Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russian envoy explains to FM Moscow's veto at UN ahead of Cyprus referenda

[02] Cyprus president determined to find a federal solution

[03] Cyprus agrees with non-adoption of Security Council resolution

[04] AKEL maintains 'no' position to UN plan

[05] Public order ministry official, Russian deputy minister discuss bilateral issues

[06] PM Karamanlis confers with ND secretary on central committee meeting

[07] MPs Andrianopoulos, Manos, Papathemelis declared Independents

[08] Allegations against former minister over submarine deal referred to Parliament

[09] Parliament speaker meets new head of General Secretariat for Equality

[10] Parliament president receives Lebanese ambassador

[11] Turkey criticizes Canadian government over Armenian genocide issue

[12] Deputy FM to receive US official on Friday

[13] Prime Minister, FinMin discuss economic policy

[14] Economic cooperation will bring Greece-Turkey closer, Greek FinMin

[15] Olympic works to cost 37 percent over original budget, minister says

[16] Development minister approves renewable energy source projects

[17] Farm Minister announces victory deal for Mediterranean products

[18] Greek unemployment rate fell to 9.3 pct in 2003

[19] New CEO of Hellenic Petroleum sees room for new strategic investor

[20] European Parliament - Improving working conditions in sporting goods industry

[21] Stocks rise in higher turnover

[22] PASOK leader George Papandreou meets with Athens 2004 president

[23] Ministers discuss smooth functioning of Athens during Games

[24] Special forces exercise focuses on Olympic security

[25] New head of Civil Protection Agency takes over new duties

[26] Judge's decision prompts another defense walkout in ELA trial

[27] European Parliament plenum examines women's position in southeastern Europe

[28] Journalistic issues discussed by journalists' union and ministers

[29] PASOK secretary says party will promote its European policy

[30] Tourism minister to visit Moscow

[31] Chomsky brings insight, criticism of 'globalization' to Athens

[32] Bulgarian minister Ivanov: Olympic preparations like syrtaki dance in final step

[33] Lecture on Olympic Truce to be held in London

[34] UN chief says international community behind Cyprus people

[35] Ukraine stresses need to respect free will of Cypriots

[36] EuroMP says if answer is 'nï', all problems will remain unsolved

[01] Russian envoy explains to FM Moscow's veto at UN ahead of Cyprus referenda

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

''I stressed that the veto had a technical nature and that our purpose was to ensure that the referenda can be conducted freely on Cyprus, without outside pressure or intervention. The Cypriot people must make decisions on their own about the issues that concern them,'' he said.

Vdovin said that Russia was prepared to continue talks at the Security Council after the referenda on all aspects of the Cyprus issue in order to resolve the problem.

Separate and simultaneous referenda will take place in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus this Saturday for acceptance or not of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, in an address to the nation on April 7, had declared that he rejected Annan's plan because it does not fulfill the minimum targets which he had raised for the workability of the state and the safeguarding of the rights of the citizens. In his lengthy address, President Papadopoulos called on the people to say ''no'' in the referendum on April 24.

Russia justifies veto on UN resolution on Cyprus NEW YORK: UN Security Council permanent member Russia, which vetoed a US and British-sponsored Security Council resolution on Cyprus on Wednesday night ahead of a crucial referendum on Saturday on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's solution plan, said the matters included in the draft resolution, such as an arms embargo and the operation of a renewed and strengthened UN operation, required thorough discussion.

The result of the voting was 14 in favor to 1 against (Russian Federation). The draft was not adopted, owing to the negative vote (veto) by a permanent member of the Council.

Britain and the US, the co-sponsors of the resolution, expressed disappointment at this development, saying that the resolution would have provided security assurances to the Cypriot people that the proposed UN settlement would be in place before 24 April, when simultaneous, separate referenda will take place in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Council members pointed out that the people of Cyprus had to have the final word on the proposed solution plan, the Annan plan.

Russian envoy Gennady Gatilov said his delegation had consistently supported the Secretary-General's good offices mission and his efforts for a just settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of Security Council resolutions and the will of both Cypriot communities.

''The international community, especially the Council, should assist the parties, but not impose any decision on them. The referenda must take place freely without any pressure or interference from outside,'' he pointed out.

Gatilov said it was necessary to await their result, after which the Council would be in a position to adopt a considered decision, including the deployment of a new United Nations operation on the island, taking into account the results of the referenda.

He expressed deep regret over the manner in which the work surrounding the draft had been structured in the Council. The elaboration of a complex decision such as on the parameters of a new United Nations peacekeeping operation and the imposition of an arms embargo called for ''thorough and careful analysis'', he pointed out.

The Russian Ambassador said the co-sponsors of the draft, ignoring the views of other Council members, had put the draft to a vote, and he told Council members that ''under such conditions, the Russian delegation had no choice but to exercise a technical veto''.

''The Russian Federation was prepared to work constructively in elaborating a resolution on the issue. Such work would be continued after the referenda and would take into account their results,'' he said.

The British permanent representative Adam Thomson, speaking after the vote, said his delegation was disappointed that the Council had been unable to reach consensus.

''While no one opposed the general substance of the draft, one member voted against the draft for technical reasons. The fact that the overwhelming majority of Council members voted in favor sent a strong message of support for the Secretary-General's efforts and plan, which offers the Cypriot people a historic opportunity to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus question,'' he said.

Thomson said the vote also offered reassurance that the Council would act on obligations contained in the Comprehensive Settlement, including the establishment of a strengthened United Nations peacekeeping operation and an arms embargo.

''There should be no doubt that the Council stands ready to fulfill its commitments and that the resolution remains on the table,'' he added.

US acting permanent representative James Cunningham expressed disappointment that one member had been unable to support the Secretary-General's request that the draft be passed before the referenda to provide assurances that security structures in the settlement would be in place before 24 April.

''The opposition was isolated, and other members had taken a very different view. Nonetheless, it was clear that if the settlement were approved, there would be rapid action in the Council to establish new United Nations operation and an arms embargo,'' he added.

He noted that the resolution had been supported by an overwhelming majority, demonstrating strong support for the implementation of all aspects of the settlement, including a comprehensive property and restitution system.

The French permanent representative to the UN Jean-Marc de la Sabliere said he deeply regretted that the Council had not been in a position to adopt the draft resolution.

He noted that there was unanimity among the Council members on the substance of the text and suggested that if the settlement plan was adopted on Saturday by the Cypriots, the necessary measures for the text's adoption should be taken immediately.

''France supports the Secretary-General's efforts and prefers that a unified Cyprus enter the European Union on 1 May,'' he added.

China's permanent representative Wang Guangya said his country had always believed that the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island deserved the international community's full respect. China appreciated the untiring efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser in that regard.

''On 24 April, the Greek and Turkish Cypriots will be holding referenda on the final settlement plan, and it is hoped that they will make the right choice for an early, just and lasting solution to the question of Cyprus,'' he said.

Explaining the Chinese stance, he said his delegation had voted in favor of the draft, it had hoped that the Council could have carried out more consultations and considered fully the views of all parties so as to be able to reach consensus on the text.

''The current state of affairs is something that no one would have liked to see,'' he added.

[02] Cyprus president determined to find a federal solution

NICOSIA 23/04/2004 (ANA/CNA)

In a live televised interview two days before a referendum on a UN plan for a solution, he said that there is a strategy for the day after and pledged to take such measures and make such moves to ensure that the Turkish Cypriots would get those benefits they would have had if they were in the European Union, if the outcome of the referendum is negative.

Clarifying previous positions on the Annan plan, he said it legitimacies some aspects of the Turkish occupation (such as the presence of Turkish settlers and Turkish troops) with the agreement of the Greek Cypriot side.

He said he and his associates continue to work to pinpoint to elements in the plan that should be looked at when a new effort resumes.

''What we have achieved so far is not satisfactory, nobody is overenthusiastic with the plan, the repercussions of a yes vote will be irreversible, if a no vote is wrong, it can be rectified,'' he said.

Commenting on remarks by EU Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that he felt cheated, Papadopoulos said he had never given any pledge to anybody that he was ready to accept any solution, and stressed also that he not only respects Verheugen but also thanks him very much for the efforts he had made for Cyprus' accession.

[03] Cyprus agrees with non-adoption of Security Council resolution

NICOSIA 23/04/2004 (ANA/CNA)

The spokesman noted that even at the last minute important amendments to the resolution were made with the intervention of some countries, obviously friendly to Turkey.

Quoting an example, he said the initial draft stated that in the event of a violation of what has been agreed, the Security Council would consider measures, while the amended draft says the Security Council would re-examine the situation.

''Therefore, the necessary guarantees were not present in this resolution. We believe it was right that the resolution was not voted on,'' the spokesman said.

Chrysostomides added that Russia's veto ''was exercised for obvious reasons: it was not possible before the referendum to have a strengthened or new UN peacekeeping force, therefore the resolution remains there to be voted after the result of the referenda, the outcome permitting,'' he said.

He added that ''most countries that spoke during the Security Council meeting said it should not be seen that the resolution is sought to influence the expression of the democratic will of the Cypriot citizens.''

''This was the position of the government. However, at the same time the government had sought guarantees for the proper functioning and implementation of the settlement plan, if the result of the referenda was positive,'' he said.

[04] AKEL maintains 'no' position to UN plan

NICOSIA 23/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias told a press conference that AKEL's rejection of the proposed plan was not the same as that of others who oppose the Annan plan.

The party position was aimed at a postponement of the 24 April referendum to avert blowing up the solution during implementation, he explained.

''We want concrete measures that would seal the implementation of the solution,'' he said.

Christofias was critical of party members who were expressing a different opinion than the one adopted by the party congress a couple of weeks ago, reached through secret ballot and democratic means.

[05] Public order ministry official, Russian deputy minister discuss bilateral issues

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The Russian deputy minister was accompanied by the Russian Ambassador to Athens Andrei Vdovin.

[06] PM Karamanlis confers with ND secretary on central committee meeting

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The agenda for the Friday's meeting includes the Cyprus issue, analysis of the election results, and the European Parliament elections slated for June.

According to sources, the government considers Karamanlis' meeting Wednesday in Sarajevo with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of a SE Europe cooperation process conference, as having been ''productive'' and that the Turkish prime minister's upcoming visit to Athens indicated that neither country wanted the outcome of Saturday's referenda on the Annan plan in Cyprus to influence Greek-Turkish relations.

The sources said that Karamanlis will brief the central committee on the developments in the Cyprus issue, as well as on the policy line his government would follow in all sectors, adding that the prime minister was taking every opportunity to stress that the focus must be on the economic and the country's everyday problems.

They said that ND's objective for the Euroelections was to be the top party in votes, with a comfortable lead over main opposition PASOK party, adding that the outcome would be compared with that of the 1999 European Parliament elections.

However, discussions have not yet commenced within the party on prospective candidates for the Europarliament, nor on the strategy to be followed, the sources said.

Another open issue was the date of the party Congress, for which Meimarakis has proposed July 24, but several cadres are in disagreement, noting that if the Congress was held in the last week of July, it would have to be held in the provinces (due to the countdown to the Olympic Games in August), thus causing technical problems with respect to finding adequate conference space to host the 5,000 delegates.

The sources further said that Meimarakis appeared decided to seek his re-election to the post of central committee secretary.

[07] MPs Andrianopoulos, Manos, Papathemelis declared Independents

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Andreas Andrianopoulos and Stephanos Manos, both former ND ministers, were elected to parliament on PASOK's state deputy ticket, while former PASOK minister Stelios Papathemelis was elected on the ND ticket in the Thessaloniki A' electoral district ticket in last month's general elections.

[08] Allegations against former minister over submarine deal referred to Parliament

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The complaint was filed by a retired lawyer in March 6, 2000 and also involved the defense ministry's former procurements director Yiannis Sbokos and "all other responsible parties".

According to the complaint, the deal was damaging for the Greek state since lower bids had been offered by other firms participating in the tender but the government of the time had chosen to award the contract to the Greek-German joint venture.

A question on the same issue has been tabled in Parliament by independent MP Stefanos Manos.

[09] Parliament speaker meets new head of General Secretariat for Equality

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

[10] Parliament president receives Lebanese ambassador

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Habib thanked Benaki and underlined the great benefits of his country's rapprochement with Europe and extended an invitation to her to visit Lebanon.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic Janna Bulenova also visited Benaki for talks on issues concerning Interparliamentary cooperation and invited her to visit the Czech Republic.

[11] Turkey criticizes Canadian government over Armenian genocide issue

MONTREAL 23/04/2004 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

Parliament ratified the resolution with 153 votes in favor and 86 against, despite a negative intervention by Foreign Minister Bill Graham.

Turkey had warned Canada of economic consequences if it recognized the deaths of the Armenians as genocide. In a proclamation issued on Thursday it also accused the Canadian Parliamentarians of being ''narrow-minded.''

The Turkish government rejects the charge of the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, claiming that 2.5 million Moslems were killed during the same period of civil conflict. Turkey recognizes that only 600,000 Armenians were killed during the period in question.

[12] Deputy FM to receive US official on Friday

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

[13] Prime Minister, FinMin discuss economic policy

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Alogoskoufis said that the government would implement its economic program aiming to support growth, employment and social cohesion.

[14] Economic cooperation will bring Greece-Turkey closer, Greek FinMin

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Mr Alogoskoufis added that it was historically needed to expand economic relations with Turkey and noted ''we will do whatever we can to facilitate Turkey's European orientation''.

Mr Tuzmen said that trade relations between the two countries has made significant progress in the last few years and that this trend could continue in 2004. He noted that several Greek companies have activities in Turkey currently, while only four Turkish companies are activated in Greece.

The Greek minister said that certain technical issues, creating hurdles to bilateral relations, would be resolved by a commission soon to be formed by Greek and Turkish representatives.

Turkish companies are interested in exporting textiles, leather, clothing, children's clothes, olive oil and olives, dried food, fresh fruit and vegetables, building material, marble, paper, office furniture and mirrors to Greece.

Greece's trade deficit with Turkey jumped 71.7 percent in 2003 compared with the previous year, totalling 477.19 million US dollars.

Turkey's exports to Greek rose by 52.8 percent last year to 902.64 million dollars, while Greek exports to Turkey rose 36.16 percent to 425.45 million dollars.

Bilateral trade exceeded 1.3 billion dollars in 2003, up 47.1 percent from the previous year.

[15] Olympic works to cost 37 percent over original budget, minister says

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Souflias said the initial budget for the projects had been 1,654 billion euros but budget overruns approved by the previous government would push this cost up to 2,270 billion euros.

He said the present government had added 7.7 million euros to this sum but stressed that this did not concern works already under construction but new projects in the area surrounding the Olympic complex at Elliniko and anti-flooding works there.

He reiterated that Olympics-related projects will be delivered on time and said the government would continue offering a 'speed bonuses' as an incentive, while contractors would suffer severe consequences, such as fines and removal of their professional licenses, if they failed to meet their obligations.

Alt. culture minister says ministry Olympic projects will greatly exceed budget: Completing the culture ministry's Olympic projects will require far greater sums than those originally budgeted for, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia said on Thursday, in a written response to a question by the previous head of the ministry under opposition PASOK, Evangelos Venizelos.

She stressed that the Public Investments Program that funded the ministry's Olympic projects had earmarked just 388 million euros for this purpose, when payments due in 2004 as estimated on March 8 exceeded one billion euros.

Venizelos had criticized the government's communications tactics regarding changes to the planning of Olympic projects, saying it had created concern, reduced the self-confidence of Greek society and harmed the country's image abroad.

Palli-Petralia said the new leadership of the ministry was striving to make contractors adhere to specific schedules and deadlines, noting that for some projects that deadlines had been pushed back by up to 10 times.

[16] Development minister approves renewable energy source projects

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Approval of these projects was pending since May 2003 and Mr Salagoudis pledged that no such delays would appear again in the future.

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said that Development ministry was working on reforming a regulatory framework covering renewable energy sources projects, aiming to simplify licensing procedures and standardizing evaluation and licensing procedures.

Mr Salagoudis pledged that a new regulatory framework would be the result of a public discussion with all interested parties.

[17] Farm Minister announces victory deal for Mediterranean products

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Savvas Tsitouridis, speaking to reporters after marathon meeting of a Farm Ministers Council that lasted 22 hours, said the Greek government has reached an historic decision for the country's three major products (tobacco, olive oil and cotton) and that the meeting approved around 1.6 billion euros in subsidies to Greek farmers annually and for a period of 10 years.

"I express by satisfaction because after a several-weeks systematic and well-planned strategy our demands were finally met by the Farm Ministers Council. We have secured Greek olive oil and cotton growers' incomes by achieving high subsidies for both products. We have avoided the risk of abandoning tobacco cultivation by ensuring high subsidies for the product. Our government can and will make the best of this significant reform deal, the outcome of which would be integrated within a national strategy for the development of the Greek countryside," the Greek minister said.

Under the compromise agreement, reached in Luxembourg in early morning hours, the EU Commission will offer 65 million euros to the cultivation of cotton, will allow more cultivation areas for the product and will offer an average 151 euros per stremma (one stremma=1,000 sq. meters) in subsidy to cotton growers.

The deal also secures, in full, tobacco and olive oil growers' incomes.

[18] Greek unemployment rate fell to 9.3 pct in 2003

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

NSS said the unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2003 from 9.8 percent in the same period in 2002.

Despite a slight decline in the unemployment rate, unemployment continued hitting younger people (between 15-29 years old) rising to 21.4 percent (the rate of unemployed women rose to 29 percent in the same ages).

NSS said Western Macedonia (15.7 pct), Ionian Islands (13.5 pct) and Epirus (11.8 pct) recorded the biggest percentage unemployment rates last year, while the Northern Aegean (7.4 pct), Crete (8.0 pct), western Greece and Peloponnese (8.6 pct) regions recorded the lowest rates.

The percentage of unemployed people that have not finished basic education courses was 4.3 percent, while university degree owners were showing an unemployment rate of 7.2 percent.

The statistics service said that 102,000 people that were unemployed in the previous year found jobs in the fourth quarter of 2003 and said that part-time employment rate was 4.4 percent in Greece, a rate significantly lower compared with other EU member-states.

[19] New CEO of Hellenic Petroleum sees room for new strategic investor

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The investor would buy a stake in the domestic oil group if the state opted to sell an 8.2 per cent stake in Hellenic currently in convertible bonds expiring in July; and if an existing strategic investor, the Latsis Group, rejected its first option to acquire more stock, Christodoulou told a news conference.

A new investor from abroad could provide an alliance mainly in exploration for oil deposits, but the matter had not been discussed within the government, he said.

In addition, Christodoulou did not rule out withdrawal by the company from some of its operations abroad.

''International operations will be reviewed in order to ascertain the leeway for growth,'' Christodoulou said.

The problem lay chiefly in returns on investment, with much work needed to achieve targets, he said.

At the same time, Hellenic was involved in exploration abroad that appeared to be promising and would be developed, Christodoulou added.

Finally, Hellenic Petroleum intended in the future to buy crude oil from Iraq as it matched specifications of its Aspropyrgos refinery and offered a sound purchase in terms of price and product quality.

Two large consignments of crude had already been purchased while the country is under US control, he said.

[20] European Parliament - Improving working conditions in sporting goods industry

STRASBOURG 23/04/2004 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Eurodeputies believe there is evidence that the manufacturing of sportswear is based on a complex international system of supracontractors and vendors.

Further, the Eurodeputies note that certain major sporting goods companies and investment companies have stated that ''the existing ruthless business and working practices employed in the international supply chain do not go hand-in-hand with long-term growth and do not allow healthy competition.''

With this draft resolution Eurodeputies hope to improve working conditions, working hours, and wages, as well as ensuring that International Labor Organization work standards are respected in the sporting goods manufacturing industry.

[21] Stocks rise in higher turnover

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 1.27 per cent to end at 2,516.57 points. Turnover was 196.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.43 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.21 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities rose 0.75 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 214 to 85 with 66 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 22 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,196 1,169

[22] PASOK leader George Papandreou meets with Athens 2004 president

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou emphasized that the workgroup is being created, not to serve petty partisan goals, but to support a national cause - the Olympic Games. He reiterated that the Olympic Games concern all Greeks and expressed confidence that the Games will be safe and successful.

PASOK's leader also placed emphasis on the issue of the country's promotion abroad and its political importance after the Games are over.

Papandreou also referred to the importance of developing the idea of the Olympic Truce and the Cultural Olympiad, while stating that the Olympic Games can serve as a driving force, provided careful plans regarding post-Olympic use of projects and infrastructure are implemented.

Daskalaki did not make any statement.

[23] Ministers discuss smooth functioning of Athens during Games

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

''We don't want Athens to be a 'military-controlled' city. On the contrary, we want it to be an open city, a city of celebration, despite strict traffic regulations during those days; we want citizens to be able to get around without hassles, without getting stuck in traffic,'' Liapis said.

He also added that with Voulgarakis' cooperation, he's confident the capital will function smoothly.

The Zones which have been defined surrounding Olympic venues will be accessible to designated vehicles and to those residing or working in the area. The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games is responsible for processing related permit requests.

Olympic routes will also be designated and will be accessible only to vehicles belonging to the Olympic Family, as well as emergency vehicles.

Chief of Police Fotis Nasiakos, police officers, and the Secretary General of the Transport Ministry were also present at the meeting.

[24] Special forces exercise focuses on Olympic security

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Afterwards, Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis expressed his and police leadership's satisfaction with the unit's level of preparedness and competence.

Police chief discusses Olympic Games security: Police Chief Lieutenant-General Fotis Nasiakos addressed a group of 400 police officials on Olympic Games security at a conference organized by the Attica Union of Officers in Athens on Thursday.

''If al Qaeda plans on striking during the Olympic Games, then they are already here,'' he said, stressing the need for the police force to be on its guard.

Nasiakos also said that although there is no evidence indicating a possible terrorist attack during the Games, one should not become complacent. Terrorism is not the only risk, he said; any number of other events can prove to be dangerous.

[25] New head of Civil Protection Agency takes over new duties

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The minister stressed afterward that the role of the agency gained even more importance as the Olympic Games loomed but also in view of efforts to make the state friendlier to the public.

He said that these considerations had prompted the government to appoint former fire department chief Fourlas, who had distinguished himself and shown great ability throughout his 34-year career in the fire department, to lead this crucial agency.

In a brief statement during the ceremony, Fourlas said he had been called on to serve his country in a different way and would do his utmost to make Greeks feel safe, especially in view of the Olympics.

"I believe that the conditions are good, the prerequisites are there and that there is a will for good work, that there will be good work and we will do well," he said.

[26] Judge's decision prompts another defense walkout in ELA trial

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Tsovolas is part of the team of lawyers defending the accused Irene Athanassaki.

Strong protests against the decision were voiced by other defense lawyers taking part in the trial, who claimed that their rights and by extension those of their clients were being compromised.

They asked that the court order a recess so that the Athens Bar and the Union of European Lawyers might be notified and send observers to the proceedings.

The request was denied by the court after consideration.

[27] European Parliament plenum examines women's position in southeastern Europe

STRASBOURG 23/04/2004 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The report focuses on the position of women and problems they are facing in Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Turkey, Serbia, FYROM, Romania and Greece.

As regards Greece, the European Parliament expressed skepticism over the limited representation of women in elected bodies, the government, trade unions and political parties. Greece is in last place among the 25 nations of the enlarged EU with its poor performance on this issue.

The European Parliament urged the Greek government, parties and relevant authorities to step up their efforts to achieve balanced representation between men and women.

[28] Journalistic issues discussed by journalists' union and ministers

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

ESHEA board president Manolis Mathioudakis briefed the ministers on current problems facing the sector, particularly those concerning social security, journalists' pensions, contract journalists, the role of state-run radio and television and transparency regarding the ownership status in private radio and television.

[29] PASOK secretary says party will promote its European policy

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis noted that domestic policy issues will play a role in the Euroelections since ''they exist in the feeling of society.''

on the question of the Euroelection ticket, Chrysohoidis said that ''there will be announcements next week regarding both the political and organizational part of preparations for the Euroelections.''

PASOK will participate in the European Socialist Party's conference with a large delegation headed by party leader George Papandreou.

[30] Tourism minister to visit Moscow

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

Avramopoulos accepted the invitation from the Russian ambassador in Athens, Andrey Vdovin, during a meeting on Thursday for talks on tourism development and cooperation between the two countries.

[31] Chomsky brings insight, criticism of 'globalization' to Athens

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

According to the distinguished American professor, beyond the literal term of “globalization” and its more benign and neutral implication of an “international integration”, the more popular definition – based on the concentration of power and capital -- signifies the one “imposed by the powerful and by propaganda”.

Moreover, he said the proponents of “globalization” portray this process as inevitable, and without any alternative.

In emphasizing that practically every word has a double meaning, based on how it is exploited and defined, he focused on the “buzz word” of our times, “terrorism”, saying that governments and the mainstream mass media follow the rule of “terror is the one they exercise us; not the one we use on them”.

In reference to his native country, the 76-year-old MIT scholar said that although the United States is the “most free and open society” in the world, most information never reaches the general public.

Chomsky spoke on the topic of “Globalization, the US and the New World Order”, sponsored the private Athens-based Mediterranean College at the Evgenides Foundation’s new digital planetarium.

[32] Bulgarian minister Ivanov: Olympic preparations like syrtaki dance in final step

SOFIA 23/04/2004 (ANA/B. Borisov)

Using the comparison of the traditional Greek dance -- which starts off at a slow dragging pace, picking up speed and tempo and building up to a crescendo -- Ivanov said that the ''syrtaki'' of Olympics preparations was proceeding to the final dance steps.

Ivanov was responding to press questions on his impressions following talks he had in Athens on Wednesday.

Ivanov also referred to the basic directions of Greek-Bulgarian cooperation, with the priority of ensuring the best possible conditions for the success of the Games in August, which he discussed with Greek officials.

[33] Lecture on Olympic Truce to be held in London

Athens, 23/04/2004 (ANA)

The main speaker will be the head of the International Olympic Truce Centre Stavros Lambrinidis, who will present the special educational material prepared by the centre for schools for the first time in Britain.

The lecture is being organized to mark the Olympic Games in Athens in collaboration with the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies, which is celebrating the 125th anniversary since its foundation.

[34] UN chief says international community behind Cyprus people

UNITED NATIONS 23/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He added that ''even though Russia could not join the consensus, it indicated that the reason was technical, and not substantive, and so I think that the message that should go out to the people is that the international community, through the Security Council, stands by them and will support the effort.''

Javier Solana discusses Cyprus with Kofi Annan: European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana stated that the EU has supported a ''yes'' vote on the referenda on April 24 in the island's two communities for the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement.

He said after meeting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York on Thursday that ''the train is coming, if they (Cyprus people) don't take the train it may not come back.''

Therefore, he added, ''we have an important opportunity to get the island united, get the island united within the EU in a very short period of time. If that is not the case we will have to reanalyze the situation because nothing will be equal, and I think those that think the situation will continue as if nothing has happened, they are making a wrong analysis of the situation.''

A week after the referenda Cyprus will join the European Union (May 1).

Responding to questions Solana said ''I don't want my words to be interpreted as threatening or a warning, I am saying very clearly and very candidly that those who think that nothing is going to change if the referendum fails, that means if the people and the leaders in any of the communities do not support the effort of the Secretary-General, that things will not be the same the day after.''

He said ''we hope very much that the 'yes' will be there and by being there we have the possibility of making reality a dream: a Cyprus that is united and at the same time a member of the EU.''

The EU official said he was not threatening anybody. At the end of the day, he added, if the Greek Cypriots vote 'no' and Turkish Cypriots vote 'yes' in the referenda, ''the relationship with the northern part (Turkish Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied areas) will have to be also different. They cannot be left forever in the cold.''

He revealed that at a meeting in Brussels on Monday there will be a review of the situation in Cyprus following the results of the referenda on the island.

Referring to the future of the peacekeeping operation in Cyprus Solana said ''the fact that the troops, the international peacekeepers, they have a deadline on the 15th of June and of course if the island is not united some people may say that you have an international force in a European country, we have to think about that. I cannot give you a precise answer at this point in time, let's hope we will not have to discuss that very long because the outcome will be a positive one.''

To a question what is the difference between the occupation in Palestine and the occupation of Cyprus, the EU official replied: ''I think the two things are absolutely different. I don't make any comparisons between one and another.''

[35] Ukraine stresses need to respect free will of Cypriots

NICOSIA 23/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

A statement by Ukraine's foreign ministry expressed support for UN efforts to bring about a resolution of the question of Cyprus and for a just and final settlement based on international law.

''The Ukraine hopes that the referenda on April 24 on both sides (Greek and Turkish Cypriot) will take place in an atmosphere of free and democratic will of the people of Cyprus, something that is an indisputable precondition for the creation of a state of stability, prosperity and equal rights in Cyprus, as a member of the European Union,'' the statement said.

The Ukraine expressed particular appreciation to international efforts for a solution and for the role of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in the context of his good offices mission.

''The Ukraine states its firm support for a final and just settlement on the basis of the provisions of Security Council resolutions and international law,'' it concluded.

The statement, issued two days before the referenda, is among many comments from various countries and world leaders on the referenda.

The UN and others have repeatedly said that the people of Cyprus have the final word on their future.

[36] EuroMP says if answer is 'nï', all problems will remain unsolved

BRUSSELS 23/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In a press release issued on Thursday Rothe said she was happy ''that the European Parliament has sent a clear message to all Cypriots in order to accept reunification on the basis of the Annan plan'' at the separate referenda on 24th April on the adoption of the Annan plan.

''Of course, we will respect any democratic decision of the people in Cyprus. After 20 years of commitment to Cyprus, however, I am convinced that the opportunities of the plan are much higher than the risks,'' says Rothe.

Noting that ''there are no alternatives to the plan available'' the EuroMP says ''either there will be a reunification on the basis of the Annan Plan or reunification won't be possible in the near

future'', adding that ''if the answer to the referendum is negative, all problems will remain unsolved, including the return of refugees, questions of ownership and the presence of Turkish troops''.

As regards to fears expressed by the Greek Cypriots, Rothe reiterates the Parliament's commitment to accompany the whole process of implementation via its work in the committees.

''This plan is a chance that should be seized. It should not be gambled away by missing or false information. I sincerely hope that on April 24, people in Cyprus can bring themselves to vote 'yes' and that on May 1, they will be able to celebrate a real unification: the unification of all Cypriots with the other 450 million people in the EU'', Rothe concludes.

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