Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM discusses economic policy with economy, development and public works ministers, ahead of TIF

[02] Foreign Ministry and other relevant ministries examine issue of illegal immigration

[03] 'Greece is free and democratic country', gov't responds to criticism on open door policy

[04] KKE and Greek journalists concede that 'nationalism and racism' caused Albania-Greece soccer match incidents

[05] Condolences book for Beslan tragedy opened at Russian Embassy in Athens

[06] Greek government denounces violent demonstration in Phanar

[07] G. Papandreou visits Thessaloniki, presides over PASOK meeting

[08] The Greek Armed Forces' contribution to Olympic Games safety

[09] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

[10] Russian commander meets with Thessaloniki prefect

[11] PM and transport minister discuss new public transport plan for Athens

[12] Panhellenic Exporters' Union urge for measures to support exports

[13] Deputy foreign minister meets with organizations involved in EXPO 2008 bid

[14] GSEE president presents report on state of Greek economy

[15] Ministry instructs public utilities to take steps to preserve present good condition of Athens

[16] Lufthansa referred to Greek Competition authorities over ticketing practices

[17] Greek Capital Market's Commission head denies reports over more securities firms' closure

[18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks stabilize in limited trade

[19] Praise, for the most part, continues to pour in after 2004 Games

[20] Public prosecutors hear more evidence in Kenteris-Thanou case

[21] Xanthi court hands out nine-year jail sentence for immigrant-trafficking

[22] Court rejects petition by convicted N17 member for suspended sentence

[23] CIRP elects Greek president

[24] Cypriot spokesman says government pursuing consensus on EU regulations

[25] Cypriot political parties call on leaders to intensify cooperation

[01] PM discusses economic policy with economy, development and public works ministers, ahead of TIF

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The target of the government's economic policy, which the prime minister will be outlining during his address, will be speeding up the economy's growth rates.

Souflias said after the meeting that the prime minister will be making announcements on decisions taken on the economy during his address.

Karamanlis is also expected to announce the implementation of the government's main election commitments for low pension earners, farmers taxpayers and businesses.

According to reports, Karamanlis will be announcing a gradual increase, as of 2005, of the social solidarity bonus for low pension earners, as well as an increase in Farmers Insurance Organization (OGA) pensions.

On the question of incomes policy for 2005, the prime minister is expected to provide assurances that increases it will anticipate will cover inflation, while he will also be referring to the difficult fiscal conjuncture which is characterized by an increase in the fiscal deficit to 5.3 percent in 2004, according to results of the fiscal inventory.

Furthermore, Karamanlis will also be announcing the gradual increase, as of 2005, of the tax-free amount of income for all taxpayers, as well as a gradual decrease in taxation rates for businesses from next year from 35 percent to 25 percent.

The prime minister will be placing emphasis on the need of speeding up the economy's growth rates in coming years to enable unemployment to be decreased and the real convergence of salaries with the other European countries to be achieved.

To this end, Karamanlis will underline that the new growth law will be moving in this direction and will anticipate incentives for businesses going ahead with investments.

Lastly, the prime minister is expected to stress that economic policy priorities in coming years will include supporting the countryside with new investments.

Prime Minister meets with Northern Greece's Industry Union: Prime Minister Constantinos Karamanlis on Monday met with the presidency of the Northern Greece's Industry Union as part of a scheduled round of talks with employers' and workers' unions ahead of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, to be officially inaugurated this weekend.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas -who attended the meeting- said that the government's priority was the development of regional Greece and in particular Thessaloniki and Northern Greece.

Dimitris Symeonidis, Northern Greece's Industry Union's president, said he demanded the completion of infrastructure works by 2008 regardless if Thessaloniki would have won the organizing of EXPO 2008 or not.

Symeonidis stressed that the government must find the necessary funds for the projects as it did with the Olympic Games and noted that the Prime Minister did not pledge for any specific timetables since "Mr Karamanlis does not like to be committed with such timetables".

Symeonidis also said he proposed that Thessaloniki would be promoted into a city of innovation through a more efficient use of research centers, universities and its strategic geopolitical position, an idea that Prime Minister warmly supported.

[02] Foreign Ministry and other relevant ministries examine issue of illegal immigration

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis.

Also examined was the coordinated action within the context of the European Union program for dealing with illegal immigration.

[03] 'Greece is free and democratic country', gov't responds to criticism on open door policy

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The government, Antonaros continued, does not adopt extreme positions "because solutions exist for the incorporation of different ethnic groups in multicultural societies, as are most of the societies of the western world today".

Replying to related questions, Antonaros reiterated that Greece does not provide shelter and protection to individuals who resort to unacceptable actions.

[04] KKE and Greek journalists concede that 'nationalism and racism' caused Albania-Greece soccer match incidents

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

"Only such an action can lead to brotherhood and solidarity, which will put on the sidelines division and the killing of each other."

The Press Office of the KKE announcement was referring to the incidents which occurred after the World Cup soccer game which took place in Tirana last Saturday between Greece and Albania which Albania won by 2-1.

The KKE announcement said that "these phenomena are extremely dangerous, not only because of the dimension they took, but because they predict much worse things to come, unless the people take upon themselves to decide to confront nationalism and racism."

On its part, the executive board of the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) said that part of the Mass Media "contributed and contributes, either by projecting extreme opinions emanating from public figures, or through the selective use of so-called news, to the creation of a fearful climate of nationalist and racist paroxysm."

[05] Condolences book for Beslan tragedy opened at Russian Embassy in Athens

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The book will remain open until 16:00 on Monday and from 10:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday.

The Russian Embassy in Athens is at Nikiforou Lytra 28, Paleo Psychico.

Greece to send pharmaceutical aid to Beslan: Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, who is in Thessaloniki, said that the Greek government decided on Mon-day to send pharmaceuticals to help the victims of the tragedy at a school in Beslan, North Ossetia last week. Medical supplies will be sent by military aircraft to Russia on Wednesday. More details are expected to be announced on Tuesday.

SAE President expresses condolences for the death of Y. Kanidis: "I express the condolences of the [World Council of Hellenes Abroad] SAE Board and my personal heartfelt sorrow to the children and the other relatives of this selfless, heroic Hellene teacher who protected the lives of other hostages in the school building in Beslan with the sacrifice of his own life," SAE President Andrew Athens stated on Monday, regarding the death of 74-year old teacher Yiannis Kanidis, one of the many hostages killed by Chechen terrorists during the school takeover in Russia's North Ossetia.

"Mr. Kanidis' memory will live deeply engraved in the heart of all Hellenes as a symbol of both brotherly sacrifice and an indictment against the barbarous crime perpetrated by the terrorists against the people of Beslan," Athens said.

"Hellenes worldwide, as people who honor the ideals of peace as one of the highest human values, we condemn terrorism as a crime, and we unite our voices with all those who demand that the day must come soon when all people would live safely in peace," Athens concluded.

The SAE president also expressed his condolences to the President and members of the Federation of Hellenic Communities in Russia.

[06] Greek government denounces violent demonstration in Phanar

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, in a letter addressed to the Patriarch on Monday, expressed his sorrow for the protest held "by a small fanatical group of extremists who inspired by anti-Greek sentiments and hate," while expressing his support to the Patriarchate.

[07] G. Papandreou visits Thessaloniki, presides over PASOK meeting

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Asked about the Presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2005, Papandreou emphasized that from the beginning PASOK intended to nominate a candidate without basing its choice on party affiliations. He added that he's waiting for the government's decision and moves and refused to become involved in guessing names.

Speaking of his visit to Thessaloniki, where he chose to begin his pre-Congress activities -the PASOK Congress will be held some time in January-, Papandreou said that his goal and PASOK's goal is for Northern Greece and Thessaloniki especially to further develop. He accused the government of not capitalizing on the political capabilities which would help the region's development.

Asked about the violent episodes which followed Saturday's soccer match between Greece and Albania, Papandreou said that violence and racism are not elements of Hellenism or Olympism. He said these "sad" events upset him as they did the rest of the Greek people.

ND responds to Papandreou's comments: "We are glad that George Papandreou and PASOK [Panhellenic Socialist Movement] are slowly discovering Thessaloniki, which was forgotten for the past 20 years, and the Greek districts," New Democracy's (ND) administrative committee said on Monday evening, following comments made by PASOK President Papandreou in Thessaloniki whereby he accused the government of not capitalizing on opportunities to develop the region.

"We hope that by reviewing their policy they will contribute to the government's efforts for the Greek districts to develop and to converge [with the rest of the country] in this new era," an announcement read.

[08] The Greek Armed Forces' contribution to Olympic Games safety

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The Military Security Force, comprising 15,000 people, was created to cover the security needs of the Athens Olympic Games.

The Army participated with 9,200 individuals, but also made available another 4,500 people, 4 helicopters and 4 aircraft for the monitoring of the borders.

The Hellenic Air Force made available 157 fighters, while 68 ships of the Greek Navy patrolled Greek waters. The Navy also made available three aircraft while the country's air-raid protection was completed with six Patriot fire units, S-300 long-range air defense missiles, five Hawk fire units and 10 Crotale fire units.

Approximately 4,500 military personnel are currently being trained for the security needs of the Paralympic Games.

EETT contributed to success of Athens Games: The National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) is one of dozens organizations which contributed to the success of the Athens Olympic Games. Within the past two years, EETT worked hard in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the effective coordination and monitoring of all wireless applications related to Games scores and results.

In many sports, such as track events and sailing, wireless systems and cameras installed on motorcycles, watercraft and helicopters were responsible for recording athletes' scores and finish time.

EETT was responsible for the effective coordination and proper operation of these wireless systems, and was successful, since no related problems arose.

[09] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

In all cases the 12 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in three cases the interception process developed into an engagement. Reports said two of the Turkish warplanes were armed.

[10] Russian commander meets with Thessaloniki prefect

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Vassilevic and Psomiadis also discussed the two countries' friendly relations, the Olympic Games, as well as further development of bilateral cooperation between Greece and Russia.

Immediately after the meeting, Psomiadis condemned any act of violence and terror and emphasized that acts such as those the world witnessed in Beslan "bring us back many years and the international community, which should have intervened immediately to appease the situation and to prevent the final outcome instead of acting as a bystander and commentator, has great responsibility."

Russian President Vladimir Putin was to travel to Northern Greece but cancelled his trip after the events in Beslan. However, three ships of the Black Sea fleet meant to escort the ship on which Putin would be traveling, have anchored in Thessaloniki.

[11] PM and transport minister discuss new public transport plan for Athens

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

After the meeting, Liapis stressed that the present momentum and good results, as well as the public's response, had to be preserved. He said that dialogue with the aim was now underway between transport system experts, local government and representatives of the workforce.

Liapis also responded to questions regarding a proposal for early elections made by former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, stressing that the government had received the mandate for four years and planned for a four-year term in power.

[12] Panhellenic Exporters' Union urge for measures to support exports

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Mrs Christina Sakellaridi, president of the Union, speaking to reporters said that exports in the first five months of 2004 fell by 8.4 percent compared with the same period last year, a development urging the need of government actions to reverse the trend.

Exporters believe that a development law should encourage cooperation between small and large enterprises, creation of brand products and the integration of higher technology and knowledge. They also urge for the support of export activity by all state organizations and services and for the creation of an export platform with specific agencies and countries. The Union supports the organizing of a services' system to the support of export businesses, mostly small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The Union also asked the government to take a more active role in supporting SMEs in research and development and urged for a speedy implementation of new tax legislation.

[13] Deputy foreign minister meets with organizations involved in EXPO 2008 bid

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

He also took part in a meeting of the EXPO 2008 bidding committee's executive secretariat and discussed future actions over the next three months with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis.

After the meeting, the minister stressed that the EXPO 2008 bid was now a top priority for the foreign ministry and all margins for promoting the city's competitiveness would be exhausted.

"If the decision were made based on technocratic criteria, it is certain that Thessaloniki would win. Now, however, the decision is based on political criteria and therefore a major role is played by communication on a political level with the governments that are deciding what to vote," he said.

[14] GSEE president presents report on state of Greek economy

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Polyzogopoulos said handling unemployment, increasing employment, combatting the high cost of living, labor relations, the tax issue and the social insurance issue will top trade union demands.

ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyros called for a generous income reallocation policy and an increase in employment.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said GSEE should desire transparency in fiscal issues, adding that figures will not constitute an alibi for the government to distance itself from election commitments.

[15] Ministry instructs public utilities to take steps to preserve present good condition of Athens

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The minister has instructed the Public Power Corporation (DEH), the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) and the Attiki Gas Supply Company (EPA Attiki) to advise Athens municipal authorities when they intend to carry out work on their networks within the municipality limits.

He also said there should be clear signposting that work was being carried out by the specific utility and that the necessary precautions for the safety of vehicle and pedestrian traffic should be taken at all times.

Thirdly, he called for immediate repair of any damage to road surfaces and pavements as a result of works, saying these should be returned to their former condition.

The ministry instructions followed a meeting between the minister and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis on ways to maintain the city in its present good condition. The development ministry has undertaken to monitor the public utilities, as well as EPA Thessaloniki, and make sure they follow the above guidelines.

[16] Lufthansa referred to Greek Competition authorities over ticketing practices

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The ministry investigation showed that Lufthansa was breaching a Greek law on free competition with its decision -valid from September 1st- to issue air travel tickets, for each trip starting from Germany, from travel agencies based in Germany. The decision, a ministry announcement said, prohibited travel agencies based in Greece to issue tickets for these specific air travels.

[17] Greek Capital Market's Commission head denies reports over more securities firms' closure

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

In an announcement to the press, Pilavios denied he ever made any such comments and reminded a previous comment on the issue, saying that "if the 87 securities firms currently operating in the Athens bourse are too many or few it depends on the scope of investment services they offer. No one is obliging them to operate solely on securities transactions' revenues. It these firms could offer a wider range of services, then their current number would not seem irrational."

[18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks stabilize in limited trade

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,335.64 points, showing a marginal rise of 0.04 percent. Turnover was 48.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.09 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.38 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.99 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 206 to 72 with 70 remaining unchanged.

[19] Praise, for the most part, continues to pour in after 2004 Games

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Most were noteworthy for their praise of Athens' hosting of the long-awaited "Olympic Homecoming", while negative comments focused on local fans' behavior at some venues and on the doping furor. We've reprinted a few of the messages below in an absolutely non-scientific attempt to present a general view of the responses we received.

"...I must apologize for being a skeptic and doubting that Athens would be ready and prepared for these Olympics, but I am pleased to be wrong ... Thank you for the hospitality shown to the American athletes and to our fellow countrymen who managed to visit in person..." Steven & Jean Bridges, from Snohomish, Washington, wrote on Aug. 30.

"I am an American living in Canada. I cannot emphasize enough the pride you must all feel about the 2004 Olympics ... Never before have I been so enthralled by the sheer spectacle and magnificence of the Games. You have weathered undo criticism and doubt ... the endearment of the people of Greece came through our televisions and all felt the warmth of your love," wrote Daniel Simmons, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, also on Aug. 30 -- the day after the 28th Summer Olympics concluded in Athens.

"I couldn't find a place on the official Athens Olympics website to leave this message, so I'm hoping by leaving it with you, you will convey my thanks and appreciation to the people of Athens and Greece - you all have succeeded in providing a safe, exciting and simply spectacular Olympics. Thank you!" said J. Odle, from Texas, in an e-mail on Aug. 30.

"Congratulations on a wonderful Olympic Games, your country should be very proud. The Greek people have shown the whole world a beautiful country, world class venues and an outstanding Olympic effort. Best wishes for the rest of the Games and I hope your tourism and business in general prosper long after this event. Please know that people in the USA respect your country very much and taking on this challenge was not easy, but you did great," Anthony Herzog, from Pennsylvania, wrote on Aug. 28.

"Please pass on my sincere thanks for a wonderful, wonderful time watching the Olympics events. Greece did a superb job on the entire event ... It was one of the most thrilling Olympics I've seen in my 74 years," Muriel Knapp, from Bella Vista, Arkansas, wrote on Aug. 31.

"Congratulations on showing the world the beauty, warmth, and compassion that Greece has to offer. I hope someday I am able to come for a visit. I watched for two weeks the competition of the Olympics Games, and everywhere I see the beauty of Greece,"

Jack Haleva, from Seattle, added on Aug. 31.

"To all of Greece. Thank you for the most wonderful Olympic Games ever. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Games on television ... All of Greece should be proud of such a glorious display of love and peace..." Joseph Albanese, from the United States, said on Aug. 30.

"...My warmest congratulations, as an ethnic Greek, for the magnificent Olympic Games' Opening (ceremony) ..." Hugo Kourtis, from Argentina, wrote on Aug. 14, a day after the Olympics in the Greek capital began.

"...You have done a great job on getting your country ready for such a great event," Ken Brookshier, from Belleville, Michigan, said on Aug. 14.

"I wish to record my congratulations to those responsible for and to those taking part in your magnificent Opening Ceremony ... I was born in Sydney (1935) and now live in Melbourne. I have to say your Opening Ceremony surpassed Sydney's! ... To all those detractors who criticized Athens in doubting your ability to have everything ready in time I say you all should apologize ... Watching the Games on television here in Melbourne inspires me to visit Greece..." John Riters, from Cranbourne, Victoria, wrote on Aug. 16.

"Thank you for the wonderful gift you gave the world for the 2004 Olympics. You did it with class. There was hardly a problem in the whole Games. I enjoyed the Opening Ceremonies immensely and am looking forward to the Closing Ceremonies Sunday night," Letty Packard, from La Marque, Texas, wrote on Aug. 29.

One reader, Chris Hohman, was bitter over what he called the "deplorable" behavior of Greek fans during the men's 200m finals and during the men's gymnastics competition, noting, in an e-mail sent on Aug. 27, that "Greece was an embarrassment ... May you choke on mountains of stinking feta cheese," was one of the more printable phrases.

He nevertheless sent another e-mail after the Games had concluded, on Sept. 3, this time writing: "I said some bad things I did not mean because I was mad at that moment about how some people were behaving. I am sorry. Please accept my apology. Thank you for a beautiful Olympics. - Chris".

On the down side, the chorus of heckling before the men's 200m final, an event where top Greek sprinter Costas Kenteris was expected to vie for the gold before he unceremoniously bowed out of the 2004 Olympics amid a doping test-evasion furor, brought a handful of negative reactions.

"As I was watching the Olympics tonight I was saddened by the behavior of the crowd at the 200m men's sprint ... I was pained for the athletes, who obviously worked so hard to get to that point, but also, as a daughter of Greek immigrants, I was mortified by the behavior of the mostly Greek crowd ... All countries participating in the Olympics suffer disappointments and I truly believe it was wrong to take their disenchantment with their own runner out on the rest of the athletes competing," wrote Megan Savides on Aug. 27.

In an e-mail entitled "Where's the Olympic spirit?" Mario Spinelli, from Chicago, wrote on Aug. 27:

"Watching the Olympics I'm shocked by the lack of Olympic spirit shown by the Greek fans. And it's not just directed at American athletes, although when Americans take to the playing fields the boos go up a notch. Greeks booing Japanese, Egyptians, Chinese. I've never heard anyone boo at an Olympics before."

"Here's a challenge to every athlete who tested positive in Athens or is under suspicion, particularly (Leonidas) Sampanis, (Costas) Kenteris and (Katerina Thanou) ... When they address their nation in tears, they should also demand to take a polygraph test (lie detector) ... While they polygraph has its critics, I couldn't think of a better deterrent for lying drug cheats," Frank Pangallo, from Sydney, wrote on Aug. 22, in proposing a rather unconventional method to prevent sports doping.

[20] Public prosecutors hear more evidence in Kenteris-Thanou case

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Valasiadis was named as the person who started to look for the two athletes on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on August 12 so that they could take a doping control test.

Kenteris and Thanou went missing from the Olympic Village on the same day and did not show up for the doping test, surfacing hours later in an Athens hospital after an alleged motorbike accident that is now also under investigation.

Going before an IOC Disciplinary Commission after almost a week in hospital, the two sprinters voluntarily withdrew from the Games as revelations regarding the suspicious activities of their coach flooded the media.

[21] Xanthi court hands out nine-year jail sentence for immigrant-trafficking

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Matziras was arrested the previous week on the Komotini-Xanthi road when he was found to be transporting 30 Asian illegal immigrants from Evros to Athens hidden in a special crypt in the luggage compartment of his bus.

The economic migrants said they had each paid Matziras 350 euros for their passage. Matziras denied requesting money but failed to convince the court, which handed out the nine-year sentence and ordered that he be temporarily incarcerated at Komotini prison. The 30 illegal immigrants will be deported to their country of origin by police.

[22] Court rejects petition by convicted N17 member for suspended sentence

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

Papanastasiou, who was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for participating in a terrorist organization, claimed poor health and economic damage suffered by his pottery business. He also argued that he was not considered likely to flee or a danger to public safety.

The court rejected the arguments and ordered Papanastasiou to be returned to Korydallos prison.

[23] CIRP elects Greek president

Athens, 7/9/2004 (ANA)

According to an announcement on Monday, this is the first time that the CIRP has elected a Greek president since its foundation in 1951.

The CIRP has about 500 members from 40 countries, mainly university professors, who are recognized in the field of industrial production research. Its aim is to promote international cooperation between researchers by organizing conferences and publishing research papers.

Chrysolouros is the head of the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics department at Patras University and director of a laboratory for production and automation systems, with a significant body of published work, including books and scientific papers.

[24] Cypriot spokesman says government pursuing consensus on EU regulations

LARNACA 7/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides noted that now all the details of the Greek Cypriot side's proposal regarding the fenced-off area of Famagusta in relation to the EU regulations have been wrapped up, the proposal has been submitted to the European Commission and Commissioner Gunter Verheugen.

The proposal includes the return of Famagusta to its legal inhabitants, as provided for by UN Security Council resolutions, in order to find a legitimate way of reopening the town's port.

Replying to questions at Larnaca Airport before departing for The Hague, where he will represent President Tassos Papadopoulos at a meeting on EU issues, Chrysostomides said ''The President of the Republic orally submitted his proposal to Mr. Verheugen some time ago and now that the details have been wrapped up and the proposal is complete, it has been put before Mr. Verheugen and the Commission.''

Referring to Turkey's bid to join the EU and receive a date in December 2004 to commence accession negotiations, Chrysostomides reminded statements made by President Papadopoulos, that Cyprus did not wish to veto Turkey's negotiations but on the other hand Ankara must comply with its EU and international law obligations.

[25] Cypriot political parties call on leaders to intensify cooperation

NICOSIA 7/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In a joint communique issued after a meeting at the Ledra Palace, in the UN buffer zone, the leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties said they ''exchanged views on the current situation of the Cyprus problem and called for the intensification of the cooperation between the political leaders of the two communities''.

Their next meeting, under the auspices of the Embassy of Slovakia to Cyprus, will be held on October 18.

Speaking after the meeting, main opposition DISY President Nicos Anastassiades said ''it is wrong to think that the international community will undertake initiatives without knowing what we want, to the expense of our aim, which is the reunification of our country.''

President of the Social Democrats Movement EDEK Yiannakis Omirou said ''there must be a new negotiating process'' for a Cyprus settlement, adding that ''both communities must agree on the need for a new phase of negotiations, which will lead to a solution of the Cyprus question.''

Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat said the Greek Cypriot side must clarify what it wants so that ''we can make an assessment.''

Regarding the issue of the fenced-off area of Famagusta, Talat said the solution to this aspect was provided for in the solution plan presented to the sides by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, noting that ''a step-by-step solution is impossible.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The Annan plan, which was sent to separate simultaneous referenda in April 2004, was dismissed by the Greek Cypriot community and accepted by the Turkish Cypriot community.

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