Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU FMs urge citizens to vote in Europarliament elections

[02] UN report on Cyprus developments contains inaccuracies, foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos says

[03] Government denies report of armed US guards for American Olympic team

[04] DM says issue of abolishing unified defense doctrine never raised

[05] Main opposition accuses government of breaking promises, inability to govern

[06] Agriculture Minister Tsitouridis meets U.S. Ambassador Miller

[07] FinMin comments on 2005 budget

[08] Five bidders for Thessaloniki Metro project

[09] Gov't seeks more efficient management of pension funds' reserves

[10] Balkan Chambers of Commerce Union to make business proposals to Balkan governments

[11] Employment ministry preparing new bill for management of state insurance reserve funds

[12] No unilateral action on shipping fares, government says

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise as general index resumes upward trend

[14] East arch at OAKA stadium begins to slide into place

[15] New York and Athens mayors attend Olympic Games event in New York

[16] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki meets with European Parliament president

[17] Karamanlis briefed by alternate minister on Olympic progress, OAKA roof

[18] PM Karamanlis promises immediate steps for Thriasio hospital

[19] Government pledges to intensify efforts to combat people trafficking, sex trade

[20] Celebration of World Environment Day in Piraeus on Saturday

[21] SAE board meeting in Thessaloniki concludes its works

[22] One in three Greeks is a computer user, Greek statistics service finds

[23] Cypriot President Papadopoulos assesses situation with Kofi Annan

[24] Cyprus government critical of UN report

[01] EU FMs urge citizens to vote in Europarliament elections

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

"Vote on June 13 - Decide on the future of Europe", is the message jointly drafted by the foreign ministers of the 25 EU member states, which was addressed by Valinakis to the Greek voters.

"These are the first elections of the Europe of the '25'. They are a manifestation of our volition to share a common vision of peace, solidarity and security, a necessary condition in order that Europe's voice will become even more powerful on the international forefront," Valinakis said, and invited the citizens to exercise their voter's right in Sunday's polls.

"Europe is much more than a simple market. It is a vital community of values and goals. It is not an abstract meaning, but a constant presence in the daily life of each and every one of us. The European Parliament plays a key role in the European structure, and Europe needs a parliament that represents the diversity of each and every one of us and expresses our desires, hopes and choices," Valinakis said.

Coalition leader appeals to voters to support party at Euro-elections: At a press conference at the Zappeion building on Thursday, Coalition of the Radical Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos urged voters to support his party at the European elections on June 13. The Coalition leader accused the two main parties, ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK, of following the same neoliberal policies and he was particularly critical of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which he accused of adopting an unrealistic policy with respect to the European Union.

Constantopoulos stressed that the European elections were more than an empty formality and that abstaining from them was tantamount to waiving one's right to express an opinion about the European Union.

[02] UN report on Cyprus developments contains inaccuracies, foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos says

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

The views contained in the report "do not always coincide with the views of the sides involved," Koumoutsakos said, noting that in certain points of the text "the assessments are not completely accurate".

The Annan report "refers to conditions under which a new initiative could be undertaken for achieving a solution," he said, adding that, for the Greek side, the reunion of the island on the basis of the Annan plan remained the goal. "Only in that way will the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots be able to enjoy the benefits of the Cyprus Republic's accession into the EU," the spokesman said.

Replying to questions, Koumoutsakos reiterated the Greek position, stressing that the outcome of the referendum on the Annan plan in Cyprus manifested the volition of the Greek Cypriots for achievement of a solution, with the ultimate goal of reunification of the island. He added that this had been stated by all the sides, and of course by the Greek side.

However, study of the text was continuing, he added.

Koumoutsakos further pointed out that the interpretation of the result of the referendum "is not clear in the text, as it is interpreted as a desire for non-solution, but that is not the case".

The Greek side, he said, points out the need to support the Turkish Cypriots, but always inside the framework within which the special regime of Cyprus' EU participation has been designed, and is determined by the UN decisions and resolutions. He added that those measures should function as an incentive, rather than an impediment, and therefore should be faced in that light.

Replying to other questions, Koumoutsakos said that the procedure to be followed from here on by the UN was not clear, and it was not known what the status of the report would be.

All the latest developments on the Cyprus issue will be discussed on Friday between foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and his Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou, who was due in Athens.

[03] Government denies report of armed US guards for American Olympic team

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

According to a report appearing in an Athens daily, the government had committed itself to permitting American guards accompanying the US Olympic team to bear arms.

"The government categorically denies the relevant information on this issue, and an announcement will be issued by the ministry of Public Order," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said in reply to questions during a regular press briefing.

Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis later underlined once again that no such issue had been or would be raised, while noting that "such inaccuracies and rumors do not further the national cause, especially at a time when the planning of Olympics security has been completed and has begun to be put into effect."

Gov't spokesman on press report regarding NATO presence: The government spokesman on Thursday referred to an announcement by the national defense ministry to answer a same-day press report claiming that NATO forces ostensibly involved in security for the 2004 will be increased.

The ministry announcement reminded that Greece is a member of the NATO alliance and has specific rights and obligations emanating from its membership.

In a direct response to the press article, printed by the "Rizospastis" daily, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos said the program mentioned in the article "deals clearly with peace-keeping missions", and that "Greece will not give up rights that strengthen its international presence".

[04] DM says issue of abolishing unified defense doctrine never raised

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking before Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Spiliotopoulos pointed out that "it would be politically naive if we were to believe that with (Cyprus') accession (to the European Union) there is no reason for anything to change regarding security measures on the island. We are obliged, as a matter of fact, to examine the situation, whether certain plans need revision."

However, the defense minister clarified that whatever revisions of the joint defense doctrine primarily concern the doctrine's military sector and that "changes always take place in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus."

[05] Main opposition accuses government of breaking promises, inability to govern

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

He also claimed that the present government was attempting to restore the party-political state and give public-sector jobs to its supporters, using the cancellation of a tender for the recruitment of 25,000 part-time staff and the firing of 70 per cent of executives at the National Bank of Greece without justification as examples of such practices.

Vougias attacked the government over rising prices and the forecasts of stringent austerity programs after the Olympics by ministers, which he said damaged the prestige of the Games, as well as its handling of the Olympic Airlines (OA) privatization.

In an attack on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, meanwhile, Vougias questioned his effectiveness as a negotiator and said this was not borne out by his performance at Lucerne and elsewhere.

The spokesman said there were positive messages for PASOK's electoral prospects in recent days and that the party was moving forward with "unity and prospects".

Responding to his statements, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos accused the main opposition of trying to deflect problems to the other side to overcome its own difficulties and said that Vougias and PASOK leader George Papandreou were sending out contradictory messages regarding "party-political" job placements by the government.

[06] Agriculture Minister Tsitouridis meets U.S. Ambassador Miller

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Tsitouridis said:"With particular joy I received today at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Foods and had a very interesting discussion with the Ambassador of the United States in Greece Mr. Thomas Miller. We discussed issues which are of great interest and concern the negotiations within the framework of the World Trade Organization. We further discussed the recent review of the Common Agricultural Policy and on what is going on in our world on the production and trading of agricultural products. We also had the opportunity to refer to current issues of mutual interest. It was a courtesy call and at the same time a very substantial and useful meeting."

On his part, Ambassador Miller confirmed the good climate in the talks. "It was a very useful meeting as the minister also said. It was the first opportunity I had to meet Mr. Tsitouridis since the assumption of his duties. What I wish to say is that the issues which the minister and the ministry are handling are among the most important for the international community. The issues for example of the Agricultural Subsidies and the talks which are being held at the World Trade Organization are issues which concern each of us in our daily life."

[07] FinMin comments on 2005 budget

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said that the ministry has issued a circular urging for spending restraint and noted that the circular was traditionally issued each year offering government ministries and public enterprises directions in drafting their annual budgets.

The Greek minister said that the economy ministry was currently drafting a law seeking to offer solutions to the issue of penalty rates imposed by commercial banks on unpaid debt, returning VAT to exporters and launching a new development law.

A second phase of a fiscal audit will be completed by September, covering all "hidden deficits", Alogoskoufis said.

He added that the government has not yet reached a political decision on tax reform and called recent press reports on the issue as just scenarios.

Alogoskoufis said that an ECOFIN meeting held in Luxembourg, June 1-2, agreed not to allow any fuel tax reduction by any EU member-states.

[08] Five bidders for Thessaloniki Metro project

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in parliament, Souflias said the project was expected to be completed in six years. The Greek minister said that a deadline for submitting formal applications has expired and that five foreign companies - in cooperation with Greek companies- have expressed interest for the project. "It is encouraging that these companies are among the biggest in Europe," Souflias stressed.

He noted that the Metro system would run through the whole city, from side to side, and expressed the hope that everything would go as planned from here on.

"We have a very good plan," Souflias added.

[09] Gov't seeks more efficient management of pension funds' reserves

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in parliament, Angelopoulos said that social insurance organizations would need additional funding of 2.0 trillion drachmas and stressed that the use of new technology by IKA departments would help in effectively combatting contribution evasion in the country.

[10] Balkan Chambers of Commerce Union to make business proposals to Balkan governments

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by a Greek delegation, headed by the President of the Central Union of Chambers of Commerce of Greece George Kasimatis.

Special measures to be proposed to Balkan governments aim at facilitating transactions and communication between business communities in the region and turning the Balkans into a free trade zone and an attractive solution for foreign investors.

The proposals include improving the region's transport infrastructure and the road network linking the Balkan countries, particularly the road network linking the capitals of these countries.

Other proposals are operating European corridors to strengthen the region's economic relations with the European Union and facilitating cross-border transport with the enactment of necessary arrangements.

[11] Employment ministry preparing new bill for management of state insurance reserve funds

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

He was responding to a question put by Coalition of the Radical Left MP Fotis Kouvelis.

Angelopoulos noted the large amounts of additional funding that the social insurance system will need and said that this would partly be addressed by more frequent inspections at the Social Insurances Foundation (IKA) and a new computerized system, which it is hoped will stamp out 90-95 per cent of insurance contribution evasion.

[12] No unilateral action on shipping fares, government says

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in parliament, Kefaloyiannis said that the government and shipping companies have agreed on a ceiling for this year's fares. The Greek minister urged striking workers in tug boats to end their mobilizations and pledged to immediately examine their contract demands.

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise as general index resumes upward trend

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,415.90 points, showing a 0.60 per cent increase. Turnover was 134.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.92 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.48 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.02 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 176 to 121 with 63 remaining unchanged.

[14] East arch at OAKA stadium begins to slide into place

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Officials supervising the delicate maneuver, including staff from the Italian engineering firm Chimolai, promised that the entire procedure will be completed over the weekend, and after the east arch first travels 60 meters to fall into place. The same procedure was followed for the west arch.

The procedure to position the east arch was delayed by one week due to technical problems and security concerns, officials said.

The entire OAKA project, highlighted by the new "signature" roof over the stadium -- the brainchild of noted Spanish architect and civil engineer Santiago Calatrava -- has been the pre-eminent "thorn" in the side of organizers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to costs and delays.

The rush to complete the roof and the entire OAKA stadium renovation comes days before a closely watched sport (test) event takes place there, namely, the Greek national track & field championships June 10-12. Organizers will have to install 8,000 seats for the test event, as well as a total of 75,000 permanent seats for the Olympic Games by Aug. 13.

[15] New York and Athens mayors attend Olympic Games event in New York

NEW YORK 4/6/2004 (ANA/P.Panayiotou)

Bloomberg presented a list of 140 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic Torch in all five boroughs of New York City, starting from Athens Square, the heart of America's Greek community. Firemen, policemen, school principals, activists, businesspeople and journalists are among those chosen as torchbearers.

Bakoyiannis stressed that "Athens has completely changed," and assured that "everything will be ready on time."

Regarding Games security the Athens mayor said, "the Greek people have paid the greatest amount of money that has ever been allocated to Olympic Games security. I believe that in an unsafe world, Athens will be one of the safest cities during the summer of 2004."

[16] Angelopoulos-Daskalaki meets with European Parliament president

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Cox also expressed his congratulations for the event held Wednesday as the Olympic flame, "the flame of hope," as he termed it, set off on its global journey.

"We [the EU] share with you, our fellow European citizens, your pride, as Europe hosts the Olympic Games this year, and Athens with its long history as well as the Olympic Movement must feel proud once again," Cox said.

Referring to the Olympic projects, the European Parliament president emphasized that, "that the level of preparations is breath-taking, since progress is significant." Cox also expressed his confidence that all Olympic works will be completed very soon.

European Parliament president visits Olympic Stadium: European Parliament President Pat Cox together with Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia visited the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) site on Thursday.

"I think Greeks should be proud of Olympic preparations. Today, we had the opportunity to see terrific progress; a determination to stage well-planned Olympic Games in Athens," Cox said after his visit.

Palli-Petralia said, "today we had the chance with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Cox, to observe the work in progress here, to have him as our guest, and most of all I would like to emphasize what Mr. Cox said, that for us it's a matter of Greek pride, but these projects are also a source of European pride. These Games make the Europeans proud as well."

[17] Karamanlis briefed by alternate minister on Olympic progress, OAKA roof

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who also holds the culture ministry portfolio, reportedly focused on the need for landscaping around all Olympic venues, something mentioned by IOC top inspector Denis Oswald during his most recent visit to Athens.

The premier appeared satisfied with the progress of works and the level of involvement of related government ministries in order to avoid the delays of the past.

Finally, he referred to Greece's image abroad, as the international limelight will fall on the country in two months' time when the Olympics are held in Athens.

[18] PM Karamanlis promises immediate steps for Thriasio hospital

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

The hospital's kidney dialysis and cardiac arrest units are closed and many new units of medical equipment were still in their packaging due to lack of staff for their operation, while work was still unfinished on the flooring in the corridors of the outpatient clinic.

Karamanlis reviewed the situation on-the-spot and pledged that the dialysis, cardiac arrest and Latsio Burns Center would be immediately rendered operational.

The premier said that the hospital, although new, did not fully meet its functions due to lack of staff and personnel, adding that the goal was to create a modern regional hospital serving all of western Attica prefecture.

He said the immediate priority was to fill organic vacancies in medical and nursing staff.

The people must have access to humane health services, in modern, European-standard hospitals, which are financed by the Greek taxpayer, Karamanlis said, adding that the State must finally respect that.

[19] Government pledges to intensify efforts to combat people trafficking, sex trade

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

"In cooperation with the Society of Citizens we are intensifying the war against this modern form of slavery that is an affront to our democracy, human values and civilization," the minister said.

Stylianidis, who is in charge of international cooperation and economic development, announced a series of measures in this direction. These included cooperation within the framework of the Stability Pact, doubling of funds for non-governmental organizations active in this area, the drafting of a bilateral agreement with Albania for the return of children that have been the victims of exploitation, the immediate incorporation into national law of all agreements on this issue signed by Greece and a campaign to sensitize public opinion.

In addition, the foreign ministry will work with NGOs to create shelters, organize special training for police officers and justices, cooperate with bar associations and to found observatories in five Olympic cities.

The ministry will also undertake to coordinate government action on this issue and assess the proposals of the 14 NGOs that have expressed an interest in taking part in the ministry-funded effort.

According to Stylianidis, everything was under review and reassessment and a system would be set up to monitor the assessment process, transparency and how effective these organizations were in practice.

[20] Celebration of World Environment Day in Piraeus on Saturday

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

During the event, Jean Michel Cousteau and his diving team will perform a cleaning demonstration of the sea; the National Synchronized Swimming Team will perform; and students of Piraeus' schools will have the opportunity to participate in various games in the presence of the Athens 2004 mascots Phevos and Athena. Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and UN Environment Program Executive Director Klaus Toepfer will send videotaped messages.

Attending the event will be Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Mayor of Piraeus Christos Agrapidis and AEF President T. Diamantidis.

[21] SAE board meeting in Thessaloniki concludes its works

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

"Eight years after the establishment of SAE we have acquired valuable experience and knowledge, always in close cooperation with the government and especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as with all political parties. We are moving towards the development of mid-term and long-term actions that will lead us to achieve SAE's vision and goals," Athens said.

[22] One in three Greeks is a computer user, Greek statistics service finds

Athens, 4/6/2004 (ANA)

The survey was carried out in the first three months of 2003, among a randomly selected sample of 4,791 individuals between the ages of 16-74 years.

The survey also showed that there was greater use of computers at home than at work (66 percent) and that men outstripped women in daily use of computers (53 per cent).

In addition, 10.4 per cent of Greek homes were found to own a digital television set, 13.1 per cent a DVD recorder and 99 per cent a television set.

[23] Cypriot President Papadopoulos assesses situation with Kofi Annan

UNITED NATIONS 4/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, President Papadopoulos said he had a most useful meeting, which took place in a very good atmosphere and reiterated that his goal was to see a viable solution in a bizonal, bicommunal federal Cyprus.

He also said that he wished to help the Turkish Cypriots reap the benefits of European Union accession and see that they got as many benefits as possible on condition that these were permissible and possible in the context of EU and international law and decisions of the UN Security Council.

President Papadopoulos dismissed press suggestions that he had deceived people or that the Annan plan, a UN proposal on a comprehensive settlement which was rejected by the Greek Cypriot community, had not been explained to the people.

He said that, as things stood, it would be wrong to withdraw the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

''I have deceived nobody, never before had a document received as much analysis through the media, it would be unfair to say the people of Cyprus voted the way they voted because they were in any way misguided by anybody. I had to give my own assessment of the plan and the decision must be respected by all,'' he said.

He noted he submitted in writing his views during negotiations and said that he and the Secretary-General agreed that time was needed for reflection before an initiative was considered.

''I think the report has a lot of inaccuracies, and I am going to reply in writing and point them out, the sequence of events and also the assessment of the positions expressed by the two sides during the negotiations,'' he said.

He expressed deep disappointment that at the UN-led talks his demands were within the parameters of the Annan plan whereas demands by the Turkish Cypriot side fell far short of that.

''It seems to me that everything that Turkey has asked has been finally incorporated in the final version of the plan,'' he explained.

He expressed the view that when the time was ripe ''Turkish Cypriots will realize that having their own little world and getting the benefits they are getting is only second best to the reunification of the country.''

President Papadopoulos said that the disparity in economic terms between Greek and Turkish Cypriots was due to a great extent to political reasons such as the adoption of the Turkish lira by the Turkish Cypriots.

Responding to questions, he said a bizonal bicommunal federation which would truly reunify the country ''is the best solution for both'' and dismissed press suggestions that he contradicted previous decisions or agreements with regard to a political settlement.

''To say that this particular plan, only this particular plan, is the only way of achieving that aim I think is wrong, the people rejected not the federation solution but this particular plan,'' he stressed.

Asked about Turkey's role in the Cyprus solution, he said that the decision-making bodies are in Ankara because of the dependence of the Turkish Cypriot community financially on Turkey.

''Many of the points the Turkish side demanded at the talks were points that to a great extent served the interests of Turkey not those of the Turkish Cypriots,'' he pointed out.

He said that the vision of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for two separate sovereign states in Cyprus would not be accepted by the Greek Cypriots and expressed hope that ''the new outlook shown by the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side is not an illusion, a play on words.''

On Turkey's EU aspirations, President Papadopoulos said that the solution should serve the interests of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots and not either the interests or political aspirations of any other country, be that Turkey or Greece or another country.

Responding to questions about the presence of UNFICYP (UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus), he said he shared the view that the force and the mandate of UNFICYP should be reviewed.

Noting that UNFICYP was doing a ''marvelous job'', he explained that since there were no changes in security issues UNFICYP needed to continue its role.

''It would be a mistake to withdraw the force,'' he added.

[24] Cyprus government critical of UN report

NICOSIA 4/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In an initial reaction to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report, the spokesman said the government disagreed on several counts with the analysis and the assessment of the report and he described as an ''unfair and far fetched conclusion to claim that the rejection by the Greek Cypriots of the Annan plan was in fact a rejection of either a solution or the notion of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.''

He also indicated that the Secretary General contradicted himself by calling for bilateral ties with the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime and pointing to the binding nature of Security Council resolutions, which call on all states not to recognize any other state in Cyprus except the Republic of Cyprus.

Chrysostomides also said that the report did not refer to the continuing Turkish occupation of a large part of Cyprus but acknowledged that it left the door open for more effort towards a settlement.

He welcomed the reference that any attempt for recognition or assisted secession would be contrary to UN resolutions and to the will of the Turkish Cypriots who approved the Annan plan and voted in favor of reunification. ''Some of the suggestions in the report, in particular the call to the Security Council to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots, lead to dangerous ground and we believe that they are outside the framework of the Secretary-General's good offices mission and go beyond international law and Council resolutions,'' Chrysostomides said.

Asked if the Secretary-General acted outside his mandate, the spokesman noted a ''very serious contradiction'' in the report.

He explained that there was a reference to the binding nature of Council resolutions 541 and 550, noted that recognition of the Turkish Cypriot regime or secession was not possible but on the other had it called on all states ''to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots.''

''This is a crystal clear contradiction in terms which is not justified. I consider this suggestion as being outside the terms of reference of the Secretary-General and his capacity as a provider of good offices,'' the spokesman added.

The spokesman dismissed as inaccurate references in the report that the Greek Cypriot side had refused to talk during negotiations in Switzerland, pointing out that on the specific day the UN said they had not asked for a meeting.

He said the authors of the report were unfair towards the Greek Cypriot side because it had rejected the plan and said the document talks about 120,000 Greek Cypriot refugees returning to their homes under Greek Cypriot administration, a figure he said was wrong.

The report, he said, neglected what had preceded the latest effort (prior to mid February 2004), does not record the negative stance of the Turkish side in the past 30 years and has no mention of the continuing illegal Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus.

The UN report ignores the fact that Rauf Denktash was heading the negotiations up until 24 March, a period when he displayed the utmost bad faith with demands way beyond the parameters of the Annan plan, Chrysostomides pointed out.

On UN remarks about security concerns and guarantees, the spokesman said the Greek Cypriot side had always maintained during negotiations that the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee should be curtailed and pointed out that there was no justification for a unilateral right of intervention (something which Turkey has in the proposed solution).

''This is a report which at the end of the day leaves the door open for more effort to promote attempts towards a solution. The government will outline its views to the Council and, following a thorough assessment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make the necessary moves,'' Chrysostomides said.

Responding to questions, he said ''the government would wish to see all events presented clearly and objectively as they occurred during the negotiations, noting the position of the other side prior to the talks,'' he said.

Asked if Annan's stance towards Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos was considered hostile, the spokesman replied, ''Reports by the Secretary-General are and should be objective. I do not think that the Secretary-General is entitled or has an intention to punish or be vindictive towards the people of Cyprus. He says in the report he respects the outcome of the referendum.''

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