Opposition, unions criticize government's 2005 budget: The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) said on Wednesday that the government's newly announced budget for 2005 meant that the public would foot the bill for fiscal reform.

"The government is transferring the burden of a 'mild economic adaptation' to ordinary people by means of an increase in indirect tax, which is the most unfair form of taxation," PASOK said in a statement.

"The public has been asked to pay three billion euros in new taxes while the government has simultaneously announced a reduction in tax on capital," the party said.

In a separate statement, the Coalition of the Left and Progress claimed that the 2005 budget had widened existing inequalities.

"The government's social targets of boosting employment and attaining growth for all are nebulous. They are not accompanied by policy tools. On the contrary, they are eliminated or undermined by budgetary policies, such as a restrictive incomes policy, a widening of tax inequality, unbridled privatization, and a drop in public spending, especially the public investments program," a Coalition deputy, Yiannis Dragasakis, said.

The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) claimed that the budget hurt working people.

"The austerity outlined in the budget conceals a savage austerity that will occur in practice, concealed by communications spin called 'mild adaptation'...Incomes policy won't even cover inflation," GSEE leader Christos Polyzogopoulos told reporters.

[03] New Democracy intends to propose fact-finding commission on weapons systems procurements, parliamentary spokesman Polydoras announces

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

One of the reports spoke of "possible criminal responsibility" on the part of then defense ministers Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Yannos Papantoniou (PASOK government) in connection with the contract for the procurement of 21 Russian-made mobile tracked TOR/M1 anti-aircraft systems and the agreement on offset benefits accompanying the contract.

The prosecutor's report, which was submitted to the Areios Pagos and the justice ministry and forwarded by the ministry to parliament, said: "It is clearly deduced that the Hellenic state suffered a loss as a result of the purchase of the TOR/M1 anti-aircraft weaponry system...the responsibility for the selection of this system primarily lies with all the members of the military leadership (members of the Supreme Military Council, the National Defense General Staff chief) who evaluated it and included it in the list of options."

It also said that "adequate evidence exists against these persons for perpetrating the felony of breach of trust against the state".

The justice ministry also forwarded to Parliament a second report by a public prosecutor concerning the procurement of six AN/TPQ-37 anti-artillery radars.

Polydoras proposal not linked to presidential elections, gov't says: The Polydoras proposal should not be linked to the issues of presidential succession or early elections, deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed on Wednesday.

The spokesman said the proposal for a fact-finding commission arose naturally from an initiative undertaken by independent justice, which had forwarded its findings to Parliament.

"It's the government's duty to investigate further," he added.

He stressed that the period of time under scrutiny was determined by the law and that justice had judged that there was "certain evidence". Asked if the same process will be followed in other cases currently being investigated by justice, the spokesman said that every case would be judged individually.

Antonaros also stressed that the government considered debate on the new president and the prospect of early elections to be premature and denied that New Democracy was creating a "pre-election" climate.

Former DM Akis Tsohatzopoulos and ND secretary general comment on armed forces procurements report: Former Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, whose name has been involved in a pubic prosecutor's report on armed forces procurements which may lead to the establishment of a Parliamentary Fact-finding Committee, and ruling New Democracy (ND) party Secretary General Vangelis Meimarakis commented on the issue on Wednesday, with the latter defending the proposal on the creation of the Committee "so that there will be no shadow on the country's political life."

Tsohatzopoulos said on his part "the operation of smearing PASOK and the armed forces misfired, leaving the moral accomplices exposed as slanderers."

The former minister also said "documents tabled in Parliament reveal that the state not only did not suffer any loss, but it had a considerable benefit both at economic level, because the best prices were achieved, and at the level of the strength, effectiveness and readiness of the armed forces since high technology weaponry systems of guaranteed effectiveness were secured through the contracts in time."

Asked whether PASOK will agree to the creation of a Fact-finding Committee, Tsohatzopoulos said "PASOK will adopt the suitable position in time."

PASOK's press spokesman Nikos Athanasakis announced that his party will undertake the initiative to table a motion in Parliament on the creation of a Parliamentary Fact-finding Committee "on the course of the armaments programmers' implementation to date."

Athanasakis accused ND "of having and continuing to have scandal talk as its flag", adding that "with very specific political planning it cultivated a morbid climate in the country's political life when it was in the opposition and it is maintaining it in government."

The spokesman further said "we had no doubt that ND, before the deadlocks it is faced with, would attempt to disorientate public discussion from the country's real problems."

ND's Meimarakis said that "following the development of the case and the public prosecutor's request to Greek Parliament, ND should go ahead with the creation of the Fact-finding Committee as has already been announced. I wish to stress that our political culture and our ethics impose upon us to request the Fact-finding Committee to enable ample light to be shed. To facilitate transparency and so as not to allow any shadow on the country's political life and not to humiliate our political rivals publicly."

Former DM Yiannos Papantoniou says he had found the two contracts on armaments programs already signed: Former Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, referring on Wednesday to the issue of a public prosecutor's report on two armaments programs, said he had found the two contracts already signed.

On the question of the TOR-M1 anti-aircraft systems, he said he himself had amended terms contained in the relevant contract which, amended and without any change, "had been signed by the present defense minister in July, 2004, accompanied by triumphant announcements to the press."

As regards the TPQ radars, Papantoniou said that tests had not been completed by the time the elections had been held in March and that consultations have been continuing on a service level to date and he expressed wonder "why necessary decisions have not been taken by the defense ministry's present leadership over the past seven months."

In statements to radio and television stations, Papantoniou also said the issue has been manipulated by the defense ministry.

Gov't spokesman comments on armaments procurement investigation, responds to PASOK:"For New Democracy, respecting an independent judicial system and the law is not a slogan," Government Spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos said on Wednesday regarding the procurement of armaments by the Hellenic armed forces which is being investigated, as well as in response to comments made by the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party which accused the government of trying to disorientate public discussion from the country's real problems.

"Everyone, and especially politicians first and foremost, must prove this in practice. When the judicial system asks Greek Parliament to investigate a matter, Parliament should be the first to set the example that no one is above the law and everyone must respect it," he said.

[04] Powell and Molyviatis did not discuss transfer of US arms to Cyprus, Washington says

WASHINGTON 30/9/2004 (ANA/T.Ellis)

''The two ministers held talks on Turkey, the Balkans, Cyprus as well as on some other issues. During this meeting, there was no discussion on arms made in the US that have been transferred to Cyprus,'' Boucher said in a written statement.

[05] Gov't unveils PM's schedule, comments on media 'primary shareholder' issue

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Antonaros briefed reporters on the prime minister's next-day schedule during a daily press briefing.

In other matters, the spokesman commented on the government's intention to pass legislation dealing with the all-important issue of transparency in broadcast media ownership (radio and television). New Democracy party, the current ruling party, has long proposed tougher restrictions to prevent individuals with major public sector contracts from retaining controlling interests in broadcast media.

"The government is committed to tabling legislation concerning the primary shareholder (of broadcast media) until the end of the year, and it is within this framework that the premier is discussing the issue with his associates," he said in response to a press question concerning a Tuesday meeting at the prime minister's office.

Finally, asked about the two airships (blimps) used as law enforcement surveillance platforms above the greater Athens area during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Antonaros said the aircraft -- mostly referred to as "Zeppelins" in the local press -- are still visible in the Greek capital's sky because they have been leased until Oct. 30.

[06] PM and Athens mayor discuss post-Olympic Games use of sports facilities

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyianni said afterwards that the meeting took place in the framework of regular meetings she has with the prime minister in her capacity as Athens mayor.

Referring to issues discussed during the meeting, the mayor said the post-Olympic Games agenda is long and that "various issues were discussed in the overall effort to achieve the greatest possible post-Olympic Games reliability of the projects and infrastructures which were created."

[07] Agreement between Greece with Athens 2004 International Security Organization ends

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

The 17th meeting took place at the Ministry of Public Order and was attended by representatives from the above countries, heads of the Greek security forces, officers from the 2004 security organization as well as participating services.

Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis expressed his satisfaction with the participation of the seven countries as well as the fact that the Olympic Games took place without any problems. Voulgarakis stated that this was due to the smooth co-ordination of all entities involved. He further stated that Greece received technical know-how in order to run the Olympic Games and that it would now try and export this knowledge to other countries which might face similar security concerns.

[08] Greek EU Commissioner-designate stresses need for strong EU policies on environment

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

In the three-hour hearing, Dimas stressed the need to tackle the causes of climate change, protect biodiversity, the relationship between the environment and human health and to seek ways of production and consumption that were compatible with sustainable development.

For climate change, in particular, Dimas called for alternative energy solutions that did not sacrifice competitiveness. He also called for cooperation between the EU and its international partners.

He said the reduction of biodiversity must be stopped by 2010 and that there must be stricter implementation of existing EU environmental legislation in areas such as protection of nature, waste management, water and assessing environment impact.

Dimas said that there should be high-level protection for the environment within the enlarged EU of 25 members, which was also compatible with the particular traits of each country. He called for simplified and modernized legislation in this area, underlining the need to incorporate an environmental dimension into the transport and energy sectors.

The Commissioner-designate noted that a well-designed framework for environmental law could boost technological innovation and the production of high quality, low cost products that would make industry more competitive and increase economic growth.

According to Dimas, growth and prosperity can be combined with a high level of environmental protection.

The Investitute Commission will complete the hearings of the commissioners-designate on October 8, after which the European Parliament plenary will be asked to approve the composition and appointment of the new European Commission with a vote on October 27 in Strasbourg.

The new Commission will take over its new duties on November 1 for five years.

[09] PASOK party leader holds meetings with newly-elected deputies

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou held the meetings in his office in Parliament with his deputies Aris Mousionis, Markos Bolaris, Athanassios Moraitis, Giorgos Dolios, Emmanuel Othonas, Vassilis Economou, Mihalis Pantoulas and Athanassios Papageorgiou.

[10] Gov't comments on vandalism incident at Church-owned property in Albania

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

"We condemn these very sad incidents, ones that are the result of activities by extremist and fanatical elements," spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.

He added the protection of minority rights is cited in a stability pact between the European Union and Albania, noting that such incidents are evaluated within the framework of the overall examination of that country's European course.

According to recent press reports, six masked men broke into the Church-owned campgrounds, located in the Sarande district of southwestern Albania, and proceeded to vandalize the facilities. The assailants also reportedly tied up a guard at the site.

[11] COREPER leaning towards compromise on aid to Turkish Cypriots

BRUSSELS 30/9/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

According to diplomatic sources, approval of the directive seems extremely likely since the European Commission says it accepts a series of amendments that Cyprus' permanent representative to the EU had made several months ago. The amendments concerned the protection of Greek Cypriots' property in the occupied territories, negotiations of EU authorities with Cypriot authorities, issues related to settlers, etc.

According to the same sources, the unanimous acceptance of Wednesday's compromise during intra-EU negotiations opens the way for the directive to be approved by the Council of Ministers and EU officials are interested in the Turkish Cypriot response, since the Turkish Cypriots were not satisfied with the proposed amendments that were approved by COREPER.

[12] Gul says no EU recognition because of T/C pseudo-state's presence at EU-OIC meeting

ISTANBUL 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Nevertheless, Gul expressed his satisfaction that the OIC listed the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state with the name it is referred to in a United Nations peace plan for Cyprus.

In response to reactions by the EU over the Turkish Cypriot participation at the meeting, Gul said the T/C regime retains observer status with the OIC, therefore, it will also participate as an observer at the EU-OIC meeting.

"Thus, it is not a matter that involves the European Union, and it doesn't mean that the European Union recognizes the TRNC," he said, referring to the pseudo-state recognized only by Ankara.

An OIC summit will be hosted here.

[13] Greek that harbored Ocalan sues former Turkish agents for attempted murder

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Naxakis was one of the main defendants in a high-profile trial concerning the illegal entry into Greece in January 1999 of fugitive Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, head of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Naxakis was accused of smuggling Ocalan into Greece in an embarrassing incident for the Greek government, which ultimately led to the Kurdish rebel leader's capture by Turkish authorities in Kenya.

Naxakis claimed that the Turkish secret service considered him to be the Greek state's contact with Ocalan and the PKK.

[14] Gov't on credit rating agency reports on Greece, Finmin's letter

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

He stressed that a country's credit rating was not judged only in terms of absolute numbers but also by its ability to implement a plan for economic stability.

The spokesman also referred reporters to a letter sent out by Economic and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis to ruling New Democracy MPs on what the government had done and why and how it intended to continue from now on, particularly stressing the finance minister's assurances that the government will not attempt to conceal any figures that describe the true state of the economy".

[15] EU Commission spokesman denies plans to stop payments from Cohesion Fund to Greece

BRUSSELS 30/9/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

While conceding that such a prospect existed under existing Community laws, the spokesman said there was no discussion on such a course of action at present.

The most important thing was for Greece to return to a healthy fiscal condition from now on, the spokesman stressed.

He said that Community agencies will study the Greek budget for 2005 over the coming period and assess whether this will succeed in meeting the goals of reducing the public deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP in 2005, as claimed by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

[16] Deputy economy minister promises mild policies, fiscal policies without surprises or austerity measures

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

The government's 2005 draft budget plan was made public on Wednesday and using this opportunity, journalists asked Regouzas if the government intended to impose any new taxes, for example on alcohol or tobacco. Regouzas denied these charges but stated that with regard to tobacco, the government would be taking a series of measures which would level out competition between small and large businesses and which would protect the Greek market as well as workers in the industry. Regouzas went on to say that the new regulatory measures will be finalized in light of the new taxation laws the government intends to introduce.

Regouzas went on to say that the government is committed to modernizing the country and to reducing bureaucracy. "We are working slowly but steadily in order to fulfill our pre-election promises" said the deputy minister.

[17] Survey: Majority of domestic firms lack global competitiveness

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

The firms are lagging mainly in developing business and in their ability to expand their presence in terms of new products in new markets, said the survey, which was presented on Wednesday by the London Business School's Greek alumni association.

The survey was based on the performance of 4,000 Greek companies in 1997-2002 with sales over 1.5 million euros.

[18] Draft presidential decree signed allowing for hirings of EU citizens in public administration

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

As a result of the draft presidential decree, issued with an eight-year delay, European citizens will be able to be employed at the Public Administration General Secretariat, the Equality of Genders General Secretariat and the Public Administration and Self-Administration National Centre.

Referring to the draft presidential decree, Andreoulakos said "the free circulation of working people in the EU, in the framework of the European Unified Internal Market, is a main pursuit and one of the pylons of promoting the European Structure. This fundamental freedom is to a great degree a tangible reality which has been predicted both by the founding treaties on equal treatment for citizens of EU member-states and by a series of EU Law acts which guarantee the mobility of European citizens. In our country, Law 2431/1996 allows for the appointment or hiring of citizens in Public Administration, who have the nationality of another EU member-state."

[19] PM Karamanlis confers with tourism minister Avramopoulos

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Talks focused on the new ministry's budget and operational plan, according to sources. The ministry of tourism was established by the New Democracy government when it came into power in March,

Avramopoulos assured the premier that all was running smoothly, and reiterated that 31 million euro in advertisement, as well as the revenues from the state-run casinos, have been ensured.

[20] Palli-Petralia: Paralympics represent Greece's third gold medal

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

"The greatest success was the attendance of Greek spectators, who came to see these Games, which changed the attitudes of people in Athens and Greece forever. That was one of our main goals, after all," Craven said.

Asked what the best part of the Paralympic Games was, Craven said: "We owe so much to so many people, but I think that without the government's support - and by that I mean the support of the Greek people through government - the Games would not have happened. The financial support given - I think around 80 million euros - was crucial for the Games' success. The Games I believe were unique and really successful in terms of [athletes'] performance, the facilities. However, I think their uniqueness is due to the fact that Greece made the Paralympic Movement understand better its reason for being."

In closing, Petralia added that "further development of special sports is a goal [to be achieved] over the following years. We had the opportunity to go over many issues, such as the lighting of the Paralympic Flame in Athens, and I think that together with the Municipality of Athens, we can put together a proposal which will be discussed and reviewed by the Paralympic Committee."

[21] Evidence points to responsibility for both drivers in Maliakos Bay accident

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

The accident occurred at a particularly dangerous stretch of the national highway dubbed the Maliakos 'horseshoe', which has one of the highest rates for fatal accidents in Greece. It involved a collision between an articulated lorry laden with sheets of glass and a coach carrying teenagers on a school trip to Athens to watch the Paralympic Games.

The same sources said the driver of the inter-city coach had tampered with the tachometer in the vehicle.

Putin condolences over bus crash: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday conveyed his and the Russian People's condolences to Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos over the weekend bus-truck collision in central Greece that left seven high school students dead.

"We know how painful such tragedies are, ones that take away what is most beloved -- the lives of our children," Putin said in a letter.

In a related development on Wednesday, press sources said a relevant prosecutor's probe indicates that both drivers were speeding and that the driver of the bus carrying the students had interfered with the vehicle's tachometer.

Finally, students at a Thessaloniki-area high school on Wednesday also held a protest rally in the city's centre over the deadly traffic accident.

[22] New Acropolis Museum to be included in 3rd Community Support Fund

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture, a re-structuring of the Board of Directors of the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum is in progress as is the reissue of a presidential decree regarding its operation. Re-structuring of the museum's management as well as the supervision of the project will also take place, deemed essential if the New Acropolis Museum project is to be approved by the EU.

[23] OSCE conference on human trafficking opens in Rhodes

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking of human trafficking, Psarouda-Benaki said: "it is imperative on all levels that we accelerate our efforts in addressing the problem - on a legal, ethical and political level."

"The traditional slave trade has evolved into a modern business of the financial exploitation of people and constitutes a continuous threat for democratic societies. Especially after the collapse of socialist countries and their transition to a free economy, in Central and Eastern Europe, but also in other regions of the world, the lack of employment opportunities and the decline of quality of life has marginalized a large part of their population. Market liberalization has led to unstable mechanisms of economic growth," Psarouda-Benaki said.

In order to effectively eradicate illegal trafficking, which is on the rise (according to UN data, 4 million people around the world are victims, with 500,000 entering Western Europe annually), Psarouda-Benaki says that prevention through development policy, democratization, social reform and a change of mentality in the countries of origin is the answer in order to eliminate the causes that create this phenomenon.

Additionally, "the welfare state must identify and handle the consequences of violence and must provide help and support to the victims so that they can break out of their exploitative environment and become reintegrated in society through educational and training programs," she said.

Finally, Psarouda-Benaki called for review of countries' immigration policies, reinforcing the austerity of the legislative framework and the control mechanisms of the host country.

Head of the Greek delegation and first Vice President of the OSCE parliamentary conference Panos Kammenos said that western, affluent countries and their parliamentary representatives have not yet understood the scale and gravity of the problem, and therefore have yet to declare war against it.

According to Kammenos, the illegal trafficking of people is first and foremost "an issue of the violation of the fundamental rights of the victims, such as their freedom and dignity - and even their life in the case when their torturers decide that their slaves are no longer useful."

However, human trafficking also poses a threat to the countries of origin (which are usually in the process of transitioning to western, liberal political and economic structures with weak institutions and non-developed economies) since their modernization and democratization is clearly threatened by the activity of crime rings.

In closing, Kammenos emphasized that "We must openly declare our intention to fight human trafficking and make it the focus of political activity in every country (...). We must also make the media aware, by informing them and presenting the problem in its true dimensions, while making it clear that we are not talking about a simple matter of illegal activity, tax evasion or prostitution, but something much more serious."

[24] Papaligouras to represent Greece at EU justice ministers' meeting

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

[25] Athens 2004 Olympics the best according to ongoing Australian poll

MELBOURNE 30/9/2004 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)

Results of the poll, which has not yet been finalized, reveal that 36% of voters said the Athens Games were better, 34% said they were worse and 30% said they were about the same.

[26] Smugglers charged with transporting illegal immigrants

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

More specifically, the captain of the ship and four members of the crew were charged with illegal entry into Greece, causing a shipwreck which posed a direct danger to those on board; the violation of international laws as well as deliberately fleeing the scene of a crime resulting in the sinking of the ship. The five were finally also charged with illegally transporting migrants who had no legal right of entry into Greece.

[27] Bomb warning for OA flight proves a hoax, the second in three days

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

OA flight 411 from Athens to New York was diverted to Shannon airport Tuesday evening after an anonymous caller phoned the Eleftherotypia daily , as the plane was in flight over the Atlantic Ocean, and claimed a bomb had been placed on board and would explode in one hour.

The aircraft was escorted by security forces and the fire brigade to an isolated spot at the airport, away from the runways, where its 295 passengers and 12 crew members were evacuated.

A meticulous search of the airplane by the Irish special forces did not find a bomb, and the plane was allowed to leave Shannon Airport at 4:00 a.m. (Greek time) to continue on to New York.

A similar false alarm occurred on Sunday, again on PA flight 411 from Athens to New York, after an anonymous caller phoned the Ethnos daily claiming there was a bomb on board. The plane was diverted to the nearest airport, Stansted Airport near London, where the 293 passengers and 14-member crew were evacuated. A meticulous search of the plane by British special forces did not find a bomb.

[28] PSV Eindhoven beats Panathinaikos 1-0 in Champions League match

Athens 30/9/2004 (ANA)

[29] Cyprus President wants Turkey to end hostile acts against Nicosia

BRUSSELS 30/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after meeting Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt in Brussels, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus was in favor of Turkey beginning accession negotiations with the EU, provided it fulfills the Copenhagen criteria and starts behaving as a candidate state.

The EU's executive Commission will present a recommendation next Wednesday on whether Ankara has met the political and economic criteria to start membership talks, and President Papadopoulos said he still kept an open mind on the Turkish bid.

''We will consider the report of the Commission,'' he said, adding that then ''we will be able to judge better how the Turkish attitude towards Cyprus will develop.''

The Cypriot president said ''we would like some of the hostile acts of Turkey towards Cyprus to be removed and we will make our decision when the time comes.''

President Papadopoulos said Cyprus favored Turkey getting a date for the commencement of accession talks ''provided that Turkey will meet all the requirements of the Copenhagen criteria, and changes its attitude to a European country applicant state.''

The Cypriot president described his meeting as ''very cordial and useful,'' noting there was a wide exchange of views and bilateral relations were examined. He said Belgium and Cyprus intend to sign two agreements concerning maritime issues and the re-entry of illegal immigrants.

He also extended an invitation to the Belgian Premier to visit Cyprus, which was accepted.

Papadopoulos discusses Cyprus and EU matters with Belgian FM:The Cyprus issue and two European Union regulations relating to the Turkish Cypriots were discussed at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday evening between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht.

Speaking after the meeting, Papadopoulos said he was pleased with the discussion with Gucht on the prospects for a Cyprus settlement as well as on the two EU regulations relating to financial aid for the Turkish Cypriots and direct trade between the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus and the EU.

The Belgian FM said they discussed in depth the problems arising for the two regulations.

''The President of the Republic has explained in detail his position and I think this is very important, since the General Affairs Council must discuss one of the two regulations'', he said, noting that it is very important to be familiar with the position of the interested member-state, Cyprus in this case, on the matter.

He said he would definitely take it into consideration when discussing the issue in Luxemburg on 11 ctober, at the Council meeting, said the FM.

[30] Cyprus government says search for solution continues

NICOSIA 30/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Referring to President Tassos Papadopoulos' contacts in Brussels and New York, the spokesman said ''it seems that they realize that the democratic referendum did not imply the rejection of a solution but the rejection of the specific plan with the specific provisions,'' adding that ''we are in a new era and naturally the search for a solution continues.''

The spokesman outlined the government's position that ''the solution which will be pursued will be in the framework of the Annan Plan for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.''

Asked if anyone could say whether Borrell's statements created the conditions for a European solution, he said ''it is an indication of the continued effort by our side to promote the effort for a resumption of the procedure that will be pursued to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem.''

Borrell said on Tuesday after meeting President Papadopoulos that the solution proposed by the UN for a Cyprus settlement could not have been very good, as it was not accepted by the Greek Cypriot community in the April 24 referendum.

He also noted that one should listen to the Cypriots in order to find a solution and reassured that the European Parliament was intensely involved in this effort.

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