Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis at SE Europe summit: Leave past problems, meet today's challenges

[02] Greek and Turkish PMs meet in Sarajevo; discuss Cyprus issue, bilateral ties

[03] Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to visit Athens on Tuesday

[04] CoE chief Schwimmer: Annan plan offers concrete, balanced proposal for Cyprus

[05] White House spokesman says Cypriots 'will make momentous decision' on April 24

[06] Powell and EU's Solana unite in urging Cypriots to back Annan plan

[07] UN Security Council split on issuing Resolution prior to Cyprus referenda

[08] US working with Security Council members for 'robust' UN resolution on Cyprus

[09] SAE president comments on Cyprus referendum

[10] Opinion poll on Annan plan: 44 percent say 'no', 40 percent say 'yes'

[11] ND party secretary on anniversary of colonels' junta

[12] Transport minister says tram and rail projects will meet Olympic deadlines

[13] Anti-war demonstration outside US embassy in Athens

[14] FinMin announces export support measures

[15] EU Farm Council gets underway in Luxembourg

[16] Gov’t seeks to support SMEs, minister says

[17] Pay rise talks see "light at the end of the tunnel"

[18] Minister presses for measures to save sea cruise sector

[19] Stocks rise on high-cap buying

[20] Athens 2004 president meets with Korea's foreign minister

[21] Italy's major daily interviews Athens 2004 president

[22] Olympic sports to be presented at Syntagma's metro station

[23] Fire, security protection of Olympic venues discussed

[24] Captain, officers of shipwrecked 'Express Samina' stripped of license to sail

[25] Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny on Thursday

[26] UN chief sends message to Cypriots in view of referenda

[27] UN chief says his role ends if Cyprus settlement plan rejected

[28] European Parliament passes resolution on Cyprus

[29] EU Commissioner calls on Papadopoulos to live up to his pledge

[01] PM Karamanlis at SE Europe summit: Leave past problems, meet today's challenges

SARAJEVO 22/04/2004 (ANA / A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis explained that cooperation was a priority of his government, as well as himself, personally, stressing that such cooperation must be based on a future founded on the common European values and not on the past, and adding that the problems of the past should be left to the historians, whereas the challenges of the present and future required specific answers and viable solutions from the politicians.

The prime minister condemned the destruction and vandalism of cultural monuments, churches and religious sites during the recent clashes in Kosovo, recalling the EU summit condemnation of ethnic violence on March 26 as well as the EU summit statement on April 2002 in Albania, and expressed hope that the Kosovo leadership would abide by the acquis formulated in the process for cooperation in SE Europe.

Karamanlis further welcomed FYROM's application to join the European Union, and congratulated Bulgaria and Romania on their NATO membership.

The Greek premier stressed that despite the steps that have been made in the Balkans, the situation remained fragile in many sectors, and referred to organized crime, prostitution, lack of infrastructures, the need for the safe return of refugees, and the need to develop the transport, energy, telecoms and water-supply sectors, as well as for macro-economic stability, so as to attract foreign investments and combat unemployment.

Political and social stability, Karamanlis warned, were being undermined by a dangerous combination of millions of unemployed and a personal feeling of social and ethnic isolation.

He stressed that the EU has committed itself to keeping the issue of the Balkans high on its agenda, but added that the Balkan countries, too, needed to fulfill their own commitments, noting that progress on the path to Europe must be the result of their own efforts and pledging that Greece will spare no effort to support that process.

Karamanlis said that the region's rapprochement with the rest of Europe went hand-in-hand with the reinforcement of regional cooperation, and proposed that the process for cooperation in SE Europe -- which he said had matured -- should acquire a more institutional character through the establishment of a small and flexible permanent secretariat, headquartered possibly in Thessaloniki, that would confirm the unity and continuity of the scheme.

"We rely on the support of all our partners to evolve the process into a functional scheme of regional cooperation, which will strengthen our common voice. I am certain that the Romanian presidency, which follows, will achieve this goal," Karamanlis said.

[02] Greek and Turkish PMs meet in Sarajevo; discuss Cyprus issue, bilateral ties

SARAJEVO 22/04/2004 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

The 25-minute talks were also attended by Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, Turkey's European prospects and the Cyprus problem, where Karamanlis reiterated his government's positions.

With regard to bilateral relations, Karamanlis said the two sides reaffirmed their will to improve and strengthen these.

The Greek premier said he would be glad to receive Erdogan in Athens in the near future but did not set a date for the visit, though sources estimate that this will probably take place between May 5-7, when Erdogan has been invited to attend the international 'Economist' conference in Athens.

In statements to Turkish reporters, Erdogan said that he and Karamanlis had agreed on making further progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed good will regarding the Cyprus issue, while announcing a future visit to Athens.

[03] Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to visit Athens on Tuesday

SARAJEVO 22/04/2004 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis concluded his bilateral contacts on Wednesday afternoon with the heads of Balkan countries who participated in the summit on the process for cooperation in southeastern Europe and left for Athens.

Apart from meeting his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at noon, who will be visiting Athens officially, according to latest information from government sources, on May 6-7, Karamanlis held meetings with the presidents of Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia, the tripartite presidium of Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYROM's acting president, the president of Serbia-Montenegro and the Albanian prime minister.

[04] CoE chief Schwimmer: Annan plan offers concrete, balanced proposal for Cyprus

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Below is the full text of Schwimmer's open letter:

''After decades of pain, suffering, division and failed hopes for both Cypriot communities, the Annan Plan offers all Cypriots -- for the first time -- a concrete, balanced and comprehensive proposal for the settlement of the Cyprus issue. It received the support of the whole international community at the Donors' Conference in Brussels on April 15.

The Plan, which will be put to the Cypriot people by referendum this coming Saturday, has been prepared over years through the patient efforts of the UN and both Cypriot communities. On 24 April, all Cypriots will have a unique chance to turn a new page in the history of their island, to cease being the prisoners of the painful experiences of the past, and to create the basis for a stable united Cyprus.

In April 2003, the opening of the Green Line demonstrated to the world how thoroughly Cyprus has changed over the last decades: pessimistic predictions that the two communities could not live together in peace proved to be false. The two Cypriot communities came together in good will and raised worldwide hopes for a Cyprus that would very soon be reunited.

Almost exactly one year later, the vote on the Annan Plan will put into the hands of the Cypriots the decision on whether this transformation process will be completed, and whether Cyprus will become a normal and prosperous European country like the other member states of the European Union.

If the unique chance offered on 24 April is not seized, some serious consequences will almost automatically follow.

A rejection of the proposed plan of the Secretary General of the United Nations would deepen the division between the two communities. Confidence that has been rebuilt -- with much difficulty -- over the last decades will be lost, and will be hard to regain.

Furthermore, Europe and the wider international community would not understand the waste of this unique chance. Their good will to support further attempts to find a solution will not return for a number of years.

Therefore the present unsatisfactory situation will remain, and will not be compensated by EU membership. As the years go by it will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find another solution.

The unresolved Cyprus issue will remain a liability for the relations of the Republic of Cyprus with its fellow member sates in the European Union and the Council of Europe, and also with its neighbors in the region.

The Annan Plan demands sacrifices from both sides. Turkish settlers will have to be relocated, and a number of Greek Cypriot refugees will not be reinstated in their property and will be compensated. But what will be the alternative, if the Plan is not approved? There will be no compensation and no reinstatement of property.

Cypriots will not be left alone. The EU, the US and other international donors will help to shoulder the costs of implementing the settlement. The Donors' Conference in Brussels has already foreseen 2 billion euro for that purpose. The fundamental rights of all Cypriots would still be protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

The international will to make this settlement work is genuine, and should by no means be underestimated. We will follow whether all parties keep to their part of the agreement, and will maintain pressure on them to respect their obligations.

Finally, the Annan Plan does not preclude political maturity, vision and good will leading to an improvement of its functioning for the good of Cyprus. Under the Foundation Agreement, provisions of the Plan can be amended if both communities agree.

The plan and the unanimous international support for it, offer unprecedented opportunities for the economic and political standing of Cyprus. It offers all Cypriots a unique chance to ensure a future of peace, security and prosperity within the family of European democracies for their children and grandchildren."

[05] White House spokesman says Cypriots 'will make momentous decision' on April 24

WASHINGTON 22/04/2004 (ANA - T. Ellis)

''This is an historic moment in which for the first time in decades the Cypriot people control their own political destiny. Secretary-General Annan has blended his wisdom as a great statesman with Cypriot, Greek and Turkish insights arising from years of negotiations to formulate a settlement plan that is fair and balanced.

''The Annan plan offers a hopeful vision of a peaceful and prosperous future for all Cypriots as citizens of a unified state in the form of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that honors the traditions of its diverse citizens while forging a common future with the European Union. The settlement that the Secretary-General finalized on March 31st outlined an equitable compromise in which no party receives everything it seeks, but which satisfies the fundamental requirements of all parties.

"The plan foresees the return of over 120,000 Greek Cypriot refugees to their former properties, the reduction of tens of thousands of foreign troops to several hundred, and the enshrinement of human rights and democratic freedoms in a new state with workable governing institutions. These historic achievements are now within reach.

"Should the Cypriot people accept the Annan plan on April 24th, they will not stand alone. The United States and its partners in the European Union have already pledged more than $800 million to ensure implementation of the settlement. More support will be forthcoming. The friends of Cyprus around the world are thus extending heartfelt encouragement for the people of Cyprus to make the decision of a lifetime on April 24th in favor of peace, prosperity and unity with the European and transatlantic families.''

[06] Powell and EU's Solana unite in urging Cypriots to back Annan plan

WASHINGTON 22/04/2004 (ANA)

''This is a historic moment for Cyprus, and I hope that the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as they review the details of the plan that has been put before them in the form of referenda, will understand that this is a moment not to be lost,'' Powell said during a joint press conference with Solana after their meeting.

Solana, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign Security Policy and Secretary General of the EU Council, said it was a good plan and a ''splendid opportunity'' to finally solve the Cyprus problem.

''We therefore have an obligation - everybody - to do the utmost to get a yes in the referendum,'' he added, noting that this would allow the whole island to be incorporated in the EU and become a ''prosperous and stable place'' in the Mediterranean.

Stressing that this was the aim of the entire Community, he reiterated an appeal to Turkish-Cypriots in the north and the Greek-Cypriots in the south of the divided island republic to ''understand what is at stake and behave in a responsible manner''.

The US Secretary of State also underlined current efforts to prepare a UN Security Council resolution providing guarantees that the UN would put its weight behind the plan and ensure that all the sides involved met their commitments, in order to encourage Cypriots to give it their backing.

Asked what would happen in the event of a 'no' vote, or even a split vote, Powell said that all sides were now concentrating on achieving a 'yes' from both communities on the island.

''I think that as both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots examine the terms of the plan that [UN Secretary General Kofi Annan] has put forth, they will come to the realization that it is in the interest of both parties to vote yes,'' he stressed.

On his part, Solana warned that a split vote would not be without consequences:

''If at the end of the day, there is a yes in the northern part and it's no in the southern part, life will not be the same. And that, everybody has to know,'' he warned, but refused to elaborate any further.

[07] UN Security Council split on issuing Resolution prior to Cyprus referenda

NEW YORK 22/04/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

They also noted that a draft resolution put forward by the British representatives did not in the least satisfy the Cypriot side's demands vis-a-vis the fundamental security issues.

After the impasse, British and US diplomats contacted their respective countries' foreign ministry leaderships and decided to proceed with some ''minor amendments'' to the draft, aimed at submitting a final draft and seeking its approval by 8:00 p.m. Wednesday (Greek time), a member of the British delegation to the UN said.

It is noted that, under the British draft resolution, only the issue of the arms embargo -- as is the case with all instances concerning arms embargos -- is placed under Chapter 7 of the UN, and diplomatic sources said that the British and Americans did not intend to place other issues under Chapter 7.

The British and US stance was backed by Pakistan, Romania and Germany, which chairs the Security Council for the month of April (it is customary that the chair country partially accept the Secretary General's requests), while opposed to issuing a resolution as well as to the contents of the British draft were Russia, France, China (all three permanent members of the Security Council), the Philippines, Benin, Brazil, Chile, Algeria, Angola and Spain.

The US and Britain called for adoption of the resolution, claiming that such a development would reinforce the feeling of security among both the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, while China and Russia argued that it would be a bad precedent for the Security Council to pre-empt referenda and vote on something that would occur in the future.

The Greek Cypriot side, on its part, believes that a strong resolution could be a positive development. According to one Cypriot diplomat, ''if they (the UN) accept that the peace-keeping force's actions fall under Chapter 7, and at the same time there is no right to unilateral intervention, then we will support it (the resolution) unreservedly''.

[08] US working with Security Council members for 'robust' UN resolution on Cyprus

WASHINGTON 22/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis-CNA)

Boucher told a regular press briefing that the Annan plan, as well as the UN chief's report to the Security Council, "described three key areas for UN action...support of the foundation agreements and endorsement of the agreement, establishment of and implementation of a peacekeeping operation, and an enforceable arms embargo. Those are indeed areas identified already in Switzerland in the plan that was worked out, and that's what he reported to the Council".

He said that the Security Council "is now looking at how we can endorse and support this report and take the action that the United Nations believes we need to take".

Consequently, he added, the US was "working with Security Council colleagues on a robust UN resolution that we think needs to be enacted this week. We think the resolution needs to provide the encouragement to Cypriots that they want, that the UN will put its full weight behind the settlement plan and that all parties will meet their obligations under the settlement".

Noting that US Secretary of State Colin Powell had said earlier in the day (Tuesday) that this was ''a historic moment'' for Cyprus, Boucher said the US was looking forward to doing what it could individually, but also with Security Council colleagues, to make sure the moment ''is not lost''.

He said the Council was having discussions this (Tuesday) evening about a Cyprus resolution and expressed the hope that it would move quickly, so that it could be clear to all ''that it was taking up its obligations as determined by the agreement''.

Responding to questions during his daily press briefing, Boucher again said Washington did not think anything was gained by a delay in the referenda set to take place in Cyprus on Saturday.

''Most of the proposals that have been issued a while back were delayed for further negotiation,'' he said.

Boucher said the Cyprus plan ''represents the best that the parties could agree to'' and ''the best additional contribution from the Secretary General''.

''It is the deal,'' he noted. ''There is no second deal, there's no opportunity, there's no re-negotiation. It's been extensively discussed and negotiated. And therefore it's before the people, it's before the voters, and the voters we hope will look at it, will see that there's distinct benefits for Turkish and for Greek Cypriots.''

He expressed hoped that ''when people sit down and look at those benefits, look at the commitment that we, the United Nations and the European Union have to full implementation of all this plan, they will find it appropriate for them to vote yes and to adopt it.''

The spokesman said the Turkish side had stated clearly its commitment to implement the plan. Fears that somehow one party or the other wouldn't implement the agreement must also involve not only doubts about the commitment of the other parties but also, to some extent, doubts about the commitment of the international community to see to the implementation,'' he added.

Boucher said that from the statements the US and the EU had made, but also ''that we can make in a UN resolution, it should be clear to Cypriots that we intend to see the full and careful implementation of the settlement''.

[09] SAE president comments on Cyprus referendum

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Athens, who signed a text addressed to US President George W. Bush together with 16 other Greek American officials, said they will exert pressure on the US president ''to keep his word that the United States will promote human rights, freedom and democracy'', adding that ''nobody has the right to pressure the Cypriots to accept an agreement that does not reflect their international expectations.''

[10] Opinion poll on Annan plan: 44 percent say 'no', 40 percent say 'yes'

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

According to the poll results, as released on Mega TV channel, 44 percent of respondents felt that a 'yes' vote on the Annan plan (in Saturday's referenda in Cyprus) would be better for Cyprus, whereas 40 percent of respondents felt that a 'no' vote would be better, while 14 percent said "no reply/don't know".,

The respondents in favor of a 'yes' vote were broken down into: 35 percent of respondents who said they were New Democracy voters, 55 percent who said they were PASOK voters, 11 percent who said they were KKE voters, and 30 percent who said they were Coalition voters. The respondents in favor of a 'no' vote were broken down into: 52 percent ND voters, 28 percent PASOK voters, 78 percent KKE voters, and 54 percent Coalition voters.

At the same time, 60 percent of the respondents considered Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' stance on the issue as being "positive".

More specifically, to a question on the stance maintained by Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, 37 percent of respondents considered Karamanlis' stance "positive", 23 percent "rather positive", 14 percent "rather negative", 12 percent "rather negative, and 14 percent responded "no reply/don't know". With respect to Papandreou, 30 percent considered his stance "positive", 15 percent "rather positive", 15 percent "rather negative", 26 percent "negative", and 14 percent "no reply/don't know". Regarding Papadopoulos, 41 percent considered his stance "positive", 13 percent "rather positive", 14 percent "rather negative", 14 percent "negative", and 18 percent "no reply/don't know".

To a question on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, 49 percent of respondents said that the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations should be treated as separate issues, whereas 41 percent said that Greek-Turkish relations were totally dependent on the Cyprus issue.

In addition 50 percent of respondents said that the Cyprus issue should continue to be the top national priority for Greece, while 43 percent said that the Cyprus issue need not determine Greece's national priorities".

To another question, 68 percent of respondents said that it would be better that a single State exist in Cyprus, while 25 percent said it would be better if there were two independent states on Cyprus, and 7 percent replied "no reply/don't know".

The opinion poll was conducted by telephone on April 19 on a total sampling of 903 individuals, based on the results of March's general elections.

[11] ND party secretary on anniversary of colonels' junta

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Noting that Greece was currently enjoying the fruits of the longest and strongest period of democracy in its history, he said the country today turned its thoughts to those that had fought and sacrificed themselves for democracy.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said Greeks now found themselves at an important crossroads, since the EU would in a few days receive the Cyprus Republic into its fold.

"The European future of Cyprus can provide substantive guarantees in a framework of security and prosperity for [Cyprus], opening new roads of cooperation between the inhabitants of the island, Greek-Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, on the basis of the Community's rules and standards," he stressed.

[12] Transport minister says tram and rail projects will meet Olympic deadlines

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

He also announced that the Athens metro will acquire a direct line from Syntagma to the city's international airport in Spata during that time.

There is still uncertainty about the types of engines that will be used for the suburban railway, which will go to Piraeus from the airport, and whether these will be diesel or electrically-powered or a combination of both.

The minister also revealed plans to clean up Athens' fleet of vehicles by removing thousands of overage motorcycles and mopeds from circulation, with further details to be announced in coming weeks.

Another measure under consideration that targets road safety is a reduction in the price of safety equipment for motorcyclists, such as helmets and other safety gear.

More long-term plans mentioned by Liapis included refurbishing 'driving parks' for youngsters and other age groups to improve behavior on the roads and computerizing the system for issuing driving licenses and car safety checks to reduce the 'human factor' and the margins for corruption.

Finally, he said a tender for the privatization of the national airline Olympic Airways was now underway and was expected to conclude next month, while announcing meetings on Thursday with the head of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and with Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis at Athens police headquarters regarding the smooth operation of the capital during the Games.

[13] Anti-war demonstration outside US embassy in Athens

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

With the central slogan of ''Stop the Occupation in Iraq'', demonstrators' representatives said that a similar protest would be staged Saturday at 7:00 p.m. outside the Israeli embassy in Athens over the killing of Hamas leader Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi in a helicopter missile strike on Sunday.

Also, a new Europe-wide anti-war day has been set for June 26 to protest the occupation in Iraq and Palestine, the representatives said, to coincide with US president George Bush's visit to Turkey for a NATO conference where new planning for the Middle East will be discussed.

They said the decision was taken during a meeting of the European Anti-war movement's coordinating body in Istanbul on April 16-18.

[14] FinMin announces export support measures

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a series of meetings with the ambassadors of Russia, Spain and Britain, Mr Alogoskoufis said the "Greek Houses" would promote a common picture of the country's products and tourist destinations, promote the country and its products abroad as well as organize trade fairs.

The Greek minister also announce a Greek-Russian and a Greek-Spanish business seminar to be held in Athens next autumn.

[15] EU Farm Council gets underway in Luxembourg

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

The series of bilateral talks is expected to be completed by Wednesday night before the Irish EU presidency presents its compromise solution text to be discussed by national delegations.

The Greek government is fighting to secure adequate support for tobacco, olive oil and cotton growers in Greece.

[16] Gov’t seeks to support SMEs, minister says

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a visit to the Light Industry Chamber of Athens accompanied by Deputy Ministers George Salagoudis and Yiannis Papathanasiou, Mr Sioufas stressed that the meeting was aimed to deliver a message to the country's business world that the government would seek cooperation and mutual understanding to ensure a successful implementation of its economic program.

''We won't stick to words. There will be specific decisions to boost competitiveness and to establish chambers as real consultants to the state,'' the Greek minister said.

Dimitris Charissis, the chamber's president, said that the two-hour meeting with the ministers was fruitful. Charissis said that the chamber asked for a modernization of legislation covering the role of chambers, developing an electronic commerce register, combatting informal commerce, improving a development law, ensuring funding of small- and medium-sized enterprises and offering SMEs access to state procurement procedures.

''The domestic fuel market is showing signs of arrhythmia and profiteering,'' Mr Sioufas said commenting on a recent rise in liquid fuel prices.

The Greek minister stressed that changes in the euro/dollar exchange rate and rising oil prices in international markets were pushing fuel prices higher, although he added that ''there are unjustified price increases that the government would have to deal''.

[17] Pay rise talks see "light at the end of the tunnel"

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

GSEE, Greece's largest trade union umbrella, said that the fourth meeting with employers has made step forward, although still unsatisfactory, while employers' unions said they saw "a light at the end of the tunnel".

GSEE's president Christos Polyzogopoulos said that the trade union has set the limits of its minimum demands, which were an 8.0 percent increase in minimum wages, a 6.0 percent rise in all salaries, discussing a 39-hour working week and agreeing to a two-year labor agreement. GSEE said it could accept lower overtime pay and of incentives and counter-incentives for implementing a 39-hour working week as demanded by employers.

The next meeting was scheduled for May 13. Mr Polyzogopoulos said it would be the final meeting since trade unions did not want to "slide into a cycle of negotiations". GSEE's president warned that if no agreement was reached by then, workers would begin strike mobilizations.

During the fourth meeting, employers offered a two-year labor agreement, pay rises based on the inflation rate plus a competitiveness dividend and supporting minimum wages in two trenches and to begin discussion over a 39-hour working week only on the guarantee of the government, following the example of other European countries.

[18] Minister presses for measures to save sea cruise sector

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Mr Kefaloyiannis said that since he took over at the ministry he has had a series of meetings with ship-owners and representatives of merchant seamen, where he urged for a ''golden solution'' to ensure the survival of the Greek cruise sector.

''The sea cruise sector is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of Greek shipping,'' the minister stressed.

Commenting on a recent decision by banks to confiscate at least 10 vessels, Mr Kefaloyiannis said: "It's likely the banks could have helped more. The merchant marine ministry and the finance ministry could have acted differently all those years, which is something that did not happen here but happened in other countries, where this area of cruise shipping faced similar problems."

"The (London) Committee (of Greek ship-owners) does not rule the merchant marine ministry. As is well known, the ministry's political leadership forges policy," Kefaloyiannis said.

Kefaloyiannis said the ministry was also examining a plan to link various Greek islands with hydroplanes.

[19] Stocks rise on high-cap buying

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.76 per cent to end at 2,485.02 points. Turnover was 147.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.60 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.18 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities dropped 0.18 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 184 to 98 with 81 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 21 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,193 1,165

[20] Athens 2004 president meets with Korea's foreign minister

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

During the meeting, Daskalaki emphasized that preparations ''are on the right track,'' and that the Athens Games ''will be unique in Olympic Games history.''

Ki-moon expressed his confidence that the Athens Games will be a success and stressed that, ''the Athens Games will be a milestone in the history of the Olympic movement.''

He added that, ''the international community is expecting a lot from Athens.''

[21] Italy's major daily interviews Athens 2004 president

"Corriere della Serra," Italy's major daily newspaper, ran an interview with Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Wednesday.

Speaking of the Games' security, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said: "It is our top priority. It is the number 1 problem that concerns us all. Today, there is no such thing as a perfectly safe world, but we are doing everything that is humanly possible - even more." She also explained the steps the Organizing Committee and the Greek government have taken in this respect. "On the issue of Games' security we have asked for the valuable advice of seven countries, while the government has asked for NATO's assistance," she said.

According to the newspaper, Olympic works are on the right track, since 15 have already been completed, while 24 have experienced delays.

[22] Olympic sports to be presented at Syntagma's metro station

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

''Perhaps this will motivate those wishing to become involved with these sports to do so even after the Olympic Games,'' Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni said during a press conference held at the Athens Town Hall on Wednesday.

Athletes, coaches, and sports experts will inform the public on sports such as baseball, softball, trampoline, badminton, archery, shooting, fencing, cycling and others.

The ''Panorama of Olympic Sports,'' is one of Alpha Bank's Olympic programs and is hosted in Athens in collaboration with the municipality of Athens.

[23] Fire, security protection of Olympic venues discussed

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

Echoing statements on Tuesday by IOC top inspector Denis Oswald, Palli-Petralia said all security systems at every venue will be tested before the Games, while she also stressed that three shifts a day are currently working around the clock at various unfinished 2004 venues.

[24] Captain, officers of shipwrecked 'Express Samina' stripped of license to sail

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

The decision concerned the captain Vassilis Yiannakis, second-in-command Tassos Psychogios and first mate G. Triantafyllos.\

The council also decided to temporarily withdraw the sailing license from first engineer on board the vessel G. Skiadarellis for 36 months.

[25] Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny on Thursday

Athens, 22/04/2004 (ANA)

[26] UN chief sends message to Cypriots in view of referenda

NICOSIA 22/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In view of the April 24 referenda in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities of the island, to approve or dismiss the UN plan for a solution, Annan assured that the international community stands ready to help the two sides in Cyprus but noted that ''we cannot take that fateful decision for you, we await your call.''

The Secretary-General said he had called on the Security Council to act to reassure the two sides that the plan would be fully and faithfully implemented, in full conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter and noted the Council was responding to his call.

Annan said that on April 24 ''each one of you has a difficult decision to make, one that will determine the destiny of your country,'' adding that ''as your leaders agreed, they will put before you a plan to reunite Cyprus, a plan that would end decades of division, a plan that would allow a united island to enter the European Union on May 1.''

''I know you call it 'the Annan Plan'. Indeed, parts of the plan were put together by the United Nations. But all of its key concepts emerged out of four years of negotiation among your leaders. And most of its 9,000 pages were drafted by hundreds of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Their extraordinary efforts produced one of the most comprehensive peace plans in the history of the United Nations,'' he noted.

Annan told the people of Cyprus that ''you will be asked whether you wish to make this plan the basis for your common future'' and noted that the ''decision is yours, and yours alone.''

The UN chief welcomed the support the plan had received from political leaders on both sides, and in Greece and Turkey, and acknowledged ''truly that this plan does not meet the full demands of either side, in fact it is a compromise, as is inevitable in any negotiation, it is also the only foreseeable route to the reunification of Cyprus.''

''There is no other plan out there. There is no magic way of accommodating the maximum demands of one side while at the same time accommodating the maximum demands of the other. This is it,'' he said.

Referring to the plan, he said it is ''a long and complex legal document'' because it is ''not a paper agreement.''

''It is a serious plan, designed to provide certainty and security, with guarantees that it will be implemented. Its whole purpose is to ensure that the benefits it promises will be realized,'' he added.

Annan explained that ''the plan envisages one independent and sovereign state, the United Cyprus Republic'' and noted ''that State is based on the parameters agreed between the parties since the 1970s - a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal structure, based on the political equality of the two communities.''

''The plan prohibits partition or secession, domination by one side, or union with any other country. The plan ends the status quo. It ends the division of the country. It safeguards the identity of Cyprus and of each community in it. It preserves the integrity of the citizenship of the country. These are prizes that have eluded us in all previous negotiations. They are prizes of which all of you could rightly be proud,'' he noted.

Annan pointed out that ''the federal government provided for in the plan is designed to function from day one, it is designed to function effectively,'' adding that ''it cannot be blocked by one-man vetoes, and it has machinery to resolve deadlocks.''

He said ''it would allow a reunited Cyprus to speak with one voice internationally, particularly in the European Union,'' noting that ''the people of each community would largely run their own affairs, through constituent states which they administer.''

''The plan fully respects individual human rights, including the rights of those of you who were forced to leave your homes. It allows many people to return, and to get all or some of their property back.

Anyone who does not get all their property back would be paid full and secure compensation. The people who have to move to a new home, because of the territorial adjustment, will be helped to do so in a dignified and proper manner,'' he said.

Annan noted that the UN had worked closely with the European Union, the World Bank and the IMF to make a number of changes, to ensure that the plan is economically and financially sound.

''No one pretends that implementation will be straightforward. But let me reassure you: the world stands ready to help you to make this plan work. That was the clear message from the donors' conference in Brussels last week. It is the clear message of the European Union, which is ready to act to help accommodate the settlement and assist in its implementation. And it is also the clear message of the United Nations Security Council,'' he said.

The Secretary-General added that he had called on the Security Council ''to act to reassure you that the plan will be fully and faithfully implemented, in full conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter.''

''I am pleased that the Council is responding to my call'', he said.

Annan added that the UN ''will station a new and robust operation in Cyprus to help maintain security and hold all parties to their commitments, including the commitments to withdraw troops and hand back territory.''

He added that ''we are determined that neither the events of 1963, nor those of 1974, will ever be repeated.''

''After forty years of conflict, and thirty years of division, the choice before you this Saturday is one of truly historic importance.

The vision of the plan is simple: reunification and reconciliation, in safety and security, in the European Union. The world is ready to help you turn that vision of the future into reality. But we cannot take that fateful decision for you. We await your call'', he concluded.

[27] UN chief says his role ends if Cyprus settlement plan rejected

UNITED NATIONS 22/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Annan noted however that this did not mean that the two sides may not try and find other means of moving forward but said that it would be extremely difficult.

In statements on arrival at UN headquarters, Annan expressed hope that the people of Cyprus realized that they had an historic decision before them, which would either allow a reunited Cyprus to find its place in Europe or maintain the divisions that were sustained for so long.

Asked if he was considering the postponement of the referenda in Cyprus for a few months in order to give time to the people to understand the plan and vote for it, Annan said ''the request for postponement has not come from any of the main protagonists.''

''The parties in the talks have not called for a postponement and therefore we are not considering that. I think we are going ahead with the referendum. The parties are ready for it,'' he added.

Annan expressed hope that ''the people of Cyprus realize that on such a day they have an historic decision before them, a decision that will allow a reunited Cyprus to find its place in Europe working with the EU, becoming part of the EU, or a decision that they take may maintain the divisions that are sustained for so long.''

''So I hope they will really, really think hard before they cast their vote. This is an opportunity I hope they will not miss,'' he said.

Asked what would happen if the people rejected the Annan plan in the referendum, the UN chief said ''if they say 'no', then the Greek Cypriot part of Cyprus enters the EU with the Turkish part remaining outside and the plan will be dead and my role will have ended.''

''This does not mean that they may not try and find other means of moving forward but I think it's going to be extremely difficult, we've been at this for decades and I don't think we've ever been this close and I really hope the people bear this in mind as they cast their votes,'' he said.

Annan added that ''there is lots of support for a reunited Cyprus entering the EU, lots of assurances have been given on the economic and financial front,'' noting that he had found through his own discussions with the Security Council that ''there is willingness to help on the peacekeeping and the security front.''

''I really hope that the people will take their decisions bearing this in mind, knowing that the international community is with them and knowing that it will be in their interest to enter the EU as a United Republic of Cyprus,'' he concluded.

[28] European Parliament passes resolution on Cyprus

STRASBOURG 22/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

It said the European Parliament acknowledged - although it would unreservedly welcome a united Cyprus as a member of the EU - the right of Cypriots to decide for themselves on the Annan plan in referenda on April 24, without pressure from the outside and will respect such a decision.

A total of 422 members voted in favor, 30 against and 47 abstained, adopting a motion proposed by European Parliament Rapporteur Jacques Poos on 15 April 2004 on Cyprus.

In the resolution, the European Parliament:

1. Points out that the final settlement plan has been negotiated between the two sides on the island of Cyprus with the involvement of Greece and Turkey and has been finalized under the authority of the UN Security Council by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan;

2. Expresses its support, and welcomes the initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, who on March 31 handed over to the two parties the final version of his plan on the reunification of Cyprus, which will be put to two separate referenda on the island on April 24, as agreed by all parties in New York on February 13, 2004, so that the reunited island can join the European Union on May 1;

3. Acknowledges - although it would unreservedly welcome a united Cyprus as a member of the EU - the right of Cypriots to decide for themselves on the plan in a referendum without pressure from the outside and will respect such a decision, but points out that a broad, fact-based information campaign is still necessary; 4. Considers that this final document 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;

4a. Considers that it would be particularly important for the effective implementation of the proposed plan if the UN Security Council and the EU set out clear and cogently formulated guarantees regarding due implementation of the plan, on schedule and in full, by all parties involved, under conditions of security and mutual respect;

5. 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, and calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations with honesty and openness;

6. Takes note that the proposed Act of Adaptation of Protocol 10 does not contain permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire but only transitional periods, and calls on the Commission to rigorously discharge its responsibilities for reviewing the application of the provisions of the Act;

7. Understands that the population of Cyprus has numerous questions regarding many extremely complex elements of the plan, but is convinced that any difficulties which may 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;

8. 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;

9. Takes the view that gradual demilitarization of the island would facilitate mutual understanding between the two communities and pave the way for their full reconciliation;

10. Shares the Commission's view that it is not a question of making a choice between the Annan plan and another plan, but of choosing between this plan and no alternative for a long period of time;

11. Calls on the citizens of Cyprus to be fully responsible, consistent and committed to their status as EU citizens, and to seize this historic opportunity to reunify their country in a peaceful way;

12. Reassures the citizens of Cyprus that the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission are willing to provide financial support for the implementation of the settlement and the acquis communautaire; welcomes the positive result of the high-level pre-donors' conference on April 15 as an important signal of the solidarity of the European and international community;

13. Assures both sides that the EU institutions will rigorously guarantee with other international institutions the implementation of the settlement as this is a question touching upon their own credibility

14. Confirms its intention actively to monitor the implementation of the Annan Plan, through its competent committee, and to make its contribution to the guaranteeing of the plan;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to all parties to the negotiation process, the Council and Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, and the UN Secretary-General.

[29] EU Commissioner calls on Papadopoulos to live up to his pledge

NICOSIA 22/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Verheugen also said that the EU expected Cyprus, that is to join the Union next week, to wage an impartial information campaign.

''What we expect of our member states and what we expect of those states that will be joining us in less than 10 days is the full backing for the fundamental principle of the European project as a peaceful project. We expect this of the government of the Republic of Cyprus too,'' he said.

Verheugen said that never before in the course of the Cyprus conflict had the EU been as close to a possible solution as now.

''We are just inches away from our objective. But I have to say that I have little hope left for our being able to push forward those last remaining few inches and I will explain why,'' he pointed out.

He said the EU was surprised by Papadopoulos' rejection of the UN solution plan (the Annan plan) and his call upon the population of the Greek part of the island to vote down the UN plan.

The Commissioner described this ''extremely regrettable course'' of events because there was an understanding that the EU would do everything to make Cyprus' accession possible and conversely the government of the Republic of Cyprus would do everything in its power to resolve the conflict.

''And under no circumstances was a resolution to the conflict to fall as a result of opposition from the Greek Cypriot authorities,'' Verheugen said, recalling that Papadopoulos had pledged that the Greek Cypriot side would not prevent a resolution.

''I am not speaking of the Turkish Cypriots here, only the Greek Cypriots and I call on Mr. Papadopoulos now to do the necessary. He must live up to that pledge,'' he added.

He said the government of Cyprus had ascertained throughout the process of negotiations that it was in agreement with the general lines of the Annan plan, it only sought minor rectifications within the parameters of the plan.

''What Mr. Papadopoulos said after the negotiations in Switzerland is a rejection of that notion. And I must draw the conclusion from his words that the government of the Republic of Cyprus opposes the international settlement, proposes the rejection of the international settlement and I will be very undiplomatic now in saying that I personally feel that I have been cheated by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus,'' Verheugen said.

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