Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Euro-Election results show clear victory for ruling ND party

[02] Parliament speaker says voters 'rewarded' ruling ND's steadfast policy on Europe

[03] European Parliament elections 2004 in Greece - Party leaders cast their ballots

[04] Interior minister says Euro-election for Greeks in EU progressing smoothly

[05] Greek Deputy foreign minister represents Greece at Reagan funeral

[06] Athens a risk that paid off, IOC chief tells Australia's 'Sunday' show

[07] Olympic Flame arrives in Rio de Janeiro, into hands of soccer legend Pele

[08] Former premier, academic Xenophon Zolotas given state funeral in Athens on Saturday

[09] PM attends metro station concert held in memory of Manos Hatzidakis

[10] Nena Venetsanou to perform in concert of ancient Greek music in Paris

[11] Outsider Greece pulls hat trick, beats Portugal 2-1 on host's turf in Euro2004 inaugural match

[12] Chief Returning Officer says 70.4% voted in EP elections

[13] Cyprus Government welcomes approval of UN resolution 1548

[14] Annan and Erdogan discuss the Cyprus problem

[01] Euro-Election results show clear victory for ruling ND party

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

PASOK came second with 34,02 per cent, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was third with 9,46 per cent, the Coalition of the Left was fourth with 4,15 per cent and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) was fifth with 4,11 per cent.

According to the above results, ND will elect 11 MEPs to the European Parliament, PASOK 8, KKE 3, while LAOS and the Coalition will each elect one.

The 24 Euro-parliamentarians that will represent Greece in the new European Parliament emerging from the first Euroelections in the newly-enlarged EU of the "25" member countries held on the weekend are:

ND: Yannis Varvitsiotis, Antonis Samaras, Antonis Trakatellis, George Dimitrakopoulos, Costis Hatzidakis, Rodi Kratsa, Yannis Glavakis, Maria Kassiotou-Panayotopoulou, George Papastamkos, Nikos Vakalis, and Manolis Mavromatis.

PASOK: Mary Matsouka, Stavros Lambrinidis, Mariliza Xenoyannakopoulou, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Katerina Batzeli, Panos Beglitis, Evaggelia Tzambazi, and Nikos Sifounakis.

KKE: Thanasis Pafilis, George Toussas and Diamando Manolakou.

SYN: Dimitris Papadimoulis.

LAOS: George Karatzaferis.

According to the results so far, both ruling ND and main opposition PASOK have increased their percentages vis-a-vis the previous Euroelections of 1999, while the KKE was more or less level. SYN, on the contrary, emerged with a smaller percentage, while the recently-formed LAOS party is entering the Europarliament for the first time.

ND recorded increased percentages in all the major electoral districts (prefectures) over the 1999 Euroelections, while PASOK recorded increases in 43 districts and declines in the remaining 13.

ND emerged as the top vote-getter in 50 electoral districts, while PASOK was leading in 5.

PM: Euro-election results give us a mandate to forge dynamically forward: "The Greek men and women that gave their support and trust to New Democracy have given us the mandate to forge dynamically forward," Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said on the evening of Sunday's European elections in Greece, after the results became known.

"We are moving forward on the road that we first opened when we made Greece part of the European family," he said.

Karamanlis said ND would strive to strengthen Greece's role within the EU and to help it play a leading role in Europe's evolution, particularly in helping Europe acquire a "strong, clear and unified voice" in world affairs.

He said the Greek government will strive for its vision of Europe as a force for peace and security in the world, that was both able and determined to defend its borders, economically stronger and with robust growth in every region and with better social policy, providing all its citizens with jobs, security and prosperity.

The large lead given by the voters to ND in Sunday's election was a call to continue the course begun with the general elections on March 7, Karamanlis added.

"They trust us to carry out the reforms the country needs. To implement the new policy that the citizens demand. To provide effective solutions to the accumulated problems of yesterday. To guarantee the country's course toward economic and social convergence," the premier stressed.

Euro-election results do not give the government 'carte blanche', PASOK leader says: The results of Sunday's Euro-elections did not give the government "carte blanche", main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou stressed in statements on election night outside his party's headquarters, saying that he was satisfied with the outcome of the vote.

At the same time, PASOK's leader stressed that he was determined to go ahead with restructuring his party and warned that he planned to be a tough opposition for the government.

According to Papandreou, Sunday's elections were the "last act in a historic cycle" that ushered in a new historic period.

"The result gives us confidence in the new effort of the movement and we therefore have a duty to press on. It also proves that three months after the national elections the period of grace for the government, PASOK has roots of faith and hope that spread deep within the electorate and we can press actively forward with the reconstruction of the movement," he said.

Communist Party leader expresses satisfaction with European election results: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga said she was satisfied with the results of Sunday's European elections in statements after the first results of the vote became known at Zappeion.

Papariga said the increase in her party's share of the vote was satisfactory, as was the overall trend apparent in Greece and Europe, in addition to the fact that KKE had attracted votes from the supporters of other parties.

Stressing that this drift was more than mere coincidence or a chance event, Papariga said her party was determined to strive for a united front of action and solidarity with other radical forces against conservative choices, while forecasting that the EU was in the process of becoming more reactionary.

She also forecast that ruling New Democracy would use its large electoral lead to introduce harsh measures against the working classes, and urged PASOK to think more clearly, saying that its moves toward reconstruction were not related to the true interests of workers and that the party would move in a more conservative direction.

Coalition leader says election result 'not satisfactory' for his party: Coalition of the Left President Nikos Constantopoulos on Sunday said he was not satisfied with his party's results in the European elections held earlier the same day, noting that the target had been to elect at least two MEPs to the European Parliament.

He also stressed the need to look closely at the high rate of abstention throughout Europe, which he described as the "loudest message" of the Euro-elections to national governments, which denoted a political stance and the desire of Europeans for radical reforms within the EU.

Regarding the difference between ruling New Democracy and the main opposition PASOK party, Constantopoulos said this was an extension of the national polls. He warned the ruling party not to interpret this as a mandate for a show of power while forecasting that the problems would come after the European elections and especially after the Olympic Games.

Regarding the main opposition, he said this should draw its own conclusions since no electoral battle was bereft of political significance.

With respect to his own party, he said the Coalition had recorded a strong enough presence to allow it to play an important role in developments.

LAOS leader pleased with election result: The head of the Euroelections ticket of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) and leader of the party, George Karatzaferis, who on the basis of up to now results is elected Eurodeputy, on Sunday night thanked "the Greek democratic people for the vote they gave to his party."

Karatzaferis said that LAOS is ''a significant political force'', adding that he will work with strength and daring and cooperate with all the forces at the European parliament on national issues.

Karatzaferis went on to clarify that his party ''is not extreme right-wing but deeply democratic''.

[02] Parliament speaker says voters 'rewarded' ruling ND's steadfast policy on Europe

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

Wishing the new Greek MEPs the best of luck in the difficult task that lay ahead, Psarouda-Benaki expressed confidence that they would do their best to promote the common interest, while noting that the government had received a mandate to cooperate with other political forces in order to safeguard the country's European course.

"I also wish that these Euro-elections will mark the start of a new era for Europe. Especially now, after enlargement, democracy must be made stronger, as must the role of the European Parliament that expresses the will of the peoples of Europe. We at the Greek Parliament and me personally intend to make a decisive contribution in this direction," she said.

[03] European Parliament elections 2004 in Greece - Party leaders cast their ballots

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

Greek citizens living in other EU member countries voted at their country of residence on Saturday, and the pouches containing the ballots, which have been forwarded to Greece, would be opened at 7:00 p.m. at the Athens Appeals court together with those of the voters throughout Greece.

Voting has already taken place in Britain, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Malta. The official results, as agreed by the EU member countries, will be announced Union-wide at 11:00 p.m.

Abstention was expected to be high EU-wide.

In Greece, President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos voted Sunday morning in his hometown of Patras, but declined making any comment after casting his ballot, saying only that "I have nothing to say, everything on the Euroelections was said by the political party leaders during the televised debate".

Prime minister Costas Karamanlis voted in his constituency Thessaloniki. "We are struggling for a Europe that will have a strong and uniform voice, will effectively protect its borders, a Europe that is more political, more social, and closer to its citizens, and within that new Europe we are working for a Greece of balanced development, of employment, a Greece of social justice, so that all the Greeks may enjoy the same level of prosperity and security as our other European co-citizens," he said after casting his ballot.

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, after casting his ballot in Athens, said the day was a "celebration of democracy".

"We are fighting for a European vision that puts the citizen, employment, a social Europe, an environmental Europe, a strong Europe, first," he said, adding that "we want a Greece that knows how to win in Europe, and at the same time a Greece that changes while holding on to its traditions and values".

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Aleka Papariga, after casting her vote in Athens, wished a "good decision" to the "working people, and those who suffer", so as to respond "to those who want us gutless, cowards, consenting, and subjugated to the counterfeit visions of competitiveness and fake convergence".

Coalition of the Left (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, who also voted in Athens, called on the citizens to not be indifferent and to cast their vote. "We want the EU to change, with more democracy, with peace, more social policy, protection of the environment and the rights," he said, adding that "what is needed is not for Europe to be dismantled or remain as it is today, but rather, we must fight for it to change".

Parliament president Anna Benaki-Psarouda, after casting her vote in Athens, expressed the wish that the result of the European Parliament elections will put forward a strong Greece that wished to play an important role in Europe "because our future is intertwined with Europe and we must acquire power and have influence in this big and important organization".

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis said that Greece, which was now one of the successful and established members of the EU, had the ability to participate decisively in the European affairs. "A new age is commencing for Europe, and Greece's presence must be constant and successful," she said.

Former prime minister and PASOK ex-leader Costas Simitis said after voting in the Exarchia district of Athens that "today, most of the European Parliament's decisions also concern Greece and play a significant role in our economic and social life". That was why "we are interested in who will represent us in the European organs, as Greece is present in all the procedures," he said, and urged all the citizens to vote.

Former premier and ND honorary president Costas Mitsotakis, voting in Hania, Crete, expressed regret over the lack of citizens' interest in the Euroelections.

[04] Interior minister says Euro-election for Greeks in EU progressing smoothly

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

The vote for Greeks abroad will end at 21:00 local time in each country, he added.

The minister said that the result of the election will not come out abroad but the votes will be carried to Athens and opened for sorting at the same time as the ballot boxes open in Greece, after 19:00 on Sunday night. The sorting and counting of the votes from abroad will be carried out at the Athens Appeals Court.

Regarding preparations for Sunday's elections in Greece, Pavlopoulos said that preparations were now 12 per cent further ahead than at the same time during the national elections in March and that everything should be in place by the afternoon so that the vote can begin on Sunday morning without any problems.

[05] Greek Deputy foreign minister represents Greece at Reagan funeral

WASHINGTON 14/6/2004 (ANA - A. Ellis)

After the ceremony, Skandalakis said the deceased president was a leader that had helped America and had helped bring democracy to the world community, was one of the first to lay the foundations for an end to the Cold War and among the first who negotiated with the leader of the erstwhile Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev for nuclear disarmament, as well as the person who said that Communism was a thing of the past.

During his eight years at the helm of the United States, he had helped reform the economy, reduced taxes and reduced unemployment with the creation of 19 million jobs.

After the ceremony, the representatives of the governments attending went to the U.S. State Department for a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. During the meeting, Skandalakis offered the condolences of the Greek people to the American people for the president's death, while Powell sent his regards to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his wishes for good and safe Olympics.

Skandalakis later departed for New York, where he will meet members of the Greek community.

[06] Athens a risk that paid off, IOC chief tells Australia's 'Sunday' show

MELBOURNE 14/6/2004 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

In the interview, Rogge apparently says that it would have been "an easier choice" to give the Games to a larger city like Rome, but the IOC had chosen Athens because it wanted to return to the roots of the Olympism.

"It was a decision to say thank you to the Greeks for giving us the Olympics 3,000 years ago. And I think it was worth it," Rogge is reported as saying.

The IOC chief is also said to express confidence that everything in Athens will be ready on time and that Greeks had "their own way of doing things" but were now making rapid progress. He also apparently confirms earlier rumors that the "Greek way" had at some point alarmed IOC officials enough to make them consider the possibility of holding the Games in Sydney or some other former host-city for a second time.

On the issue of security, meanwhile, Rogge described Athens as one of the safest cities in the world and noted that Melbourne would also face great security problems when it hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2006. He stressed his confidence in the current security advisor for the Athens Games, Peter Ryan, who was police inspector for the Sydney Olympics.

In an interview with the Dateline show of the Australian multinational network SBS, meanwhile, Ryan stressed that everything had changed in the last two years that he had been in Greece and heaped praise on the Athens.

"This is the city that really never sleeps. People meet at 10 or 11 at night and end their dinners at two or three in the morning. The pastry shops are amazing. They must make the best sweets in the world," he told reporters.

Ryan also underlined that Athens was a very safe city, with low crime rates and very little violence or drunkenness. "You won't see delinquent behavior in tavernas, nightclubs and bars. It is generally a very safe city," he said.

He pointed out that there will be 45,000 security officers in Athens during the Olympics and that security measures for the Games will be very strict, with the most extensive - and expensive - security systems that has ever been used for such an event, developed in collaboration with other countries and with the support of NATO.

According to Ryan, the 9/11 terror attacks on New York and Washington in 2001, one year after the Sydney Games, had changed everything regarding security standards for major international events such as the Olympics and costs for security had run to three times the budget of the Sydney Games, with three times as much manpower.

[07] Olympic Flame arrives in Rio de Janeiro, into hands of soccer legend Pele

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

In a touching ceremony, 2004 children from the humble neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro forming the five Olympic rings as Pele handed over the torch to the next Torchbearer, Marcio da Silva Santos, a child from the "Gol de Letra" charity foundation set up by soccer veterans Rai and Leonardo.

Visibly touched, Pele, acknowledged the world over as the greatest soccer player of all times, said that this was the "biggest honor" ever bestowed on him.

A total of 124 Torchbearers will convey the Olympic Flame to 19 residential districts in Rio de Janeiro. The last Torchbearer will be Brazilian contemporary soccer star Ronaldo.

The next stop on the Flame's journey will be Mexico City, on Tuesday.

[08] Former premier, academic Xenophon Zolotas given state funeral in Athens on Saturday

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

Funeral orations were read out by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas and leading academics.

Those present included the current and former Parliament presidents Anna Psarouda-Benaki and Apostolos Kaklamanis, several government ministers, former president Christos Sartzetakis, former premier Ioannis Grivas and a number of MPs.

Wreaths were sent by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, honorary New Democracy President Constantine Mitsotakis, Coalition of the Radical Left President Nikos Constantopoulos, ministers, Athens-Piraeus Super-Prefect Fofi Gennimata, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, the head of the Armed Forces General Staff and a number of prominent Greek families, organizations, businesses and educational establishments.

[09] PM attends metro station concert held in memory of Manos Hatzidakis

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

The concert was an initiative organized by the Transport Ministry and the Orchestra of Colors, founded by the composer and featured his best-known works, such as "The Smile of the Mona Lisa" and "Roman Agora".

[10] Nena Venetsanou to perform in concert of ancient Greek music in Paris

PARIS 14/6/2004 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Both the venue chosen and the date are highly symbolic, since the same amphitheatre was used 110 years ago on the same day by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin and the Greek Dimitrios Vikelas to found the International Sports Conference and revive the modern Olympic Games.

The concert will include renditions of the Delphic Hymn to Apollo, the Epitaph to Seikilos, extracts from the Oresteia and a poem by Sappho set to music by Manos Hatzidakis.

The musical scores have been reconstructed by Annie Belis, the founder of the Ensemble Kerylos and a researcher at the Sorbonne's Papyrology Institute. Her work inspired the Greek radio producer George Archimandritis from the radio station France Culture to organize the concert this coming Wednesday, in collaboration with the university, the French culture ministry, the city of Paris, the central Athens municipality and the Greek-French society 'Delphus'.

[11] Outsider Greece pulls hat trick, beats Portugal 2-1 on host's turf in Euro2004 inaugural match

Athens, 14/6/2004 (ANA)

Greece's scorers George Karagounis (7th minute) and Angelos Basinas (51st minute penalty) -- the first scorers of the 2004 European soccer tournament -- were the night's heros, but the super-hero of Greece's upset win was the quietly smiling team coach, German-born Otto Rehhagel, or "King Otto" as he is affectionately called in Greece, who in less than three years groomed the talented national squad to international standards with a team attitude.

The victory put Greece at the top of their Group A, ahead of Spain who beat Russia 1-0 in Saturday's other group match, and raising hopes for a first-ever place in the quarter-finals (group of eight).

The first-ever win by Greece in a major championship sent Greeks out onto the streets Saturday night, with car horns blaring, flags flying and fans pummeling each other on the backs.

Even prime minister Costas Karamanlis and main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, bracing for the first European Parliament elections of the newly-enlarged 25-nation bloc on Sunday, took time out to send their own messages of congratulations and support to the Greek team.

"With your historic victory tonight, our national team has won the respect of the sport fans of Europe and filled every Greek with excitement," Karamanlis' message said, and wished the squad comparable successes in the next matches of the championship.

"It is a very good start. We are enthusiastic with the Greek team. Bravo. We congratulate them, and wish them to continue like this," Papandreou said, adding that "Greece knows how to win, and I believe this indicates where we stand today, as a country".

Both men also lavished praise on Rehhagel, who said that "tonight, we will celebrate a little bit, but tomorrow the work starts for the next game".

[12] Chief Returning Officer says 70.4% voted in EP elections

NICOSIA 14/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Chief Returning Officer Lazaros Savvides told CNA that the participation percentage is low, but added that it is very satisfactory if compared to other European countries.

Referring to the 503 Turkish Cypriot registered voters he said that only 97 of them (or 19.28%) have proceeded to cast their vote.

Asked about the 391 registered Greek Cypriot enclaved persons, Savvides said that only 61 of them (or 15.60%) have crossed to the government controlled areas to vote.

Savvides said that 54 Turkish Cypriots were registered in the Kyrenia district, and only 9 went to the polling stations.

In the Nicosia district, 160 Turkish Cypriots were registered and 41 voted, in Limassol 22 from the 139 registered Turkish Cypriots voted, in Famagusta 19 from 134, in Larnaca 6 out of the 14 registered, and in Paphos two Turkish Cypriots were registered but no one voted.

Savvides said that 70% of registered voters had cast their ballots in the Nicosia district, 69% in the Limassol district, 72.5% in the Famagusta district, 73% in the Larnaca district and 73% in the Paphos district.

''The percentage of 70.4% of the registered voters that cast their vote today is considered low but on the other hand very satisfactory, if we take into consideration the percentages of the other European countries'' Savvides told CNA.

He noted that the counting of votes has already started and is being conducted at the polling stations.

Savvides said that although the results would be ready at around 2000 local time, they will be announced at 2300 local time and not before, as prescribed by the EU directive.

[13] Cyprus Government welcomes approval of UN resolution 1548

UNITED NATIONS 14/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press after the adoption of the resolution on Friday, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis thanked the members of the Security Council for their support and understanding adding that ''the presence of the peacekeeping force is necessary because the conditions on the ground defined by the presence of the occupation army and the existence of the buffer zone and all other problems we have on the ground have not changed.''

Mavroyiannis added that the Council Resolution refers to the existing problems on the ground, to the restrictions imposed by the occupation army, to the problem of Strovilia, to the lack of cooperation on behalf of the occupation authorities and expressed hope that in the coming months it will be possible to take up all these issues.

He added that the Cyprus government welcomes the review that will be conducted by the Secretary-General on the force adding that ''we believe that this review should be carried out in accordance with objective criteria having to do with the situation on the ground.''

Replying to questions and referring to the main disagreement of the Cyprus government of what the Secretary-General says in his report for his good offices' mission on the need to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mavroyiannis stressed ''we want the Security Council to uphold resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984) and state very specifically that whatever action is undertaken should respect those resolutions and it should be between states, having as a goal the reunification of the island and the economic integration of the island.''

He also noted that what is important is to send the message ''that violations of the status quo are not tolerated and Strovilia is such a case where we have a clear violation of the status quo and an advance of the occupation forces.

''Therefore one should be very cautious when he speaks about such situations because if we don't very firmly condemn any such violation the occupation forces might receive the message that this kind of violations are tolerated,'' he stressed.

Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry welcomed the adoption of the resolution unanimously and said his country supports the Secretary General's decision to conduct a comprehensive review of UNFICYP's role and to make recommendations in that regard.

Parry said his country looks forward to early consideration of these recommendations by the Security Council with a view to tailoring UNFICYP to reflect current requirements.

Alternate United States Representative in the United Nations for Special Political Affairs Stuart W. Holliday said recent significant developments in Cyprus including the results of the referenda on the Secretary-General's peace plan and the entry of Cyprus into the EU have fundamentally changed the situation in Cyprus and necessitate a critical examination of UNIFICYP and the need for the UNFICYP mission.

He explained United States voted in favor of this resolution because it articulates a timeline by which the Council will act upon those recommendations.

''It should be clear that the appropriate action for the Council will be to adopt a new mandate for UNFICYP in light of the Secretary-General's recommendations'', he added.

He also said the US agrees with the report's conclusion ''that the rejection of the Secretary-General's settlement plan by the Greek Cypriot electorate raises fundamental questions regarding their commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution of the Cyprus problem.''

''We support both report's suggestion that Greek Cypriots may wish to reflect on this matter and the conclusion that, if they remain committed to such a solution, this needs to be demonstrated not just by words, but by action. We agree with the report that the way ahead to a settlement is for the Greek Cypriots to articulate with clarity and finality concerns they have indicated regarding implementation of the settlement plan and its security provisions'', he noted adding that ''only when articulated can such concerns be addressed by the Secretary-General and the Security Council where we stand willing to play a constructive role.''

Holliday also said ''we support the report's assessment that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots have done everything possible to reach a Cyprus settlement'' and ''the Secretary-General's recommendation in Paragraph 93 of the Report and members of the Security Council should encourage the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey to remain committed to the goal of reunification.''

''We agree that to that end, and not for the purpose of affording recognition or assisting secession, the Security Council should give a strong lead to all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development,'' the American diplomat said.

He added that ''we concur with the Secretary General's assessment that such a move is consistent with Security Council resolutions 541 in 1983 and 550 of 1984. We look forward to strong Security Council action in support of the Security General and the recommendations contained in his report.''

Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia, Ambassador Alexander Konuzin said ''Russia voted for this resolution because we think that this resolution will contribute to stability and security in the island.''

''With regard to the Good Offices of the Secretary General, I believe that the Security Council should address this issue additionally in due time. The Russian principle position is that economic and cultural relations between two communities could contribute to the better understanding, to dialogue between the sides, to stabilization, to settlement of this issue and the reunification of the island,'' he added.

Konuzin also said that ''as for the restrictions that should be removed, we think this should be done in the basis of the UN Resolutions. This issue should be addressed with regard to resolutions 541 and 550,'' he stressed.

Permanent Representative of Chile, Ambassador Cristian Maquieira expressed hope the re-evaluation of the mandate of UNFICYP that will be carried out with the Secretariat will yield good results.

''We call upon the parties to keep their commitment to deal with reunification,'' he added.

Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Munir Akram said his country supported the resolution with serious reservations expressing the view the UNFICYP's mandate should have been extended only for three months following the recent rejection of the Secretary-General's compromise plan for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

Permanent Representative of Algeria, Ambassador Abdallah Baali said his delegation voted in favor of the draft resolution on Cyprus to the request that was given to them by the government of Cyprus to maintain UNFICYP on the island beyond the 15th of June 2004.

Permanent Representative of Romania, Ambassador Mihnea Ioan said his country voted in favor of the resolution since, as recommended by the Secretary-General's report on UNFICYP after consultation with both sides and the guarantor powers, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement the presence of UNFICYP on the island continues to be necessary.

[14] Annan and Erdogan discuss the Cyprus problem

NEW YORK 14/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

A UN official told CNA the meeting lasted about 25 minutes and Erdogan thanked the UN Secretary-General for commending, in his report for his good offices' mission for Cyprus, Turkey's role as regards the acceptance of his peace plan and to the whole procedure of talks.

He also thanked him for calling on the international community to ease the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

During the meeting it was stressed that the current status quo can not last, since events on the ground have changed the situation.

Anan and Erdogan agreed to keep in touch.

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