Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK leader addresses Euroelections rally in Athens

[02] PM visits ND's central campaign office in Santaroza, addresses campaign workers

[03] SYN leader Constantopoulos addresses rally in Thessaloniki ahead of Euro-elections

[04] PM and NATO chief discuss Olympics security, Iraq and upcoming NATO summit

[05] State Department supports four-month renewal of

[06] Greek Communist Party leader says Greek force being prepared for Iraq

[07] Foreign ministry on response to Cyprus-related initiative by Turkey at Islamic Conference

[08] 'Significant improvement' in Greek-U.S. relations noted in Washington conference

[09] Deputy foreign minister to represent Greece at Reagan funeral

[10] PM congratulates new FYROM counterpart Hari Kostov on his election

[11] German ambassador attends event in memory of Distomo massacre by German occupation forces

[12] Greek gov't to radically reform state procurement system

[13] King Harald V of Norway responds positively to Thessaloniki's bid to host EXPO 2008

[14] EU Council of Energy Ministers concludes successfully for Greek positions

[15] Council of State deliberates on decree granting tenure to contract staff in public sector

[16] Stocks rise slightly as market lacks macroeconomic news

[17] PM and other political leaders attend national championship

[18] Olympic Flame arrives in New Delhi

[19] Public Order Minister completes his Olympic tour

[20] Press conference on the exhibit "A Tribute to the Olive Tree"

[21] School contest focusing on the Olympic Games held in Dublin

[22] Five foreign women killed, one seriously injured, after their car rammed into parked truck

[23] American tourist killed by suspected burglar on Mykonos

[24] Spokesman says aim is reference to previous UN resolutions

[25] Britain: Cypriot authorities decide checks regarding movement across Green Line

[01] PASOK leader addresses Euroelections rally in Athens

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou referred in particular to a loan recently concluded by the government and to what he called the doubling of the cost of the Athens Olympic Games. On the question of the loan, the PASOK leader asked what the cost was for the state, where will the money from the loan go and for which reasons the government received the loan with such a high interest rate and commission.

Focusing on Olympic Games projects, Papandreou said the government succeeded from 4.6 billion, estimated by the PASOK government as being their cost, to claim they will cost 10 billion euros.

Papandreou, outlining his party's policy towards Europe, said it will struggle to have democratic institutions strengthened, the European Parliament backed and democracy bolstered.

Moreover, he added, it will strive for a federal Europe that will combat unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

The PASOK leader also stressed that the socialists' demands concern the doubling of expenditures for active employment policies, increasing real salaries and substantively decreasing the difference in remuneration between men and women.

Papandreou noted that socialist progressive forces must win first place in the European Parliament, adding that the socialists can come in first place in Greece as well.

PASOK election campaign committee confident about Euro-election results: Speaking after Thursday's meeting of main opposition PASOK's campaign committee for the European elections, party spokesman Spyros Vougias expressed confidence about the results of the upcoming election on Sunday.

Asked what percentage of the vote PASOK would consider a success, Vougias said that comparisons with the previous European elections and the recent national elections were inevitable but stressed that the party's goals were not limited to the numbers.

He also criticized government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos for his attack on PASOK leader George Papandreou, which he attributed to an attempt to reverse the poor performance by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis during a televised debate between the party leaders and divert attention from the worrying first impressions given by ND's government.

Former minister Evangelos Venizelos stressed that PASOK's goal was to achieve the best possible result so as to send a message that the government did not have 'carte blanche' and make PASOK a strong counterforce.

[02] PM visits ND's central campaign office in Santaroza, addresses campaign workers

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

"We say 'yes' to taking part," the prime minister said in an appeal to the electorate to exercise their right to vote next Sunday, stressing that this election determined who would speak for Greece and strive for its interests in Europe.

At another point, Karamanlis said that the general elections on March 7 that brought in his government had "opened a new chapter for Greece", a period of confidence, peace and cooperation in the broader region that offered more opportunities for every citizen.

"We are striding forward with responsibility and determination," Karamanlis added, underlining that his government had already achieved a great deal during its three months in power.

"We do not ignore the problems or what we have inherited from the past. We are bringing the cycle of yesterday to an end and making use of the opportunities to create new jobs," he added.

Pointing out that ND had been the one to set Greece on the path toward Europe, he said it would "unwaveringly continue this course" after June 13, and stressed that ND would fully honor its pre-election pledge to be "a government for all Greeks".

PM says he will not follow austerity policy: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, in an interview with the private television channel Antenna on Thursday, promised not to follow a policy of austerity.

"There will be no charges and, primarily, there will be relief for those belonging to weaker income brackets," he said.

The prime minister said commitments made will be honored absolutely, while the policy aimed at decreasing deficits will not affect citizens and the financially weaker.

Karamanlis went on to say citizens must be aware of the real state of the economy and that the inventory proved that the deficit exceeds 3 percent and it is not 1.7 percent, as the previous government was saying.

"Whoever says matters are not like this is underestimating the citizens' intelligence and himself. We must know the truth to be able to plan policy, because we cannot play hide and seek," he said.

[03] SYN leader Constantopoulos addresses rally in Thessaloniki ahead of Euro-elections

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at Aristotelous Square, Constantopoulos launched a strong attack against the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), accusing it of "dogmatism" and of being "out of touch with reality" with regard its positions on the European Union. He claimed that a vote for the KKE "is a vote for the disarmament of the Left."

He called on the electorate to vote for his party as in doing so, they would strengthen the forces of the European Left and of the European Social Forum, which, as he said, "constitute a hope of resistance and bodies of different ideas."

The leader of Synaspismos was highly critical of the KKE's desire for Greece to leave the European Union, noting that if that happened, the Greek working people, including farmers, would be subject to "brutal exploitation."

Constantopoulos also turned his fire against the ruling New Democracy (ND) party and the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party, while claiming that the government was planning to use the cost of the Olympic Games as a pretext to impose harsh economic austerity measures.

[04] PM and NATO chief discuss Olympics security, Iraq and upcoming NATO summit

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos.

Regarding Olympics security and Greece's request for NATO assistance in dealing with "asymmetrical threats" or terrorism, Scheffer expressed certainty that the Olympics will be "very good and safe", while on the issue of Iraq it was noted that Greece has pledged an additional three million euros to the five million euros it has already sent.

The meeting of NATO leaders in Istanbul is expected to focus on events in the Balkan region, where an improvement in stability is apparent that is attributed to the Euro-Atlantic course of countries in the area, with the exception of the continuing problems in Kosovo. Also on the agenda are developments in Afghanistan, Mediterranean dialogue and NATO's relations with the EU and Russia.

Asked to comment on statements by the defense minister that seemed to leave open the prospect of dispatching Greek troops to Iraq after the Olympic Games, Roussopoulos said the minister's statements had been misinterpreted and stressed that Greece had at no time been asked to send troops to Iraq.

He also pointed out that NATO's role in Iraq had not even been discussed and noted a statement by White House security advisor Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday that sending more troops to Iraq was unnecessary.

Defense minister meets NATO Secretary-General: National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos had a one-hour meeting in Athens on Thursday afternoon with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

According to sources, examined at the meeting were technical issues regarding NATO's contribution to the security of the Olympic Games such as the way of refueling ships, the number of AWACKS and the issue of nuclear, biological and chemical defense.

The sources added that another AWACKS, other than the four, is ready in the event that one of them becomes non-functional, while a battalion of NATO nuclear, biological and chemical defense will be used, as the corresponding Greek one is on operational readiness.

Foreign minister hosts dinner in honor of visiting NATO secretary general: A dinner in honor of visiting NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was given on Thursday by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, immediately after Scheffer's meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Scheffer is in Athens as part of a tour to prepare for the NATO summit in Istanbul at the end of this month. Also present at the dinner was Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, who will later meet the NATO chief at the Pentagon in Athens.

[05] State Department supports four-month renewal of

UNFICYP WASHINGTON 11/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The announcement also said that the US did not propose that UNFICYP should be withdrawn from Cyprus, replying to a question submitted to the Department.

The question asked whether "at technical meetings at the UN did the U.S. and UK propose that the UN force should be withdrawn from Cyprus within the next three months?".

The State Department replied: "No. The United States did not make any such proposal. Renewal of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is a matter of consultation within the Security Council. It is not yet clear how long renewal will be for. The Secretary General intends to submit recommendations to the Security Council regarding the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus' mandate, force levels, and concept of operations, within the next three months. We look forward to hearing his ideas. The United States supports an initial renewal of no more than four months, with a follow-on renewal of six months that would take into consideration the Secretary General's recommendations."

[06] Greek Communist Party leader says Greek force being prepared for Iraq

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

"There should be no appeasement as a result of statements by the government and the defense minister. The issue is on the stocks. A Greek force is being prepared for Iraq," she said.

Papariga further said no Greek soldier should leave the country's borders and that "we must act now to prevent this before it is too late."

Replying to a question on KKE's performance in Sunday's Euroelections, Papariga said "I do not want to prejudge what will happen in the elections. What is important is for working people to do what is in their interest. If they think in this way, then KKE's percentages will certainly be high."

[07] Foreign ministry on response to Cyprus-related initiative by Turkey at Islamic Conference

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Koumoutsakos was responding to questions about how Greece intended to respond to Turkey's efforts to use the OIC meeting in Istanbul to promote its policies regarding the Turkish-occupied territory on Cyprus.

He said coordinated actions were being carried out that aimed to reduce any negative references and that the ministry did not expect that some sort of recognition would be sought. An attempt is being made for there to be a record with the name used in the plan drafted by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan for the north of Cyprus.

Koumoutsakos pointed out that the issue had been raised in recent meetings with the ambassadors of Arab countries in Athens, who had undertaken to convey Athens' views to their governments. The issue will also be included in the agenda for talks that Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis will have on Friday in Egypt with his Egyptian counterpart.

The spokesman also expressed the foreign ministry's satisfaction with Ankara's decision to release Leila Zana and three Kurdish former MPs that are being held in Turkish jails, saying this was a sign that democratic reforms in Turkey were gaining ground. Koumoutsakos also pointed out that Turkey's rapprochement with Europe was largely dependent on its progress in human rights issues.

[08] 'Significant improvement' in Greek-U.S. relations noted in Washington conference

WASHINGTON 11/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The conference was organized by the Hellenic American Heritage Council which promotes stronger relations between the United States and Greece in the commercial, cultural and defense sectors.

Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and leading member of the Democrats on foreign policy issues Richard Holbrooke termed as significant Greece's support of Turkey's European prospects, stressing that Turkey today is a country in the front line of Europe, as was Germany after World War II.

On the Cyprus issue, he underlined that the partition is unacceptable, but that he was amazed at the high percentage of Greek Cypriots who voted against UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem in a referendum on April 24.

On his part, U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller said that the priority of the U.S. Embassy constitutes the safe holding of the Olympic Games, with particular attention to international terrorism, and that the American government is offering every possible help to the Greek authorities, which have the responsibility for the security of the Olympic Games. Miller noted that bilateral relations today are based on firmer foundations than 20 years ago. He said the entire country has concentrated its attention on the success and safe holding of the Olympic Games and praised the works and the security infrastructure which will remain as a heritage to Greece after the Games, adding that a unique opportunity is offered to the country to show its modern image to the world.

Greek Ambassador to Washington George Savvaides referred to the healthy, mature and mutually beneficial bilateral relations which are based on common values and historic alliances.

[09] Deputy foreign minister to represent Greece at Reagan funeral

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Skandalakis will then travel to New York for meetings with representatives of the Greek-American community.

[10] PM congratulates new FYROM counterpart Hari Kostov on his election

SKOPJE 11/6/2004 (ANA)

In his letter of congratulations to Kostov on Thursday, the prime minister expresses optimism over the continuation of successful cooperation between the two countries, based on European values and factors, while also hailing the tabling of FYROM's application for accession to the European Union, an announcement by the government of FYROM said.

[11] German ambassador attends event in memory of Distomo massacre by German occupation forces

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Spiegel termed his participation in the event marking the 60th anniversary of the massacre very important. He said the key to reconciliation is memory and that only a country aware of its history has a future.

The ambassador further said relations between Greece and Germany today are close and friendly.

"In moving forward with the European Union, the possibility of wars being carried out on our continent is fortunately waning more and more. However, this is not self-evident and renders Distomo a warning for peace for all of us," he said.

The German ambassador was due to lay a wreath at the scene of the massacre on Thursday in the name of his country's President Johannes Rau and at his request, as Spiegel said.

[12] Greek gov't to radically reform state procurement system

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Papathanasiou urged all market participants to submit their proposals on the weaknesses of the state procurement system within the next 20 days, and said that a ministry commission would submit its final proposals on the issue after two months. The government will submit a draft law to parliament in autumn. The Greek minister said it also planned to set up an independent agency that would monitor all public sector's supplies and to install a computer system.

Papathanasiou said that a current state procurement system was suffering from lack of transparency, with several agencies responsible for their own supplies (state hospitals, Hellenic Railways, Social Insurance Agency, armed forces, etc), while only 10 percent of total state supplies' value was currently available in records. He said that inspection was ineffective and talked of significant weaknesses and delays in the system. The system also suffered heavily from law suits, while the country's participation in European Union's working groups to improve state procurement procedures is weak.

An Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report recently urged for a significant improvement in state procurement systems, while a survey by the European Commission said that supplies through tenders under EU directives could lead to a reduction of up to 30 percent on the supply of goods and services' prices.

Papathanasiou said that the ministry was also considering hiring an independent consultant to help in the organization and training of staff working for the state procurement system.

[13] King Harald V of Norway responds positively to Thessaloniki's bid to host EXPO 2008

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

King Harald and Queen Sonja arrived at "Macedonia" airport in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, where they were welcomed by Tsiartsionis and the city's prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis.

The minister, after welcoming the royal couple of Norway, stated that the issue of Thessaloniki's bid was raised and that he asked for Norway's support in the vote in December for the selection of the candidate country and city to host EXPO 2008. "We want to believe that everything will go well," said the minister.

The Norwegian royals later departed for Halkidiki where they visited Evangelismos Monastery.

Greek and Norwegian businessmen promoting cooperation on environmental protection: Greek and Norwegian businessmen are promoting cooperation on issues concerning environmental protection. The Norwegians arrived in Greece on the occasion of the visit by their country's royal couple and participated in a conference held in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on "Environmental challenges."

According to Vassilis Stergiou, the trade adviser at the Norwegian embassy in Athens, proposals exist which will be forwarded to the Greek finance ministry on action concerning the monitoring of rivers in northern Greece.

In addition, a program is being promoted on monitoring the quality of waters in the Thermaikos Gulf, while there is also a program on balancing sensitive ecological systems, such as that of the Amvrakikos Gulf.

Cooperation between Greece and Norway on environmental issues was started in 1998 by the Greek Marine Research Centre with the program "Poseidon I", while now the "Poseidon II" program is being promoted.

Referring to bilateral trade relations, Stergiou said the trade balance is one to three against Greece. Greece mainly imports fish, fertilizers and speedboats.

[14] EU Council of Energy Ministers concludes successfully for Greek positions

BRUSSELS 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Deputy Development Minister George Salagoudis announced that following consultations with the EU Irish Presidency and the European Commission the important Greece-Slovenia-Austria natural gas pipeline, through the Western Balkans, and the liquefied natural gas terminal in Crete were included for the first time among the projects of European priority.

Moreover, a second natural gas terminal on mainland Greece and the high pressure natural gas sector to Patra were also included among projects of interest to the EU.

The Council also discussed the situation in the oil market and the results of the international Energy Forum in Amsterdam on May 22-24, in accordance with a previous request made by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas on including the issue in the Energy Council's agenda due to the problem posed by high oil prices.

Salagoudis reiterated during the discussion the alarming frequency, duration and intensity of the major periodical problem of the excessive increase in oil prices in past years and its serious repercussions on the European economy's competitiveness.

[15] Council of State deliberates on decree granting tenure to contract staff in public sector

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

According to ministry officials, it was not possible at present to calculate the precise number of public-sector contract workers that met the conditions for tenure based on the decree.

[16] Stocks rise slightly as market lacks macroeconomic news

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,410.75 points, showing a 0.18 per cent increase. Turnover was 106.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.13 per cent higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.10 per cent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.01 per cent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 173 to 109 with 81 remaining unchanged.

[17] PM and other political leaders attend national championship

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

"With the completion and delivery of projects and the staging of test events, Olympic preparations are entering the final stage," Karamanlis said after the event. "We are working hard in order to be ready - and we will be ready - on August 13. Everyday that goes by, even the hard-core skeptics are becoming convinced that Greece will stage excellent and safe Olympic Games," he added.

Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, also attending the event, told the ANA: "I think you can see that conditions at the test events improve throughout the day. The biggest change will be apparent at the Olympic Games."

Secretary General for the Olympic Games Spyros Kapralos also made statements to the ANA, saying: "We will definitely be ready August 13. Work at OAKA is on track and as you can see the main stadium is ready to host the National Track & Field Championship, which is a test event under the supervision of the Hellenic Association of Amateur Athletics (SEGAS)."

[18] Olympic Flame arrives in New Delhi

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

The flame passed through the city's central areas and the most significant monuments and ended its course at the National Stadium were a special ceremony was held.

IOC member Randhir Sinch predicted that Athens would stage successful and safe Games because it has the ability and the human resources to do so.

Speaking about the Olympic Flame, Vivak Oberdi, a popular Indian actor said, "I feel very honored and very enthusiastic that I had the opportunity to carry the Athens Torch. If I can, I will come to the Games. I think that their return to Greece symbolizes Olympic ideals."

On Friday morning the Olympic Flame will leave New Delhi for Cairo.

[19] Public Order Minister completes his Olympic tour

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

The seminars in which Voulgarakis, along with Police Chief Lieutenant Fotis Nasiakos and Olympic Games Security Division Director Major General Vassilis Konstantinidis participated dealt with the following topics: security of venues, of VIPs and sports delegations, transportation, airports, urban centers; as well as intelligence, risk assessment, border protection and administrative issues.

The results of the four-day tour, according to Voulgarakis are positive. "Police forces throughout the country and especially in Olympic cities are fully prepared. This tour provided the opportunity for more briefings and a greater exchange of ideas regarding the implementation of Olympic security measures in every region. I am absolutely certain that Greek policemen are fully aware of their mission and duties and will do their best so that the Olympic Games are conducted in a peaceful and safe environment," Voulgarakis said.

[20] Press conference on the exhibit "A Tribute to the Olive Tree"

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

"We want the 2004 Olympic Games to not only be associated with the great technical works which have changed the country's landscape, but to also provide the opportunity to promote our history and to reinforce the connection between culture and sports. The Greek Folklore Research Center's exhibit, 'A Tribute to the Olive Tree,' is an excellent contribution to the promotion of Greek culture and Olympism," Kapralos said.

Polymerou-Kamilaki explained why the olive tree was chosen as a theme for the exhibit. "The Greek Folklore Research Centre chose the olive tree as a theme in order to celebrate the Olympic Games along with the nation. The olive tree is a symbol of Hellenism, of the Greek landscape; it is a comprehensive theme, which has been embraced by poets, writers, and ordinary people. The exhibit reflects the Center's view that the past must be linked to the present and that we must take advantage of the 'heavy industry' of Greek culture," she said.

The official inauguration of the exhibit will take place at the Athens Academy on June 15.

[21] School contest focusing on the Olympic Games held in Dublin

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

Irish Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism John O'Donoghue and the Irish Olympic Committee's Vice President Louis Kilcoyne spoke at the awards ceremony.

The Press and Communications Office of the Greek Embassy in Ireland organized the contest.

[22] Five foreign women killed, one seriously injured, after their car rammed into parked truck

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

The accident occurred on the 32nd kilometer of the Athens-Corinth national highway, near Megara.

Five of the six women in the car were killed instantly, according to police, while the sixth woman was rushed to Thriassio Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

The names and nationalities of the women were due to be released later in the day by the Traffic Police.

[23] American tourist killed by suspected burglar on Mykonos

Athens, 11/6/2004 (ANA)

According to the evidence pieced together by the police, Minneapolis resident Christopher Mays, 46, became aware of an intruder while sleeping in his room on the first floor of the Sourmeli Hotel, where he was holidaying with his wife Camrin Philips, 42.

It is believed that Mays then gave chase, perhaps to retrieve his wallet, catching up with the intruder and grappling with him on the balcony. At some point during the altercation, however, he was knocked off the balcony and fell to his death.

The struggle was not witnessed by his wife, who said she woke up when she heard Mays cry out during the fall and only saw the retreating burglar as he fled the scene and disappeared. Police say the victim's wallet is missing.

A team of officers from the Athens homicide department has been sent to the island to carry out the investigation and locate the culprit.

[24] Spokesman says aim is reference to previous UN resolutions

NICOSIA 11/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides said it did not seem justified for the resolution to link UNFICYP mandate renewal to developments in the Cyprus problem and April's referendum on a UN solution plan, noting however that the resolution was still being discussed.

Asked if the reference in the draft to previous resolutions satisfied the Cypriot government, Chrysostomides said ''that reference is still under discussion.''

''I think the general reference to all previous resolutions is satisfactory,'' he noted.

Commenting on the draft resolution, which seems to make a connection to extending the force's mandate with a new referendum on the UN plan, the spokesman said UNFICYP's role and the review of its mandate are an old matter, adding that the Secretary-General had in the past intended to reevaluate the role and authorities of the force.

''What is important is that the resolution is still under discussion."

It is expected to be issued some time on Friday evening. There are some suggestions to connect it with recent developments, which does not seem justified, but in any case the discussions are still continuing. We shall see exactly how the final resolution will be formed,'' Chrysostomides said.

The spokesman said an effort was underway to make reference to previous Security Council resolutions and not weaken them.

[25] Britain: Cypriot authorities decide checks regarding movement across Green Line

LONDON 11/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to a question at the House of Lords by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass on whether Britain will define ''legal points of entry'' to Cyprus and whether British citizens and members of the Turkish

Cypriot community living or traveling into or through ports or airports in Cyprus' Turkish occupied territories are liable to restrictions at Green Line crossings, Baroness Symons said ''it is not for the British government to define ''legal points of entry'' to Cyprus.

''On April 28 the EU agreed a new regulation setting out arrangements for movement across the so-called Green Line. The regulation established special rules concerning the crossing of goods, services and persons,'' the Baroness said.

She added that ''the regulation states, inter alia, that 'it is necessary to enable EU citizens to exercise their rights of free movement within the EU and set the minimum rules of carrying out checks on persons at the line and to ensure the effective surveillance of it, in order to combat the illegal immigration of third country nationals as well as any threat to public security and public policy. It is also necessary to define the conditions under which third country nationals are allowed to cross the line.'''

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