Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. President congratulates PM on success of Athens Olympics

[02] DNC Chairman congratulates Greece on successful, spectacular and safe Olympic Games

[03] Government is 'positive' on idea of Olympics' permanent staging in Greece, but notes that consensus is necessary

[04] President of the Hellenic Republic hosts Greek Olympic team

[05] PM receives Olympic medalists and finalists, congratulates them on their success

[06] Defense minister receives Olympic medalists and finalists at ministry

[07] FM satisfied with ministry's operation during Olympic Games

[08] World Council of Hellenes Abroad congratulates PM on Olympic success

[09] Cyprus Olympic Committee President Kikis Lazaridis says IOC president told him Athens Olympic Games the best of all

[10] Government places special significance on Russian President Putin's upcoming visit

[11] Greece deplores hostage-taking in North Ossetia

[12] Government expresses 'abhorrence' over terrorist attacks in Israel, Russia

[13] FM Molyviatis to attend EU Council of Ministers meeting in Maastricht, confer with EU counterparts

[14] Foreign ministry satisfied with conclusions of European Council's legal service regarding Cyprus

[15] Gov't says fate of funds given to sports federations to be investigated

[16] Deputy FM participates in international conference in Austria

[17] Greek economy ready to attract foreign investments, Development minister says

[18] PM holds meeting on announcements to be made at Thessaloniki International Fair

[19] General government deficit seen at 5.3 pct of GDP in 2004

[20] Greek PMI rose slightly to 52.6 in August

[21] Parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee ratifies bill on public works

[22] Attiki Odos toll fee increase was contained in contract signed by previous government, spokesman says

[23] Travel agents launch campaign to attract tourists to Greece

[24] Stocks rise in blue chip buying

[25] Athens 2004 Paralympic Torch Relay begins Sept. 9

[26] 2004 Olympics: ELTA honors Greek Olympians

[27] At the initiative of Greek Embassy, Washington Post newspaper holds competition on Olympic Games

[28] 'Afghanistan 2004' photographic exhibition to be held in Athens from September 15-24

[29] Danish royal couple on brief holiday in Crete

[30] ESHEA condemns hostage-taking of journalists in Iraq

[31] Pilot of crashed jetfighter found safe and well

[32] Cyprus president satisfied over EU's legal department opinion on direct trade

[33] Cyprus president expresses hope occupation regime will ensure safety of pilgrims at Ayios Mamas

[34] Relations with Cyprus necessary for Turkey's European course, FM says

[35] Dutch minister: EU regulations a way to create a solution for Cyprus

[01] U.S. President congratulates PM on success of Athens Olympics

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

When the call came through, the premier was dining at an Athens restaurant with ruling New Democracy MPs that are sitting in the second summer session of Parliament and had to briefly interrupt the meal to converse with the U.S. president.

The dinner was held to have an informal discussion on current affairs, particularly matters relating to the organization of the Athens Olympics.

[02] DNC Chairman congratulates Greece on successful, spectacular and safe Olympic Games

WASHINGTON 2/9/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

In his statement, DNC Chairman McAuliffe said:

"I would like to applaud the people of Greece for hosting a safe and spectacular Olympic Games that will be remembered for generations to come.

"Now more than ever we need a President in the White House who will hear the message of cooperation and respect among nations still echoing from Athens.

"We need a President like John Kerry who will work with other nations and not against them to promote the freedom, security, and prosperity that all the people of the world deserve.

"We need John Kerry in the White House to help bring America and the world closer together, not farther apart."

[03] Government is 'positive' on idea of Olympics' permanent staging in Greece, but notes that consensus is necessary

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Roussopoulos noted a similar reference made by prime minister Costas Karamanlis in an interview with another US paper, the Washington Post, in which Karamanlis reiterated an older proposal by the late Greek statesman Constantine Karamanlis in favor of the Olympic Games being permanently hosted in Greece.

The spokesman also recalled that premier Karamanlis, in an older address at ancient Olympia, had noted, however, that in order for such a goal to be achieved, "the perceptions must first have matured, because it is a plan with a long-term view".

"It is very good that voices have already started to be heard in support of this proposal, given that consensus is required in order for it to be feasible," Roussopoulos added.

Also, asked to comment on a proposal by ruling New Democracy former party leader Miltiades Evert on assigning the evaluation of the cost of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to a foreign firm, Roussopoulos noted that the national economy and finance ministry was already in the process of drafting an analytical report listing the development of the costs per project, per ministry and per category.

Consequently, he added, the ministry was making the best possible record of the cost of the Olympic Games.

[04] President of the Hellenic Republic hosts Greek Olympic team

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

"You are the best team we ever had, the best Olympic team and I owe a great thank you to Mr. Karamanlis and Simitis, to Ms. Petralia and Mr. Orfanos, to Messrs. Kapralos, Venizelos, Kartalis and Lianis," Stephanopoulos said, while also thanking Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, volunteers, workers who built the venues, and the artists responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Among those present at Wednesday's reception were Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, President of the main opposition PARTY party George Papandreou, former prime minister Costas Simitis, Athens 2004 President Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) President Lambis Nikolaou, Secretary General for the Olympic Games Spyros Kapralos, former Culture and Sports Ministers Evangelos Venizelos and George Lianis, and former Secretary General for the Olympic Games Costas Kartalis.

Chef de Mission of the Greek Olympic team, Yiannis Papadoyiannakis, also present at the event, offered Stephanopoulos a book with the names of all those who succeeded at the Games, a medal from the 1896 Olympic Games, as well as a medal such as those awarded to athletes of the Athens Games who competed in Ancient Olympia, on behalf of HOC and the Greek Olympic team.

In statements made to the Athens News Agency, Palli-Petralia said that the issue of the venues' post-Olympic use must be discussed, but ruled out the possibility of selling them. She stressed that the priority was to maintain them, to promote the sports which they were built to serve, and to integrate the facilities within the region where they are located.

[05] PM receives Olympic medalists and finalists, congratulates them on their success

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

While the organization of the Games was a national success, without the significant achievements in sport it would have been "like a cake without any cherries on top", he added.

At the same time, he stressed that participation was as important as winning medals or a good position and that the successes were not just chance but the result of years of hard training and involved effort by many people who supported and aided the athletes.

The Chef de Mission of the Greek Olympic team Yiannis Papadoyiannakis underlined that over 202 of the athletes in the Greek Olympic team, or roughly 48 per cent, had competed in the finals of their event and become an 'Olympic victor'. He particularly stressed the importance of this achievement, given that the main training centers for most athletes - the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro and the main OAKA sports complex - had been closed since 2002, forcing the athletes to train far from home.

Accompanied by his wife Natasa and Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, as well as Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, Secretary General for Sports Costas Koukodimos and Olympic Games general secretary Spyros Kapralos, the prime minister spoke with each of the athletes in turn and congratulated each one separately.

Reaching weightlifter Pyrros Dimas, who won his fourth Olympic medal in Athens, Karamanlis noted that Dimas had been "incredible" and had filled the nation with pride.

"Now it's the turn of the family and the children," the premier added, to which Dimas replied that he would continue training, while weightlifting federation president Yiannis Sgouros revealed that the veteran Olympic medalist will be taking over as the national team coach.

[06] Defense minister receives Olympic medalists and finalists at ministry

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

"The entire Greek nation is grateful to you, since your Olympic victories have given glory to Greece and sent a message of optimism and pride to all Greeks," Spiliotopoulos said.

He also stressed that sport meant effort, rather than victory by any means.

Asked to comment on suggestions in US papers that the Olympic Games be permanently held in Greece, Spiliotopoulos said it constituted international recognition of Greece's great success and also vindicated Constantine Karamanlis, who had first made the suggestion in 1976.

The proposal also received the thumbs up from four-time Olympic medalist Pyrros Dimas, who stressed that Greece had started the Olympics and should be the country to continue them. He refused to give any details of his own future plans, however.

The athletes thanked the defense ministry for its support and said they would always strive to be worthy of the honor they receive. They each received a commemorative plaque depicting one of the ancient Olympic events and the defense ministry emblem.

[07] FM satisfied with ministry's operation during Olympic Games

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

According to a statement by foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, Molyviatis considered his cooperation during the same period with all diplomatic missions accredited to Athens as being excellent.

[08] World Council of Hellenes Abroad congratulates PM on Olympic success

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

"A new, fresh image of efficiency, accuracy and productivity is reflected in the public statements of world leaders and the commentary of leading media," Athens wrote, while also making reference to Monday's New York Times editorial, which supports the permanent staging of the Games in Greece, since the country now has the infrastructure and has proven its ability in staging such successful Olympics. The SAE president also referred to the official broadcast rights holder in the US, NBC, which broadcast more than 1,200 hours of Games-related material and regularly praised Greece for its achievements - a small country which showed great determination.

"Many who previously expressed doubt about the anticipated quality of the Games have issued written apologies," Athens noted. "Undoubtedly, a new day has dawned for the Hellenic nation and for Hellenes everywhere," he added.

Athens promised that once again Greeks all over the world will work systematically in order to further promote the image Greece created and conveyed his wishes that national unity will prevail now that it is necessary to make the most of the Games' success.

"Hellas has proven itself in the use of technology, in organizational ability and in hospitality," Athens added.

The SAE president also sent congratulatory letters to Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and the organizing committee, to Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, to Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and to other government members.

[09] Cyprus Olympic Committee President Kikis Lazaridis says IOC president told him Athens Olympic Games the best of all

NICOSIA 2/9/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

Lazaridis reiterated that during the IOC Executive Committee's session in Athens last Sunday, many of its members who had expressed reservations over the Athens Olympic Games apologized and stressed that the holding of the Olympic Games was excellent and that they were impressed.

The KOE president said the success of the Games was not due to a few people only but to all who had worked to organize and carry them out.

Lazaridis also praised the hospitality shown by all Greeks to foreigners throughout the entire duration of the Olympic Games.

He was speaking at a dinner given by the Laiki Bank Group, of which he is president, in honor of overseas Cypriots who are in Cyprus in the framework of their annual events.

[10] Government places special significance on Russian President Putin's upcoming visit

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Putin is due to arrive in Greece on Saturday. During his stay, he will meet with prime minister Costas Simitis -- with foreign minister Petros Molyviatis also attending the meeting -- and visit the Mt. Athos all-male monastic community, where he will be met by deputy foreign minister Panayotis Skandalakis.

[11] Greece deplores hostage-taking in North Ossetia

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

"Greece expresses its abhorrence and unequivocally condemns the unacceptable and cowardly terrorist act of seizing children, teachers and parents as hostages in North Ossetia and, standing by the side of the Russian people, expresses its sincere support and solidarity at this difficult hour," the announcement said.

Deputy foreign minister expresses abhorrence at hostage situation in Russia: Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis on Wednesday expressed his abhorrence and the Greek government's utter condemnation of a hostage crisis involving children currently unfolding at a school in Russia.

"Such acts provoke horror," Valinakis said during an interview with 'Alpha' radio station in Athens.

"I have to reiterate the Greek government's complete and utter condemnation of all acts of terrorism, particularly when they involve small children. I hope a solution to the crisis is found as quickly as possible, in a way that safeguards the lives of all the hostages," he said.

[12] Government expresses 'abhorrence' over terrorist attacks in Israel, Russia

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, commenting on the latest suicide attack in Israel, said that the Greek side "urges the Palestinian Authority to do whatever possible to bring those responsible to justice", adding that "recourse to violence is not a solution".

He called for a resumption of the negotiations and direct cooperation with Israel on the security issue.

Koumoutsakos further expressed the government's condolences over the victims of the attacks in Russia.

[13] FM Molyviatis to attend EU Council of Ministers meeting in Maastricht, confer with EU counterparts

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The agenda for the meeting, to take place on Saturday, includes the situation in the Middle East, Iran, Iraq, the Balkans, and Sudan, while Molyviatis will also have separate bilateral meetings with his EU counterparts on the sidelines of the council.

Replying to press questions, Koumoutsakos said it was not ruled out that Molyviatis would also meet with Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul.

[14] Foreign ministry satisfied with conclusions of European Council's legal service regarding Cyprus

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Under this, trade relations with the occupied territories on the island should be governed by Protocol 10 of the Accession Treaty between Cyprus and the European Union rather than article 133 of the Community Treaty on "trade relations with third countries".

He said the recommendation was in agreement with the views held by Athens on the issue and a very important element in Thursday's discussion on the regulations that will govern EU relations with occupied northern Cyprus.

[15] Gov't says fate of funds given to sports federations to be investigated

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

He had been asked to respond to claims by a number of sports federations, who said they had never received any of the money that had allegedly been given to them according to a statement made by Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos.

Roussopoulos noted that there was a "clear statement by the minister" that 250 million euros had been handed out by the state, which would now conduct a check to discover what happened to it.

[16] Deputy FM participates in international conference in Austria

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Stylianidis addressed the conference on the issue of "The effective handling of crises in the Balkans with the purpose of achieving peace, stability and cooperation."

The conference was attended by distinguished personalities from all over the world such as the President and Chancellor of Austria, the President of the Czech Republic, the prime minister of Luxembourg, the foreign minister of Ukraine, former Turkish prime minister Mesut Yilmaz, representatives of the U.S. Secretary of State and many Balkan leaders.

[17] Greek economy ready to attract foreign investments, Development minister says

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Sioufas said it was the government's duty to create the necessary preconditions for investments to flourish in the Greek economy.

The Greek minister stressed that a decision by Morgan Stanley, one of the biggest investment banks in the world, to upgrade its presence in Greece by setting up a branch unit, was proof of the country's improved image abroad. He added that Public Power Corporation was in talks with EdF, France's electricity utility, to cooperate in organizational and energy production matters. Sioufas, however, dismissed reports that EdF could buy an equity stake in the Greek electricity utility. The Greek minister recently met with EdF's chairman Francois Roussely and Morgan Stanley's chairman Stephan Newhouse.

Sioufas also signed a ministerial decision to include 699 business plans submitted by young businessmen to a government-sponsored business program called "Competitiveness", budgeted at 55.3 million euros. The business plans envisage the creation of 1,740 new jobs.

[18] PM holds meeting on announcements to be made at Thessaloniki International Fair

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

According to reports, it was stressed during the meeting that the government's program will span a four-year period, while the target for 2005 is to have the deficit fall below three percent.

Assessments made by leading ministers revealed that grants and developmental measures will be implemented over this four-year period and the budget will be tight but the policy to be applied will be moderate and consensual.

Earlier in the day, Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis met with former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis in Parliament for an exchange of views, while the minister will also be meeting former New Democracy party president Miltiades Evert in the coming days.

Dining with ND deputies participating in the second Parliamentary Recess Committee at noon, the prime minister had said about his address at the TIF "it is not my character and I do not intend to make interventions and reforms which shall cause a shock. Our weight will fall on the economy to enable growth to come without a restrictive policy. I will also act at the TIF with this logic."

[19] General government deficit seen at 5.3 pct of GDP in 2004

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The total for 2003 has been revised upward to 4.6 percent of GDP, the same sources said.

Under a European Union limit, the deficit should not exceed 3.0 percent of GDP.

The finance ministry has undertaken a detailed fiscal review in order to uncover hidden deficits the government has said were left by its predecessor, which lost national elections on March 7. The data includes overruns from the Athens 2004 Olympics.

Economists from Eurostat, the EU's statistics agency, are due to visit Athens next week to study the outcome of the review.

The government's budget for 2005 will aim to bring the deficit below 3.0 percent of GDP, the sources added.

[20] Greek PMI rose slightly to 52.6 in August

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The index was positively affected by an accelerating increase in production and a slight improvement in employment in August. Supply reserves also rose slightly from the previous month, while the average time of delivery was slightly extended in August.

August figures showed an increase in production levels for the ninth consecutive month, reflecting increased orders because of the Olympic Games and higher demand. Exports orders also rose in August.

Employment levels in the Greek manufacturing sector improved slightly in August after a decline in July, while the average cost of Greek manufacturers raised substantially reflecting higher raw material and fuel prices.

[21] Parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee ratifies bill on public works

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The bill was voted in favor by the ruling New Democracy party, while the main opposition PASOK party and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) voted against and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology cast blank votes.

[22] Attiki Odos toll fee increase was contained in contract signed by previous government, spokesman says

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Roussopoulos said that the present New Democracy government's minister of the environment, town planning and public works had requested of the company that it defer any toll increases to after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The spokesman was replying to press questions on the increase in Attiki Odos toll fees to 2.50 euro from the previous 2.00 euro that went into effect earlier in the week.

[23] Travel agents launch campaign to attract tourists to Greece

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The new communications strategy will lay special emphasis on conference, trade fair and sports tourism, HATTA said in a statement on Wednesday.

On September 27, which is World Tourism Day, the trade group and the Greek National Tourism Organization are to promote the Greek capital to tour operators and travel reporters invited from abroad.

[24] Stocks rise in blue chip buying

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,328.20 points, showing a rise of 0.60 percent. Turnover was 97.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.61 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.25 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.28 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 154 to 105 with 92 remaining unchanged.

[25] Athens 2004 Paralympic Torch Relay begins Sept. 9

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

On the first night, the Paralympic Torch Relay will stop at the Odeon of Herod Atticus. The temples of Poseidon in Sounio and Artemis in Vravrona and the great centers of the classical age, Megara and Elefsina, with their remarkable archaeological museums, will all welcome the Paralympic Flame which will also shine its light on the magnificent coastal route that runs towards Sounio and the dam of Marathonas.

On the morning of September 17, the Paralympic Flame will begin its journey towards the Olympic Stadium of Athens and its final destination: the opening of the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

[26] 2004 Olympics: ELTA honors Greek Olympians

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Additionally, Liapis said that the State should aim at getting: more people involved in sports, more fans in the stands, and more athletes winning medals.

The Olympic winners awarded at the event were not only the medalists, but all those who were among the top eight. Aside from the check each athlete received as part of their sponsorship, ELTA also presented the athletes with an album containing their personal stamps. This is the first time in Greece's history that the country's postal services issued special commemorative stamps depicting Greek Olympians.

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, the athletes' coaches and Ioannis Papadoyiannakis, Chef de Mission of the Greek team were among those attending the event.

[27] At the initiative of Greek Embassy, Washington Post newspaper holds competition on Olympic Games

WASHINGTON 2/9/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

In the competition, which included 15 questions on the ancient and modern Olympic Games as well as on the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, 12 young readers were awarded, given as a gift a backpack of "Athens 2004", an offer by the Press Office.

[28] 'Afghanistan 2004' photographic exhibition to be held in Athens from September 15-24

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

KEDE is a women's non-governmental organization which is active for the equality of the genders, development, peace and against violence and social exclusion.

[29] Danish royal couple on brief holiday in Crete

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Mayor Kourakis offered to Queen Margrethe two books on the history and monuments of Iraklion and of Crete as well as the DVD-ROM "Iraklion - One city one history", which went into circulation recently with the cooperation of the Municipality and of the University of Crete.

A group of Danes who live permanently in Crete received the Queen at the port with Danish flags and sang the national anthem. Later, the royal couple visited Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion.

[30] ESHEA condemns hostage-taking of journalists in Iraq

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

Christian Chesnot of Radio France International and George Malbrunot of 'Le Figaro' went missing on August 21 and videotape of the two abducted journalists was later shown on the Arabic language Al Jazeera TV network. According to the network, the two are being held by the group Islamic Army in Iraq, who also killed the Italian journalist.

ESHEA appealed to officials in Iraq to put a stop to all hindrances that prevented journalists from freely carrying out their appointed role and to exert all possible pressure to convince the hostage-takers to release the two French reporters.

"This ideological blackmail will not pass. Journalism must be exercised freely and its operatives must not fall victims to heartless blackmailers," an ESHEA announcement said.

Baldoni was abducted to put pressure on Italy to withdraw its forces from Iraq, while the two Frenchmen were taken in order to persuade France to overturn laws that ban Muslim children from wearing headscarves in state schools.

[31] Pilot of crashed jetfighter found safe and well

Athens, 2/9/2004 (ANA)

His plane spun out of control during a training exercise, when it was boxed in by another plane carrying out maneuvers, so that squadron leader Petros Vakalos, 29, was forced to bail out.

The single-seat Mirage-2000 jetfighter crashed into the sea 20 miles north of Skyros island, while the other pilot landed safely at Skyros airport.

[32] Cyprus president satisfied over EU's legal department opinion on direct trade

LARNACA 2/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

President Papadopoulos was also invited on Wednesday to comment on statements made

by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul that Turkey is considering to include Cyprus in its Customs Union with the EU, in such a way that there will be no recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

''Turkey has the obligation to extend its Customs Union to cover Cyprus as well. It is Turkey's problem, how to fulfill this EU obligation," President Papadopoulos said, adding that ''our side has assurances that this will happen."

In statements upon returning from Athens, where he watched the Olympic Games, President Papadopoulos said ''it is very satisfactory, the fact that the Legal Department of the EU Council has confirmed the correctness of our positions," adding that ''it is known that a lot of outcomes in the EU are influenced by political planning and intentions."

He added that the Cyprus government would like a consensus to be reached on the matter and reassured that the Cyprus Republic would ''continue to base its views on the rule of law and the European law, as expressed by the Legal Department of the EU."

The EU Council's Legal Service said that the regulation adopted by the European Commission on direct trade of the EU countries with the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus entails legal problems, since the Commission's proposal cannot be based on article 133 of the Treaty because the occupied areas of Cyprus cannot be deemed as a third country.

Referring to the Athens Olympic Games, the Cypriot president described them "the best ones" he had ever watched and congratulated Greece for the organization.

[33] Cyprus president expresses hope occupation regime will ensure safety of pilgrims at Ayios Mamas

NICOSIA 2/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The church will operate for the first time after the Turkish invasion of 1974, to celebrate the Saint's day.

''Our hope is that the Turkish occupation forces will acknowledge the people's feelings and if they are truly sincere in the efforts for understanding between both communities in Cyprus, they will ensure that the religious rite will be attended without any problems or provocations," President Papadopoulos stressed.

In statements upon returning to Cyprus from Athens, the Cyprus president said that the occupation of Cyprus still continues and that the government of Cyprus has made every effort to ensure the UN will provide the pilgrims conditions of safety during their trip to the Turkish-occupied town of Morphou.

''The government remains firm that the free movement of people is an inalienable right but at the same time it can not guarantee their safety because the occupation continues," President Papadopoulos noted.

Cypriot political party leaders and foreign diplomats serving in Cyprus have announced their decision to attend the religious rites.

The church has been in the limelight in the recent weeks in both sides of the divide following the decision by Morphou Bishop Neophytos to conduct religious rites at the occupied church and

especially after last week's bomb attack at the church's entrance which caused serious damage to the building.

[34] Relations with Cyprus necessary for Turkey's European course, FM says

NICOSIA 2/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Commenting on statements on Wednesday made by his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul that Ankara is moving ahead with expanding its customs union with Cyprus without recognizing the Cyprus Republic, the FM said he discussed this issue with visiting Dutch Minister of European Affairs Atzo Nicolai.

''Everybody in Europe says that it is extremely difficult for the Turkish application to move on without any relations with the Cyprus Republic and with Turkey maintaining a hostile stance towards Cyprus," Iacovou said.

He explained that the issue of the recognition of the Cyprus Republic is not only political but also practical.

''How can we take a position on issues under discussion when we don't have an embassy in Turkey, and from where can we get our information?'' he added.

Concluding he noted that Cyprus has called upon the EU Presidency to consider these issues, adding that during the last thirty years every time Cyprus tried to accede in any organization, Turkey had been vetoing its application.

[35] Dutch minister: EU regulations a way to create a solution for Cyprus

NICOSIA 2/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Nicolai, whose country holds the EU rotating presidency, met Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister George Iacovou.

In statements after the meeting, Nicolai said that he discussed with Iacovou the Cyprus problem and the two regulations by the European Commission concerning financial aid to the occupied areas and direct trade with the north.

''We see these two regulations, the direct trade discussion and the financial aid discussion as steps towards developing the northern part of your island and that is a way to create a solution for the whole island," Nicolai said.

He added that these regulations were ''a direct consequence of what we decided on the 26th of April and it was a decision after the referendum that we should not leave out in the cold the northern part of this island and we should do something concretely.''

Nicolai said that the Dutch Presidency hopes to find the soonest possible a way out ''because we know the difficulties and we discussed the difficulties openly and very fruitfully.''

The Dutch official clarified that ''we do not have the solution as Presidency but want to facilitate and that is one of the reasons for me to be here.''

In his statements, Iacovou said that ''the Dutch presidency is exhibiting a vivid concern on Cyprus'', adding that the Dutch Presidency has been impartial on issues concerning Cyprus and namely the European Commission's regulations for financial assistance to Turkish Cypriots and direct trade with the occupied areas.

Replying to a comment about the EU Council's legal department opinion concerning direct trade with the Turkish occupied areas, Iacovou said that emphasis is placed on the financial regulation and the Dutch presidency hopes to conclude this at the General Affairs Council on September 13.

Regarding the direct trade regulation, Iacovou said that the government's information is that the legal department's opinion will be distributed to the EU member states on Thursday so they can take a position on the issue.

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