Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM satisfied with decisions taken by EU General Affairs Council on Cyprus

[02] EU Commissioner says outcome of Cyprus referenda 'not end of the road'

[03] Cyprus proposes concessions for Turkish-Cypriots at EU, backed by Greece

[04] Karamanlis to receive Cyprus' Papadopoulos on Wednesday

[05] Powell says disappointed with Greek Cypriots' rejection of Annan plan

[06] State Department spokesman disappointed over outcome of Greek Cypriot referendum

[07] Communist party leader says Cypriots' 'no' a guarantee for something better

[08] PM Karamanlis confers with defense minister Spiliotopoulos

[09] Public order minister meets Albanian counterpart

[10] Parliament ratifies Euromediterranean agreements

[11] Greek fiscal deficit could exceed 2.95 pct, gov’t officials

[12] Gov’t says ''hidden'' debt to healthcare system suppliers exceed 2.0 bln euros

[13] Consumer watchdog to issue suggested retail price lists

[14] Greece votes against GM corn

[15] Stocks rise slightly

[16] Communist party leader meets with ATHOC president

[17] F. Palli-Petralia to visit Thessaloniki's Olympic sites

[18] Athens Mayor to speak at "Panorama of Olympic Sports"

[19] Greek Church approves agreement on 1928 act, new Thessaloniki metropolitan

[20] Former EU commissioner addresses conference on corporate democracy

[21] Kofi Annan leaves room for renewed effort on Cyprus

[22] Council Conclusions on Cyprus

[23] Cyprus-Luxembourg FMs discuss results of Cyprus referenda

[24] De Soto: UN will step back and reflect

[25] Russia says UN plan not considering Cypriot communities' views

[26] CEH thanks US Congresspersons for their actions before referenda

[01] FM satisfied with decisions taken by EU General Affairs Council on Cyprus

LUXEMBOURG 27/04/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

The foreign minister said Greece desires reunification and stressed his satisfaction over the fact that with decisions taken on Monday there is no question of partition or of the Turkish Cypriot ''state'' being recognized. He also noted the positive acceptance of the government of Cyprus' proposals to back the Turkish Cypriots.

Meanwhile, conclusions announced at the end of the EU's Council of General Affairs expressed regret over the failure of Cyprus to join the EU reunited, as well as its readiness to provide 259 million euros anticipated in the event of a solution to the issue of Cyprus.

The Council's desire to send a message to the Turkish Cypriot community that its future belongs to a united Cyprus in the EU is also noted.

The conclusions further stressed that the Council of Ministers took account of the outcome of the referenda in Cyprus on April 24, 2004, and expressed its great regret over the fact that the joining of a united Cyprus to the EU on May 1 is not possible at present.

The Council further expresses its great appreciation for the determined and prolonged efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his associates to seek an overall solution to the problem of Cyprus.

It was also pointed out that the Council hails the contribution of Greece and Turkey and expresses its resolve that the Cypriots will achieve a common destiny soon as citizens of a united Cyprus in the EU.

Another point stressed was that the Turkish Cypriots expressed their explicit desire for a future in the EU, while the Council declares its determination to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus, encouraging the Turkish Cypriot community's economic growth.

The conclusions further underline that the Council calls on the Commission to submit overall proposals to this end with special emphasis being placed on the island's economic incorporation and to improve contacts between the two communities and the EU.

The Council also recommends that the 259 million euros anticipated for the northern part of Cyprus in the event of a solution to be used for this purpose now.

Asked whether decisions taken on Monday by the EU which leave open the possibility of the reunification of Cyprus contrast with the stance of the UN which does not appear to be raising the issue of reunification for the time being, Molyviatis said he does not think there is a contrast and noted that the farewell visits to be made to Nicosia and Athens by the UN secretary general's representative Alvaro de Soto must be awaited.

The foreign minister said it is possible that the positions of the UN will be clarified even more during these visits.

Replying to a questioner on whether he considers possible the ratification of the EU regulation on the accession of Cyprus to the EU, without a solution to the Cyprus problem, within the week, Molyviatis responded positively but let it be understood that a great deal will depend on proposals to be submitted in coming days.

In another development, the Irish EU presidency's representative Foreign Minister Brian Kowen also left open a window to a solution to the issue of Cyprus, saying the earth is still revolving and the reunification of Cyprus is in the interests of the EU.

He added that the EU respects the decision of the people of Cyprus, adding that the political will exists for the creation of a new momentum that could lead to a solution for the political problem of Cyprus.

Roussopoulos: draft EU regulation for 'green line' close to Athens' aims: Greek Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Monday that a draft regulation on the status of the demarcation line in Cyprus, under consideration by COREPER (European Union permanent representatives in Brussels), "is close to our aims."

Roussopoulos said the governments of Greece and Cyprus were in any case cooperating and coordinating their efforts successfully, noting that Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis would be meeting in Luxembourg today with his Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou.

He added that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will be meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos on April 28 in Athens.

Roussopoulos did not wish to say whether the Greek government would veto a proposal to lift economic sanctions on the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus if one were made at Monday's General Affairs Council.

[02] EU Commissioner says outcome of Cyprus referenda 'not end of the road'

LUXEMBOURG 27/04/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Verheugen also said it is unclear for the time being if and how efforts will be continued for a solution to the problem of Cyprus.

The Commissioner stressed the European Commission's political will to undertake initiatives for the economic support of the Turkish Cypriot community and added that proposals made in this respect by the Cypriot delegation were constructive.

On the question of what will happen from now on, Verheugen made it clear that the Annan plan is considered invalid following the results of Saturday's referenda and underlined that the European Commission desires backing for the Turkish Cypriots who, as he said, must not be punished.

[03] Cyprus proposes concessions for Turkish-Cypriots at EU, backed by Greece

BRUSSELS 27/04/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The strategy adopted by the Cypriot and Greek delegations hopes to deflect some of the displeasure felt in European capitals regarding the outcome's of Saturday's separate referenda on Cyprus, when Greek-Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected the Annan plan for the island's reunification.

According to sources, the Cypriot delegation at a meeting of permanent representatives in Luxembourg before the start of the EU General Affairs Council suggested a series of measures to boost trade relations between the two communities on the island and more crossing points at the 'Green Line'.

The Cypriot representative also asked for quicker release of 259 million euros in Community funds earmarked for the north in the event that a settlement was achieved.

[04] Karamanlis to receive Cyprus' Papadopoulos on Wednesday

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

In other matters broached during his daily press briefing, Roussopoulos said the Greek government respects both the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece, two of the most prominent Orthodox churches in the world and both extremely significant for Hellenism, as a whole.

He added that provisions in a relevant Charter delineating relations between the two Churches are clear, and must be implemented with “mutual understanding and good will, which if exhibited by both sides, will allow the problem to be solved.”

Relations between the two Churches remained strained over the issue of the regime to be followed for electing new Metropolitans to bishoprics in most of northern Greece, the so-called “New (ecclesiastical) Territories”.

Finally, Roussopoulos responded to a query about ongoing investigations into defense contracts and commissions, noting that “files are being probed.”

[05] Powell says disappointed with Greek Cypriots' rejection of Annan plan

WASHINGTON 27/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

He made the statement following a meeting he had at the State Department with his Danish counterpart Per Stig Moeller.

''I was naturally disappointed. We believe that an important opportunity was lost, a historic opportunity. But the people spoke and we are obliged to hear the will of the people when they express it through refederenda or by other ways. The European Union had a meeting today and made statements on how they will continue to offer help to the Turkish Cypriots. We are examining our position and we will also examine the moves of the European Union so as to safeguard that we are acting in such a manner which abides with the stance of our European colleagues,'' Powell said.

[06] State Department spokesman disappointed over outcome of Greek Cypriot referendum

WASHINGTON 27/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Asked whether the US intends to recognize Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, he said Washington's every move will follow in essence the guidelines to be defined by the European Union.

Boucher termed the Annan plan ''fair'', adding that there will be no better draft solution in the future and expressing the wish that ''the Greek Cypriots will also realize this with time.''

He also made it clear that no new plan will be submitted and neither is there a time limit for renewed negotiating.

Boucher further reiterated the desire of the US not to leave the Turkish Cypriots ''out in the cold'', but avoided clarifying the intentions of Washington regarding the provision of part of the 400 million dollars the US had promised to provide for Cyprus during the recent donors' conference in Brussels.

Boucher also referred to what he called ''guidance'' in favor of a ''no'' vote in the campaign preceding Saturday's referendum among Greek Cypriots.

[07] Communist party leader says Cypriots' 'no' a guarantee for something better

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

Papariga explained the main points in the party's European policy, focusing on Greece's disengagement from the European Union.

She called for support for KKE in the Euroelections and highlighted the positions of the party which will apparently be promoted steadfastly throughout the entire duration of the election period.

Papariga also called on all who disagree with the party's position on disengagement from the EU to support KKE to enable it to give more effective battles in the European Parliament.

[08] PM Karamanlis confers with defense minister Spiliotopoulos

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

Asked whether he believed that there would be tension in the Aegean, following the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, Spiliotopoulos said he and the prime minister had not discussed such issues, noting that this was something that would be looked into, but added that he believed there would be no tension.

Questioned whether he had briefed the prime minister on matters concerning weapons systems purchases, the minister replied in the affirmative.

To relevant questions, Spiliotopoulos said he had not turned over any such related dossiers to the prime minister, adding that the ministry was obliged to forward any data sought by the prosecutor's office in its possession, adding "we have already forwarded them".

[09] Public order minister meets Albanian counterpart

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The meeting will start from one of the countries and conclude in the other and the efforts of the two governments will be strengthened for understanding and cooperation which will have as a major role the creation of a Balkan shield, protecting all the Balkan countries during the period of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Voulgarakis stated that the meeting was constructive and was optimistic for the future of the cooperation,

On his part, Toska said the meeting constituted a step in the right direction, noting that he shared the views of his Greek counterpart regarding the combatting of organized crime and illegal networks.

In light of the Olympic Games, the Albanian government has committed itself to take all the necessary measures and cooperate with the Greek authorities for the holding of safe Olympic Games in Greece.

[10] Parliament ratifies Euromediterranean agreements

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

[11] Greek fiscal deficit could exceed 2.95 pct, gov’t officials

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

Economy and Finance ministry officials said that the fiscal deficit could surpass the 3.0 percent limit set by the EU's Stability Pact if the European Commission reviewed its accounting method on evaluating the country's deficit taking into account pension funds' surpluses (the so-called "white hole") and other state spending.

A delegation of Eurostat's experts is currently visiting Greece to evaluate the country's general government's shortfall.

[12] Gov’t says ''hidden'' debt to healthcare system suppliers exceed 2.0 bln euros

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Labor and Social Protection Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos and Finance Deputy Minister Petros Doukas to discuss the issue, Mr Alogoskoufis said that ''the state's debt to suppliers has accumulated to 2.0 billion euros in the period from May 2001 until today...This is another heavy burden imposed by the previous government's bad management. This debt is growing at more than 200 million euros in the first quarter of 2004''.

The Greek minister stressed that the meeting discussed ways to restructure repayment of the debt that was not included with the country's fiscal debt. He said that the government would also examine creating a new supply system for hospitals with the aim to ''stop this bleeding''.

Mr Alogoskoufis said that final decisions on the issue were expected by the end of May. The Economy minister said that this debt will be included with the country's public debt and part of it would be included in the state budget.

[13] Consumer watchdog to issue suggested retail price lists

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The price lists will include such items as coffee (at a cafe, not take-out), bottled water, snacks and kiosk items, as well as services, such as taxis, dry cleaners, medical care, car and bike rentals, etc.

The lists will be available in Chinese, Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish, as well as in Albanian and Turkish for specific categories.

The consumer group has set up a special tourist protection division, designed to protect tourists and consumers during the Olympic Games by providing legal assistance, a telephone helpline and info kiosks.

[14] Greece votes against GM corn

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, on the sidelines of a Farm Council meeting in Luxembourg, Greek Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Savvas Tsitouridis said that "current scientific knowledge is limited and inadequate regarding the impact of GM food crops...Until science rules definitely on the issue Greece will remain steadily against the introduction and cultivation of genetically modified organizations".

Mr Tsitouridis met with EU Commissioner on Consumer protection and public health, David Burn, and discussed the implementation of EU legislation in Greece.

[15] Stocks rise slightly

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.32 per cent to end at 2,530.23 points. Turnover was 102.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.78 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.22 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities dropped 1.26 per cent.

Of stocks traded, decliners led advances at 218 to 93 with 53 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 26 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,194 1,167

[16] Communist party leader meets with ATHOC president

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

During the meeting, Papariga said that, ''We must take advantage of the Olympic Games so as to convey a different image of the country abroad,'' finding Angelopoulos-Daskalaki in total agreement.

Additionally, Papariga expressed concerns regarding the cost of the projects, the quality of construction due to tight deadlines, as well as the safety and health conditions of workers on the sites. She said that KKE plans to closely monitor the government in order to insure that the Greek people do not pay enormous amounts of funds and receive poor-quality infrastructure and facilities in return.

Papariga also said KKE disagreed with ''the involvement of foreign intelligence services with the excuse of Olympic Games security, the adoption of suppressive measures, and the implementation of mechanisms that restrict people's civil rights and liberties,'' and expressed concerns for the day after as well.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki informed Papariga on plans for the city's functioning during the Games, on the volunteers involved, and on other Organizing Committee programs.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki will meet with Coalition of the Left Movements and Ecology party leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Tuesday.

[17] F. Palli-Petralia to visit Thessaloniki's Olympic sites

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

[18] Athens Mayor to speak at "Panorama of Olympic Sports"

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The "Panorama of Olympic Sports," - an Alpha Bank Olympic program - aims to inform the public about the lesser-known Olympic sports (such as baseball, softball, trampoline, etc.), to raise the public's awareness regarding sports and the Olympic Idea, as well as to motivate citizens in contributing to the Games' success. The event will be held through May 3rd.

[19] Greek Church approves agreement on 1928 act, new Thessaloniki metropolitan

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The text was passed with a sizeable majority of 52 votes, with 10 votes against, four blank votes and five abstentions. The decision was faxed to Phanar soon afterwards.

Much closer was a vote called by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on holding immediate episcopal elections for metropolitans to fill the vacant 'New lands' dioceses of Thessaloniki, Eleftheroupoli and Kozani.

This was passed by just 35 votes for, with 23 against, eight blank votes and five abstentions.

The meeting finally approved the transfer to Metropolitan Anthimos to the vacant Thessaloniki diocese, after blank ballots and abstentions were counted as absent voters.

This meant the transfer was approved by two thirds of those counted as present, or 46 votes in total.

Three metropolitans walked out of the proceedings, while another three had failed to attend because they did not wish to participate in the proceedings.

[20] Former EU commissioner addresses conference on corporate democracy

Athens, 27/04/2004 (ANA)

The conference was organized by PASOK's Parliamentary group at the European Parliament, while the session was coordinated by PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou.

Diamantopoulou also said only four EU countries have included in their legislative framework the EU's two directives on combatting discriminations, adding that discussions on these directives were ''tempestuous.''

''I hope the discussions are also conveyed to Greece, even if tempests are created,'' Diamantopoulou went on to say.

[21] Kofi Annan leaves room for renewed effort on Cyprus

UNITED NATIONS 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press on Monday, Annan said the UN were done, for now, as far a Cyprus was concerned.

Replying to questions, he said ''obviously we're all very disappointed that the reunification efforts did not succeed.''

''But I hope once they've had the chance to reflect, they will have to come to the conclusion that reunification is in the best interest of all of Cyprus, and perhaps wish to pick-up the pieces and see where they go from there,'' he said.

''I really would urge them to think it through. I know that we, at the UN, are not the only disappointed group,'' he added.

The Secretary-General said that the EU, other states and Washington were all disappointed because unification had lots to offer to all the Cypriots and the people of that region.

''I hope, now that they have woken up to what has happened, they will reflect and take the necessary steps to get back to the table,'' Annan added.

Asked whether the UN's work was done for now, the Secretary-General replied ''for now, we are done.''

[22] Council Conclusions on Cyprus

LUXEMBOURG 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''The Council noted the results of the referenda in Cyprus on 24 April 2004 and expressed its strong regret that the accession to the EU of a united Cyprus will not now be possible on 1 May. The Council expressed its deep appreciation for the determined and sustained efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his colleagues in the search for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. The Council also welcomed the contribution made by Greece and Turkey. It expressed its determination to ensure that the people of Cyprus will soon achieve their shared destiny as citizens of a united Cyprus in the European Union.

The Turkish Cypriot community has expressed their clear desire for a future within the European Union. The Council is determined to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Council invited the Commission to bring forward comprehensive proposals to this end, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island and on improving contact between the two communities and with the EU. The Council recommended that the 259 million euro already earmarked for the northern part of Cyprus in the event of a settlement now be used for this purpose.

The Council asked COREPER to expedite discussion on the Regulation on a regime under Article 2 of Protocol 10 of the Act of Accession with a view to its adoption before 1 May, taking due account of the Council's desire to send a signal of encouragement to the Turkish Cypriot community that its future rests in a united Cyprus within the European Union.''

[23] Cyprus-Luxembourg FMs discuss results of Cyprus referenda

LUXEMBOURG 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Polfer said that what happened on Saturday was not a happy event, noting that the EU had worked for the accession of a reunited Cyprus into the EU.

Now, she said, we would have to accept the results of the referenda and deal together with friends with the new situation.

Iacovou described the meeting especially useful and noted that Saturday's referendum was a stop-over and that the effort for Cyprus' reunification would not stop.

''There are enough reasons to be optimistic and to be able to look forward to a joint successful future,'' he said.

He said now it was the time for reflection and added that it would be a mistake to take hasty decisions that would minimize the potential to act towards reunification.

Iacovou said the Cyprus Government was ready to cooperate with everyone and especially with its EU partners and noted that he would announce to the Council a series of measures aiming to support the Turkish Cypriots and to encourage the channeling of EU funds for the Turkish Cypriot community's financial development, in accordance with the acquis communautaire.

[24] De Soto: UN will step back and reflect

NICOSIA 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto was speaking to reporters after a farewell call to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

Asked what his last impressions were after Greek Cypriots had rejected a UN solution plan, de Soto said he would not want to say anything, only that his meeting with President Papadopoulos was a farewell call.

De Soto refrained from commenting on claims by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he (de Soto) had misled the Secretary-General by saying that the two sides were close to a deal when their differences were 180 degrees away.

''I don't have any comments on that,'' he said.

Asked what the UN will do in the future, de Soto said ''we are not talking about the near future, not in a couple of weeks time.''

He added ''we will step back and reflect on what has transpired over the past four years.''

Asked if there was a chance of a second referendum, de Soto said ''we will reflect on that and many other things.''

[25] Russia says UN plan not considering Cypriot communities' views

MOSCOW 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Commenting on the result of Saturday's referendum on the Annan Plan, which was rejected by the Greek Cypriot community, Lavrov said on Monday ''it reflected the will, expression of the Cyprus people,'' and therefore ''the plan of Kofi Annan has not passed, even though the founding resolution envisaged the consideration for opinions of both sides.''

''For this reason we believe that the attempts to approve this plan in the Security Council are unjustified,'' he said.

The Russian minister said his country would not abandon the hope that the positive groundwork, which the plan contains, will retain its force, ''and the mission of good services with which Kofi Annan was entrusted will be continued.''

''It is important to approach new decisions that will be supported by both sides,'' Lavrov said.

[26] CEH thanks US Congresspersons for their actions before referenda

NICOSIA 27/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Senators Olympia Snowe and Tim Johnson, as well as members of Congress Ileanaa Ros-Lehtinen, Frank Pallone, Rob Andrews, Michael Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney, wrote to President Bush before the referenda, urging him and his administration not to exercise undue pressure to the Cypriot people and regardless of the outcome to continue working on Cyprus.

In a press release the CEH ''thanks key Senators and Members of Congress who, over the last two weeks, have been encouraging President Bush and his administration to allow the Cypriots decide their own future, without undue pressure and to respect their final decision.''

Senator Johnson wrote to President Bush before the referenda took place (April 24), stating, ''regardless of the outcome of the

referenda, I encourage you to stay closely involved in Cyprus and to continue working for a lasting and fair reunification.''

In her letter addressed to the US president, Senator Snowe stressed ''it is crucial that the US allow Cypriots to make this choice on their own, without undue pressure.''

Members of Congress Bilirakis and Maloney took the floor of the US House of Representatives and made strong statements opposing the Annan plan and supporting the Cypriot people.

They said that a number of provisions of the Annan plan do not alleviate the basic fears of the Greek Cypriot community.

Meanwhile in separate letters to President Bush Ros-Lehtinen, Pallone and Andrews urged the American government to accept the decision of the Cypriot people and continue efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, in case the Annan plan would be rejected.

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