and France, as well as certain non-permament members of the Security Council react to the approval of this demand, but as it is also noted ''every country has a limit to its tolerance.''

Immediately after the delivery of the UN Secretary-General's report, consultations are expected to be made at the UN head-quarters. The United States and Britain insist on the issue of a resolution by the Security Council before the referenda, at the latest by Wednesday.

[02] FM Molyviatis on Cyprus issue: 'There are no last chances'

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

“In life there are no last chances ... the need to deal with a solution for Cyprus will be turn up again,” he was quoted as saying in an interview published in the Sunday edition of the “Kathimerini” daily.

“I personally do not believe in last chances. Life continues; life always offers opportunities. I believe, not immediately, of course, on the next day following a potential rejection of the Annan plan, but with the flow of developments, the need to face a solution for Cyprus will again turn up, because a solution to Cyprus’ political problem will facilitate all; as well as the European Union, the United Nations and Turkey itself,” Molyviatis stressed.

He also reminded that even in case of a “no” vote by both or one of the two communities on the island republic – Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots – all of Cyprus will still accede to the European Union on May 1. “With the only difference being that implementation of the (Union’s) acquis communautaire will be suspended in the northern part.”

Asked about the prospect of European recognition of the island’s division following a potential rejection of the plan, the retired career diplomat said recognition by the 25 EU members (new and old) is out of the question.

In reference to press reports citing possible recognition of the Turkish-occupied breakaway state by the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, Molyviatis said he is unsure as to “how states that may recognize the northern part of Cyprus as an independent country will manage their relations with the European Union; but I believe it will be rather difficult; there will be a problem in their relations with the EU”.

In reply to a question on US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s recent comments concerning a possible “no” vote, he said the message out of Washington and the EU, for that matter, is that economic support may be forthcoming.

Continental shelf issue: Molyviatis also reiterated the Greek government’s intention to continue a policy of normalization in Greek-Turkish affairs, noting that a Greek negotiator will head to Ankara this week to recommence exploratory talks focusing on the issue of the Aegean continental shelf’s delineation.

Moreover, he forecast that the Erdogan government also wants to extricate Greek-Turkish relations from the Cyprus issue.

[03] Powell offers assurances on security if Annan plan accepted

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

According to Powell, Washington understands the concerns by the Cypriot people, especially over security and whether a solution foreseen by the Annan peace plan will be truly and effectively implemented.

He added that neither the United States, nor the EU or UN Security Council, will allow any side to backtrack without fulfilling its obligations, especially on issues of security. “We do not want a return to the violent events of 1974, 1967 or 1963,” he was quoted by paper as saying.

Powell also noted that the decision facing Cypriot voters, whether Greek or Turkish Cypriots, is one of a “solution and a non-solution; between peace and cooperation in Europe or a continuation of the island’s partition”.

Finally, the high-profile US Secretary of State said all sides received something in the Annan plan, although no one got exactly what they wanted.

[04] Irish EU presidency: 'Historic opportunity' for the Cypriot people

The procedure culminating on April 24 with simultaneous referenda in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the Annan plan was a ''historic opportunity'' for the Cypriot people, Irish foreign minister Brian Cowen, whose country currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency, said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at the end of an informal meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, Cowen reiterated the EU's preference for accession by a reunited Cyprus on May 1, noting that there would be ''very substantial benefits from such a development''.

[05] Cyprus President Papadopoulos says he is ''at ease with his conscience'

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, in an interview with the Sunday edition of the ''Ethnos'' newspaper, said he was ''at ease with his conscience.''

Papadopoulos appeared pleased with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' statement, ''knowing or suspecting under what terrible pressure he must have been to come out and openly support the Annan plan.''

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities are called on in separate and simultaneous referenda in Cyprus on April 24 to accept or not UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

In an address to the nation on April 7, President Papadopoulos called on the people to vote against the Annan plan.

On the stance of Greece's main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, Papadopoulos said that he spoke with Papandreou after the meeting last week of Greece's political leadership on the Cyprus problem.

''He told me that in his opinion he positioned himself timely so that his choice not to appear as 'an answer' to my proclamation. This I leave to your judgment, but despite the fact that we have different assessments on the Annan plan, I am obliged to thank him, as I did taking into account the last phrase of his statement that Greece will be next to us and will stand by our side regardless of what we decide. That was the most important.''

''If a 'no' answer is a mistake I believe that opportunities will be presented to correct (the plan) in its entirety or partially. If a 'yes' answer is a mistake then it is irreversible,'' the Cypriot president said.

Papadopoulos said that ''personally I have no doubts. I'm at ease with my conscience.''

Asked to comment on U.S. reactions to his person, Papadopoulos said that ''the Americans always wish to have good relations with leaders who do not create problems to their own policy.''

Concluding, Papadopoulos said he doubted that a statement by the presidium of the UN Security Council for the securing of the implementation of the Annan plan will suffice.

[06] Archbishop Anastasios of Albania on Cyprus issue

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

He was responding to press questions after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, noting that it was not his place to make comments on such matters. "I am in a different field, on a different front. Others have the responsibility to speak on such matters," he explained.

The Archbishop noted that in the past, as a professor at the University of Athens, he had been chairman of the Cyprus Struggle Support Committee. "I remember, from a young age, we would go out on the streets and call for a solution", he said, adding the hope that a solution would be forthcoming.

Asked about this discussion with Karamanlis, Anastasios said that the prime minister had reaffirmed once again his interest in Albania.

[07] Athens condemns Hamas leader's slaying

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

“The illegal execution of Abdel Aziz Rantisi is condemned as an act of violence that is contrary to the civil state,” foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said.

“Yet again, we express our opposition to acts of violence, from wherever they may come from, which undermine efforts for peace in the region and the finding of a fair and viable solution to the Palestinian problem,” the spokesman stated in a press release.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), on its part, issued a strongly worded press release condemning the strike.

Coalition of the Radical Left condemns Rantisi's murder: The Coalition of the Radical Left in an announcement on Sunday condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi a day earlier by Israeli forces in Gaza.

''The murder of the leader of Hamas is incorporated in the logic of the settlement of the Palestinian problem with the violence followed by the Sharon government, encouraged also through the support granted by the Bush government,'' the announcement said.

''The United Nations and the European Union are obliged to act, without delay, to avert the escalation of violence,'' the announcement added, calling on the Greek government to do likewise ''both within the framework of the EU and by itself.''

[08] Pakistan allowing Tasman Spirit crew to return home, deputy FM Valinakis says

Tullamore 19/4/2004 (ANA/F. Karaviti)

The seamen have been held in custody in Karachi since the tanker, owned by the Polembros shipping firm, ran aground outside the channel leading to Pakistan's main port in Karachi on July 27, spilling 28,500 tonnes of crude oil and causing the worst oil spill in Pakistan's history.

Greece and the EU have been involved in deliberations with the Pakistani government for the release of the seamen, and Greece had asked the EU '15' to intensify their efforts for the seamen's release.

According to sources, Pakistan had informed Greek authorities that it would release the five Greek seamen provided the Greek government, the shipping firm Polembros and the insurance firm American P&I Club gave adequate guarantees that the seamen will return if their presence is required during the trial for the tanker accident.

"After a series of actions taken by the Greek government, and mainly the Foreign Ministry services, we have positive developments on the fate of the Greek seamen being held in Islamabad," Valinakis said, announcing that the Pakistani justice authorities "are now allowing them to leave Pakistan".

"We will try to have the procedures completed within the next few days and, if necessary, I will go to Pakistan myself to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that our seamen will be able return home," he said.

Valinakis further thanked the Pakistani authorities and all sides that contributed "to this happy outcome".

Ministers depart for Pakistan to secure release of Greek seamen: Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis and Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis departed on Sunday for Pakistan so as to contribute also in their own way in the completion as soon as possible of the procedure for the repatriation of the Greek seamen of the tanker Tasman Spirit, who are being held in custody there since last July.

Valinakis will meet in Islamabad with Pakistan's foreign and interior ministers.

It is noted that as of recent intense and coordinated efforts have been made, both on a bilateral and on a multilateral level, for the release of all the Greeks, including that of the captain.

[09] Greece seeks French support for EXPO 2008 bid

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Stylianidis turned over to the French minister the full dossier of Thessaloniki's candidacy, while the two men also discussed matters of bilateral economic cooperation, and noted the very good economic relations between the two countries as well as their respective government's desire to further reinforce those relations, the announcement said.

[10] Forged document ring busted; 3 Pakistani nationals arrested

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Computers, documents, cell phones, four passports and official stamps – including reportedly representing the Pakistani embassy in Rome -- were seized in a raid by police.

The suspects are due to face a local prosecutor.

[11] Memory of Holocaust victims honored

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Survivors of the Nazi concentration camps, people who lost relatives and friends, representatives of the state and a multitude of people attended a service officiated by Athens rabbis Jacob Arar and Isaac Mizan.

Speaking at the event, among others, was Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Anastasios Nerantzis.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Greek Parliament by vice-president Ioannis Tragakis, on behalf of the government by Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, by political party officials, by the ambassadors of Germany, Israel and Austria, as well as by other diplomats.

[12] Calatrava roof will be ready 'very soon', alternate culture minister assures

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

After a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who maintains the culture ministry portfolio, Palli-Petralia said in reply to press questions that the preliminary work for placement of the partial glass-metal translucent blue dome over the OAKA, designed by noted Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, had already commenced, and expressed satisfaction.

The process involves sliding two 6,500-ton canopies/arches along rails on a reinforced concrete beam.

To another question -- prompted by a foreign newspaper report citing an Australian shooting athlete as criticizing the venue as not being of Olympic standard -- on whether the Olympic Shooting Centre at Markopoulo fulfilled the conditions for holding the shooting events, she replied in the affirmative, adding that the Centre was ultra-modern, and ready for the test event that would begin in a few days.

She added that upgrade work on the surrounding area would be completed later, but explained that the road access works had been completed and the Centre was ready for the athletes.

''In fact, I would say to the specific athlete, whose interview I read, that, even though he has not qualified (for the 2004 Olympics shooting event) we invite him to come, as our guest, and see the ultra-modern Shooting Centre, which is the dream of every shooting athlete,'' Palli-Petralia said.

Meanwhile, according to an ANA dispatch from Australia, the organizers of the ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) World Cup, which will serve as the test event for the Olympic Shooting Centre in Greece, defended the newly-built Centre, and reassured that it would be ready by April 19, three days ahead of the opening of the ISSF World Cup that will run from April 22 to 30.

A representative of the organizers said: "As we had promised, the Centre will be ready as of April 19, three days before the opening of the World Cup competition, and then let the athletes tell me whether it (the Centre) is ready or not. It will be perfect".

A source close to the organizers also noted to ANA that the athlete that criticized the venue has, in fact, not visited the Centre itself, but made the comments on hearsay from another athlete.

[13] Public order minister Voulgarakis on Olympics security

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Replying to press questions after a meeting with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, Voulgarakis said that what was of importance was the fact that the Athens Olympics were being planned in the best possible way, and expressed certainty that they would have the best possible outcome.

[14] Last 4 teams for Olympic synchronized swimming qualify

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

The four join Russia, Japan, Spain, USA, Canada, France, China, Italy, Greece, Ukraine, Switzerland, Brazil, the Nether-lands, Korea, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Israel in the Olympic competition.

[15] Weekend matches will determine Greek Olympic boxing team

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Greek athletes will compete in the 60, 64, 69, 75, 81 and 91-kilo categories during the Games.

[16] Results of Greek First Division soccer matches played over the weekend

Athens 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Akratitos Athens-Ionikos Piraeus 3-0

Halkidona Athens-Aegaleo Athens 0-1

Xanthi-OFI Crete 1-0

Panionios Athens-Aris Thessaloniki 2-1

Paniliakos Pirgos-Kallithea Athens 0-5

Iraklis Thessaloniki-PAOK Thessaloniki 3-0

Panathinaikos Athens-Olympiakos Piraeus 2-2

Standings and points after 26 weeks of play:

Panathinaikos 65 points, Olympiakos 63, PAOK 56, Aegaleo 48, AEK 45, Halkidona 42, Panionios 40, Iraklis 38, Xanthi 30, OFI 27, Ionikos 23, Kallithea 22, Aris 20, Akratitos 19, Paniliakos 19, Proodeftiki 17.

[17] Cyprus government welcomes UN SC statement

Nicosia 19/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In its statement the Security Council notes that it is now for the people of Cyprus to take a final decision on the Annan Plan who will democratically and freely vote during the April 24th referenda, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said on Saturday.

In a written statement, Chrysostomides added that the Security Council did not consider that the plan should be adopted before the referenda are held.

''The government and the President agree and welcome this policy statement'', Chrysostomides added.

The Council recalled that it is ''now for the Cypriots to take an historic decision on April 24 referenda to resolve the Cyprus problem''.

''Should the plan be approved, the Council stands ready to take further actions as provided for in the plan, including by establishing a new UN operation in support of its swift and full implementation by all parties,'' it added.

The Council, it noted, would also be committed to ''helping ensure that the parties fully meet their commitments under the settlement

[18] Cyprus FM holds meetings in Ireland, to visit Moscow

Nicosia 19/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

During the meeting, Iacovou talked about Cyprus' stance on matters related to the Middle East issue and the situation in Iraq.

In the sidelines of the meeting, Iacovou met with his counterparts from France Michel Barnier, Germany Joschka Fischer, and Ireland

Brian Cowen as well as with EU High Representative for common foreign and security policy Javier Solana and discussed current developments on the Cyprus issue.

Meanwhile, Iacovou is due to pay a working visit to Moscow on April 20, during which he will discuss Cyprus-Russia bilateral relations as well as the Cyprus problem.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Yakovenko told Itar - Tass News Agency that Moscow hopes that bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, investment, banking and other fields, including tourism, will not be affected because of Cyprus' accession to the EU on May 1.

Another subject of Iacovou's talks in Moscow will be ways to simplify visa procedures.

[19] Kyrenia-Freedom sets sail

Nicosia 19/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

'Kyrenia-Eleftheria', named after the original Kyrenia ship, left the ancient port of Amathus on the southern coast of the island, heading to Paphos, on the western coast and will stop at ten Greek islands before reaching its final destination the port of Pireaus on 14 May, after a 715 nautical miles journey.

The ship is also carrying symbolic presents to the host city of the Olympic Games from all the ports of call, which are organizing welcoming ceremonies for Kyrenia-Eleftheria.

Speaking during a grand ceremony on Saturday in the presence of the political, military leadership and other dignitaries, Education and Culture Minister Pefkios Georgiades said the wreck of the original Kyrenia ship, which is on display in the occupied areas, ''has become a symbol of hope and struggle for the people of Cyprus'', adding that the same significance is attached to its replica.

Mayor of occupied Kyrenia, Constantinos Orologas said ''we will resurrect our town and Cyprus one day, the same way we have resurrected and brought life back to this ship'', adding that this is the vision which the Kyrenia-Eleftheria is carrying with it.

More than 30 persons, men and women, have been training in the past year and a half on maritime issues and explained that 29 of them have been selected and divided into three seven-member crews that would lead the ship to Greece.

During the entire journey, scientists from foreign universities will record data and findings to help research into the navigation means of ancient times.

Kyrenia-Liberty, constructed at an estimated cost of 110.000 pounds, was launched in November 2002. It is an exact replica of the early 4th century BC vessel which measured 14.75 meters in length and 4.30 in width.

The ancient ship of Kyrenia was discovered in the 1960s by Cypriot pioneer scuba diver Andreas Kariolou and has since become a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Since her disco-very she is kept in Kyrenia Castle, now under Turkish occupation.

Cyprus has always been a seafaring nation during its 9,000 year old history. Today more than 100 ship management and other shipping related offshore enterprises are based on the island.

The Cyprus ship registry ranks sixth among international fleets with 2,700 vessels of over 26 million gross tonnage.

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