Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't says Papoulias candidacy has all the attributes dictated presidentialy by the spirit of the Constitution

[02] EU General Affairs Council prepares for EU Summit

[03] Gov't striving for 'best possible text' for EU summit conclusions, Roussopoulos says

[04] Symposium on Security and Cooperation in the broader Euro-Atlantic Region

[05] Turkey's EU accession and EU enlargement dominate conference on Euro-Atlantic cooperation in Athens

[06] Austrian foreign minister insists that Turkey's EU accession talks should be open-ended

[07] Turkish premier expresses optimism on Turkey's EU accession on Greek TV station interview

[08] Greek Deputy FM Valinakis outlines Athens' views vis-a-vis Turkey's EU prospects

[09] Permanent ambassador to UN Vasilakis on FYROM name at diplomatic symposium

[10] Alavanos takes over helm of Synaspismos party

[11] PM Karamanlis and Cyprus DISY leader coordinate action ahead of EPP meeting

[12] Reshuffle is issue that concerns only the prime minister, spokesman says on rumors

[13] Army Chief to pay formal visit to Serbia-Montenegro

[14] Turkish warplanes violate national air space in the Aegean

[15] Ecumenical Patriarch calls on Turkish government to fulfill its promises regarding Halki School

[16] Turkey's nationalist party leader launches verbal attack against Patriarch

[17] PASOK Congress pushed back by a week

[18] Greek Deputy Culture Minister responsible for sport Orfanos arrives in Cyprus

[19] Finmin says 2005 will act as base for sustainable economic growth

[20] 2004 budget: Expenditures within objectives, delay in revenue in the 10-month period

[21] Tax overhaul, new budget on the right track but timid, executives say

[22] Statistics service reports rising exports, drop in imports relative to 2003

[23] Greek Duty Free Shops awarded FYROM airport contract

[24] SE European energy authority to be based in Greece

[25] Stylianidis meets with Pakistan's commerce minister

[26] Stocks rise in moderate trade

[27] 170th anniversary of Athens as capital of Greece celebrated

[28] Gov't launches 'universal' public transport ticket for Athens

[29] Foreign nationals with residence permits pending to be allow re-entry into Greece during the holidays

[30] Michaloliakos' gift-giving to children in Budapest and Nairobi

[31] Cyprus president: We will decide about Turkey at the last moment

[32] Cyprus FM satisfied over outcome of EU Foreign Ministers discussions

[33] Zbigniew Wlosowicz is UN SG's Special Representative in Cyprus

[01] Gov't says Papoulias candidacy has all the attributes dictated presidentialy by the spirit of the Constitution

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis put forward Papoulias' name as the ruling party's candidate in a surprise move on Sunday night, ending weeks of speculation regarding the issue.

Roussopoulos noted that the government's decision to choose Papoulias, a close associate of PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou and a foreign minister under successive PASOK governments, proved its respect for the institutions.

"New Democracy is the force that unites Greeks, it is a force of progress, certainty and trust," he said.

Responding to questions regarding the procedure leading up to the presidential elections, the spokesman said there was no reason to accelerate the process and that "everything provided for under the Constitution" would be upheld.

Asked whether the climate of consensus might be extended to other areas, such as foreign policy, Roussopoulos said that the prime minister had repeatedly acted in support of consensus, especially in foreign policy. Pointing to ND's stance on the issue of a European army, he said the ruling party had repeatedly proved that it valued consensus on such issues in practice.

"There is no room for party-political conflict in such issues, they concern the history and future of the country," he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the party had taken the route of consensus because it was afraid of elections, pointing out that ND was steadily leading over main opposition PASOK in opinion polls nine months after the elections, with an ever-widening margin.

Presidential candidate Papoulias to meet PM Karamanlis on Tuesday: Presidential candidate Karolos Papoulias arrived in Athens from Ioannina on Monday and on Tuesday afternoon will meet with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at the Maximos Mansion.

Premier Karamanlis, in a surprise move on Sunday, proposed Papoulias as candidate for the presidential election due for next March.

Papoulias stated that he will also meet with main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou.

Regarding the prime minister's proposal for the Presidency of the Republic, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis stated from Brussels on Monday that he had a telephone communication with Papoulias whom he congratulated for his selection.

"Mr. Papoulias was a fellow-student of mine at the University and he is an old, good, and close friend of mine. I congratulated him for his selection and I wished him good luck and good success in his difficult task," Molyviatis said.

According to reports, February 8 is the possible date when Parliament convenes for the election of the President of the Republic.

Papoulias is expected to be elected from the first round, as the parliamentary strength of the ruling party (164) and of PASOK (115) exceeded the foreseen majority of the two thirds of the total number of deputies (200/300).

It is noted that the election of the President of the Republic is done by Parliament with a roll call vote in a special session.

During the first vote, elected is the one who gathers the majority of the two thirds of the total number of deputies (200).

If this majority is not achieved, the vote is repeated after five days.

If even in the second vote the set majority is not achieved, the vote is repeated another time, after five days, when elected President of the Republic is the one who receives the majority of the three-fifths of the total number of deputies (180).

If the increased majority is not also achieved in the third vote, Parliament is dissolved within ten days of the vote and the election of a new Parliament is declared.

The Parliament which will emerge from the new elections, once it is constituted into a body, elects with a roll call vote the President of the Republic with the majority of the three-fifths of the total deputies.

[02] EU General Affairs Council prepares for EU Summit

BRUSSELS 14/12/2004 (ANA/V.Demiris)

Regarding EU-Turkey relations, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis stressed that the issues that are still pending and which must be resolved by heads of state and governments at the EU Summit, are if and when accession talks with Turkey will begin and if so, what procedure will be followed. Molyviatis noted that the paragraph referring to Cyprus also remains open, with the focus being on the need to smooth out relations between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus. The Greek foreign minister added that on the sidelines of the meeting, he had the opportunity to meet with the Council's President, Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, in the hopes of finding a solution by the end of the week.

According to Cypriot diplomatic sources, the foreign ministers of Greece, France, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Spain emphasized that it is ''ethically and politically impossible'' for accession talks to begin if relations between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus have not been previously normalized.

Additionally, while French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier acknowledged that Turkey is not legally obligated to recognize Cyprus, he noted that it is ethically and politically unacceptable that Turkey has not recognized Cyprus yet, in statements he made during a press conference.

[03] Gov't striving for 'best possible text' for EU summit conclusions, Roussopoulos says

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

"The general political direction regarding Turkey's European prospects has been outlined many times by the prime minister and is unchanged," Roussopoulos added.

[04] Symposium on Security and Cooperation in the broader Euro-Atlantic Region

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at the symposium, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller questioned "whether NATO is in a position to do what it should do in 2004".

"NATO's mission has changed, it centers on the zones of instability outside Europe, as the missiles of North Korea reach the U.S. and we also know the potential of Iran's missiles," Miller said, raising the second question "whether NATO can take quick decisions as the cost of delay is numbered in human lives."

On his part, Russian Ambassador to Athens Alexei Rogalev said "Russia is against the conversion of sovereign states as an object of political experiments and disagrees with the conversion into a zone of juxtaposition of interests of states which neighbor the EU and Russia."

Rogalev stressed that "the future of Europe is inconceivable without Russia," noting that "there is no all-powerful means of protection from threats." He added that the discussions are continuing for the unified European space and the gradual Russia-EU approach as Russia and the EU have put forward four common areas of discussion which concern the economy, freedom, justice and internal security, foreign security and education and culture.

Euro-Atlantic Cooperation conference; comments from Michaloliakos, Diamantopoulou: "Our strategic objective is for the country to participate in the fundamental changes under way in the Balkans. We are seeking substantial and sincere cooperation with neighboring peoples," Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos stated in a speech he wrote for the 14th Symposium of the Greek Union for Atlantic and European Cooperation, which was held in Athens on Monday. Michaloliakos was unable to attend due to illness.

In his message, Michaloliakos also lists the various operations/activities Greece is currently participating in, pointing out that Greece has always played an active role in both EU and NATO initiatives in the Balkans.

Furthermore, the Greek deputy minister stressed that Greece supported Bulgaria and Romania as they prepared for NATO membership and also noted that Greece is encouraging Albania, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to speed up reforms - a requirement for candidate countries. Additionally, Michaloliakos also pointed out that Greece supports Serbia-Montenegro's and Bosnia-Herzegovina's efforts to join the Partnership for Peace.

Michaloliakos also mentioned that a few days ago he met with Sir John Reith, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and ALTHEA Operations Chief. Michaloliakos said that after their meeting, both men concluded that "we are working towards a Europe that will be autonomous regarding security and defense issues, but which will cooperate smoothly with NATO, based on the principles of equality and complementariness in establishing Prosperity, Stability and Peace."

"The EU must have a common foreign and defense policy," Anna Diamantopoulou, Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) State Deputy also responsible for Defense and Foreign Policy, said. She presented five major points on which Europeans should focus:

1) Modernization of existing military forces rather than creating new institutional structures;

2) NATO should continue to be first choice, since it remains the most comprehensive military organization;

3) Development of substantial EU-NATO relations;

4) Support EU-US military industry cooperation, which will enable both sides to cooperate on technology issues and will contain competition;

5) Europeans should not isolate NATO member states that are not EU members.

[05] Turkey's EU accession and EU enlargement dominate conference on Euro-Atlantic cooperation in Athens

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Several speakers were against further enlargement by the EU, saying that the Union needed to concentrate on development and on achieving the Lisbon targets in order to deal with rising competition on an international level. Others argued that Turkey's accession will essentially open the way to any country wishing to join and would inevitably lead to a 'two-speed' Community.

Also present were representatives of the Turkish government, who noted that the EU's major problem was its common agricultural policy, for which Turkey was not responsible.

[06] Austrian foreign minister insists that Turkey's EU accession talks should be open-ended

VIENNA 14/12/2004 (ANA/D.Dimitrakoudis)

Plassnik emphasized the need for exceptions, long transitional periods, special agreements or permanent protective clauses in the event that a start date for Turkey's EU accession talks is decided at the upcoming EU Summit on Friday.

[07] Turkish premier expresses optimism on Turkey's EU accession on Greek TV station interview

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

[08] Greek Deputy FM Valinakis outlines Athens' views vis-a-vis Turkey's EU prospects

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

In a published interview carried by the Cypriot daily "Haravgi", Valinakis first noted that ongoing last-minute deliberations are a clue into each of the 25 member-states' positions regarding specific issues, as well as how a common policy will be shaped, before noting:

"I must also underline here that although Dec. 17 (the second day of the EU summit) is a decisive date for negotiations involving all of us, for the Turks, if they are finally given a long-coveted date, it is the beginning of a marathon course, in fact, one replete with obstacles," he emphasized.

The Greek minister added that Ankara - which still occupies roughly one-third of Cyprus' territory -- will have to meet obligations both on the domestic and international fronts.

"Turkey must fully comprehend the depth and extent of such changes (in its policies), so that it meets its obligations and proceeds on its course towards Europe."

Asked about a possible reference in a draft text calling on Turkey to resolve border disputes, which more-or-less "photographs" Ankara's unilateral claims against Greece and Cyprus, Valinakis declined to clarify, in advance, if Athens was satisfied with such wording. Moreover, he declined to comment on deliberations underway to iron out a draft set of conclusions for the eagerly awaited Summit, saying a draft text is constantly being changed, revised and improved.

"We'll be in a position on Dec. 18 to express our views on the final text that will have been prepared, adopted and will be an official position of the European Union, namely, the 25 member-states, including Greece and Cyprus," he added.

In answer to a question on how Athens explains the fact that it solidly backs Turkey's European course, on the one hand, whereas Ankara, on the other, continues a policy of generating tension - i.e. violations of Greek airspace in the Aegean - Valinakis said:

"We, as a country, have outlined a clear position. We have a clear-cut direction and we do not vacillate. We have conscientiously and responsibly, based on our national interests, supported Turkey's European orientation. A Europeanized Turkey will behave differently. And if it (Turkey) forgets, the Union can remind it quite forcefully. This is the most beneficial path, and let me make it clear that in no instance does this mean that we will overlook our interests and rights; nor will we lose control of these developments," Valinakis said.

In referring to the fundamental issue of Turkey recognizing newly admitted EU member Cyprus - something that it has failed to do so far - the Greek minister said it was a "patently obvious" obligation of a candidate country to recognize each of the 25 member-states of the European family.

"Without the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey is already facing and will face numerous and specific problems in the progress it wishes to have towards the European Union. This is a given, and something that Turkey itself realizes, even if it doesn't admit it," Valinakis said, adding:

"During the monitoring period and Turkey's harmonization (with the EU's acquis communitarian), the Republic of Cyprus will be amongst its (Turkey) standing evaluators. This is something that everyone involved with foreign policy in Turkey knows," he concluded.

[09] Permanent ambassador to UN Vasilakis on FYROM name at diplomatic symposium

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Addressing a symposium hosted by the Union of Diplomatic Employees to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Vasilakis said: "The search for a solution that will satisfy Greece's interests is only natural. Greece is making the required effort. Personally, I am not over-optimistic. However, with some effort, we will have the desired result. We are not totally lacking in ammunition".

Referring to the issues that Greece will face after January 1, 2005 when it assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term, Vasilakis said that "Greece will have challanges to confront, such as that of Kosovo, which will be brought up in 2005. The issue is that it must have an opinion on what it wants".

Vasilakis added that there was some excess in related press reports regarding the difficulties and possible pressure Greece will face as a Security Council member, but stressed that "we must see things in their true dimensions".

"We will manage," he said.

[10] Alavanos takes over helm of Synaspismos party

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Outgoing party leader Constantopoulos greeted his successor at the party headquarters with praises, and pledged that he would be at his side as a party MP.

Constantopoulos said a "new period" was beginning for SYN, and wished the new party president that he would "achieve much more than we have achieved to date".

He said confrontation of the country's problems required "a collective effort, with optimism and prospect". This, Constantopoulos added, was what the members and friends of SYN wanted, and what the Greek society wanted.

The goal, he continued, was "a contemporary, renovative and radical Left that will be a pioneer in opening up new roads...that will exercise checks and criticism, in order to serve the different form of exercise of politics".

Alavanos expressed full satisfaction with the Congress' proceedings, which he said were carried out in an impeccable manner and with full respect for the different views heard, but with clear-cut positions regarding SYN's role at the side of the forces of society that required the support of the Left.

"For us, Nikos Constantopoulos is a source of wisdom on the one hand, a great legacy but also an active presence, one of the biggest supports in the difficult course ahead of us," Alavanos said.

The government's congratulations to Alavanos on his election were also expressed on Monday by government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, along with the government's best wishes for a 'creative term'.

[11] PM Karamanlis and Cyprus DISY leader coordinate action ahead of EPP meeting

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

A press release issued by DISY said Karamanlis and Anastasiades agreed on Monday on a common framework of positions and principles that they will highlight at the European People's Party (EPP) meeting that is due to take place in Brussels before the European Council.

[12] Reshuffle is issue that concerns only the prime minister, spokesman says on rumors

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

He was replying to press questions on rumors of a possible reshuffle of a smaller or larger scale, during a regular press briefing.

[13] Army Chief to pay formal visit to Serbia-Montenegro

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

During his visit, Douvas will discuss matters of mutual military interest and bilateral cooperation with Miladinovic, and will visit a Special Forces squadron.

Douvas will further call on the Orthodox Patriarchate of Serbia, where he will be received by the Patriarch, the announcement said.

[14] Turkish warplanes violate national air space in the Aegean

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

According to press reports, four formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean without submitting a flight plan and in six cases they violated the national air space in the region of the central and northern Aegean.

In all cases, the twelve Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek jets, while in one case the procedure of interception developed into a mock dogfight.

It was revealed that none of the Turkish warplanes were armed, while two of them were photographic "Phantoms".

[15] Ecumenical Patriarch calls on Turkish government to fulfill its promises regarding Halki School

ISTANBUL 14/12/2004 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos also noted the "painful developments" regarding relations with the Patriarchate in recent weeks, stressing that these were hard to interpret.

"In spite of all, we are optimistic," he added, "I am sure that in the near future we will have active proof of the improving climate, not just in words but in actions".

The Patriarch also expressed hope that Turkey would receive a date for the start of accession negotiations with the EU on December 17 and that these would lead as quickly as possible to Turkey's full accession to the Community.

He said that in official visits to members of the present Turkish government in Ankara, including Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he had received assurances that outstanding problems faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar will be solved.

"We have a right to expect that these promises will finally be implemented," Vartholomeos said, pointing out that "all these gave us hope regarding Halki".

[16] Turkey's nationalist party leader launches verbal attack against Patriarch

ISTANBUL 14/12/2004 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

Bahceli also accused the Turkish government of touring Europe and making compromises in hopes of getting a commencement date for EU accession talks at the upcoming EU Summit.

Bahceli called on his country's government to stop compromising and said that Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan should stop traveling around Europe and should instead tour Turkey and hear his own people's opinion.

[17] PASOK Congress pushed back by a week

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The three-day Congress was pushed back for technical reasons but also to allow time for the registration of more members, which was deemed necessary, reliable sources said.

[18] Greek Deputy Culture Minister responsible for sport Orfanos arrives in Cyprus

NICOSIA 14/12/2004 (ANA/G.Leonidas)

The aim of the visit is the signing of a new memorandum of sports cooperation between Cyprus and Greece for the year 2005.

[19] Finmin says 2005 will act as base for sustainable economic growth

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

"Key preliminary work has already been accomplished in the economy and the transformation will bear fruit in the coming year," Alogoskoufis said in a speech to the Constantine Karamanlis Institute for Democracy.

Early in 2005, the government would send a bill to parliament on co-financed projects, which would particularly aid the regions; and the government would take key initiatives on commercial use of Olympic Games facilities, and of real estate belonging to the state, Alogoskoufis said.

Welcoming the choice of a former foreign minister, Karolos Papoulias, as candidate for new president of the republic, he noted that the prime minister's proposal reflected a strategy of consensus.

[20] 2004 budget: Expenditures within objectives, delay in revenue in the 10-month period

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

This arises from a report made public on Monday by the General Accounts Office of the State.

According to the data, the revenue of the regular budget increased in the ten-month period by 4.5 per cent, against the annual budget target of 8.5 per cent.

The expenditures of the regular budget in the 10-month period increased by 10.7 per cent against the annual target of 11.5 percent.

As a result of these developments, the deficit of the state budget increased by 19.7 per cent in the ten-month period in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

[21] Tax overhaul, new budget on the right track but timid, executives say

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The sector wants to see a more integrated, bold and focused policy in coming months aiming at institutional reform to allow the liberalization of product and labor markets, especially in the broader public sector; reforms in education, health, welfare and transport aiming at efficiency; and the attainment of social cohesion, the trade group said in a statement.

The government's development bill contains useful incentives although the total amount allocated by the government to spur private investments is relatively low, the statement said.

"A gradual reduction in the fiscal deficit is a correct target, but in no event must it be accomplished at the expense of the public investments program as its allocation in the budget as a percentage of gross domestic products has dropped to 4.6% from 5.8%," it added.

[22] Statistics service reports rising exports, drop in imports relative to 2003

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The total worth of imports arriving in October 2004 was 3,112.6 million euros, down from 3,675.8 million euros in the same month of 2003.

The total value of exports going out in the same period was 1,047.6 million euros, up from 1,045.4 million euros in 2003.

The above figures refer only to commercial transactions and do not include transactions involving services and other transactions that are included in calculations of the balance of trade index.

[23] Greek Duty Free Shops awarded FYROM airport contract

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

KAE won an international tender issued by the state-owned company managing the two FYROM airports. Conversely, other products (cigarettes, alcohol and confectionary) will be supplied by the Germany-based company Gebr. Heinemann.

KAE will also manage the duty free area at the Ochrid airport, with Skopje awarded to Gebr. Heinemann.

In a related development, KAE was also awarded the contract to sell duty free items to the Greek peace-keeping units in the UN-administered Kosovo province.

[24] SE European energy authority to be based in Greece

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after a ministerial meeting of energy ministers from the region, Sioufas told reporters that the council would devise pricing mechanisms and take action to ensure smooth functioning of the electricity and natural gas market.

In addition, Greece will be the base for an electricity market growth forum in southeastern Europe, he said.

Finally, European Union energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs agreed to a proposal by the minister that a sector conference should be held in Athens in the spring of 2005.

The ministers' meetings aim to establish a single energy grid in southeastern Europe that will link with EU networks.

[25] Stylianidis meets with Pakistan's commerce minister

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The two ministers discussed the possibilities of strengthening and improving the two countries' bilateral political and economic relations. They agreed to jointly contribute to developing communication between the two markets.

[26] Stocks rise in moderate trade

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,699.46 points, posting a rise of 0.63%. Turnover was 152.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.73% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.51% up; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.04% higher.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 150 to 128 with 76 remaining unchanged.

[27] 170th anniversary of Athens as capital of Greece celebrated

Athens, 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The event included the presentation of old Athens of 1834 through narrations, posters, old maps and lithographs.

The choice of Athens to become capital, were the positive conditions of hygiene of the Attica Basin, the culture and the ancient monuments which were in a good condition and the world fame of the city.

In 1834 Ioannis Kolettis made the first population census: 7,028 inhabitants in Athens, 31 in Piraeus, 49 in Patissia and 14 in Moni Petraki

[28] Gov't launches 'universal' public transport ticket for Athens

Athens 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The new ticket is valid for all types of public transport in the greater Athens area, including buses, trolleys, the tram, the metro, the ISAP electric railway and the suburban railway up to Doukissis Plakentias station. It is not valid for use on express buses to the airport or Saronida.

In statements on Monday, Liapis said that Athens had a unified public transport system and now also had also acquired a unified ticket.

"With one euro, our fellow-citizens will be able to move around comfortably, quickly and, of course, much more cheaply. Day-to-day life is a top priority for the government and we will continue to work in this direction," he stressed.

[29] Foreign nationals with residence permits pending to be allow re-entry into Greece during the holidays

Athens 14/12/2004 (ANA)

The ministry clarified that this concerned both those whose residence permit had expired and who had submitted an application to have their work and residence permit renewed and those who had legally entered Greece and were applying for a residence permit for the first time in order to be reunited with their families, to work or to study.

[30] Michaloliakos' gift-giving to children in Budapest and Nairobi

Athens 14/12/2004 (ANA)

Another 200 children, students of the Greek Orthodox mission in Nairobi, Kenya will also be receiving gifts from Michaloliakos later this week, as promised.

[31] Cyprus president: We will decide about Turkey at the last moment

NICOSIA 14/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

President Papadopoulos also underlined that there is a significant number of countries that support Cyprus' positions, saying that those countries deem Cyprus' demands as ''logical, necessary and moderate."

He also noted that Cyprus' demands fall within the Copenhagen criteria and do not consist political terms for Turkey.

''The people of Cyprus is characterized by considerable maturity and judgment to comprehend that the decision regarding how Cyprus will act at the EU Summit, will be taken at the very last moment, based on the positions of other countries as well and on the degree that our demands are satisfied," President Papadopoulos said, replying to a journalist's remark that the people of Cyprus are interested in the position Cyprus will hold at the EU Summit.

Asked whether any of the alliances formed within the EU will back Cyprus' positions at the EU Summit, the Cyprus president said ''we have ascertained long before that there is a broad support to our positions and a significant number of countries which do not hesitate to say in public and at the discussions that our demands make sense, are necessary, moderate and are terms that apply in the Copenhagen criteria and are no political terms for Turkey."

''The question is whether at the crucial time, when each country will decide about its stance regarding Turkey, this sympathy will be translated, will be interpreted as a decision for the acceptance or not of the terms we will insist upon," he noted.

Asked whether at Monday's EU General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting (GAERC), there were any indications about the EU states' stance at the European Council, the Cyprus president noted ''the EU presidency has stated, and apparently most of those present agreed with it, that crucial issues that are still pending, one of which is the position regarding the Cyprus issue, will be decided only at the EU Council of the 25 leaders, December 16 and 17."

He added that this is ''an additional reason for me not being able to tell you, and that it is not possible to make predictions of what will happen."

President Papadopoulos said at the request of the EU Presidency only issues of general policy were discussed today and no issues regarding the wording of various terms were discussed.

[32] Cyprus FM satisfied over outcome of EU Foreign Ministers discussions

BRUSSELS 14/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

During Monday's discussions among the 25 EU Foreign Ministers five Foreign Ministers - that of France, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Spain and Greece - supported Cyprus' positions regarding the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey, as well as the normalization of the two countries' relations, and none of the Foreign Minster expressed opposition to these positions.

Paragraph 19 of the latest draft summit conclusions reads ''The European Council welcomed Turkey's [decision] to sign the protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement, taking account of the accession of the ten new member states'', including the Republic of Cyprus.

The Cyprus FM asked for a change in the wording of paragraph 19, so that it states that there are legal consequences emerging from the Ankara Agreement Protocol that the European Commission has proposed and that Turkey should implement it and not just sign it.

He also asked that there is a date associated with the signing of the Protocol and that there is normalization of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey.

''It can not be stated vaguely and without a final date'', he said adding that paragraph 19 would lead to the normalization of the economic and commercial relations, ''but this surely is not enough''.

During the meeting the Cyprus FM stressed that negotiations between Turkey and the EU 25 could not begin as long as Ankara has no relations with Cyprus.

''This, apart from other things, constitutes a contradiction to paragraph 22 of the draft conclusions text, which underlines that contacts between European peoples and the civil society should be encouraged," he said.

[33] Zbigniew Wlosowicz is UN SG's Special Representative in Cyprus

NICOSIA 14/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The November edition of UNFICYP's magazine Blue Beret refers to Wlosowicz as Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus. He has been serving as UNFICYP Chief of Mission for the past four years.

''The change in title is an acknowledgment of the role played by the Chief of Mission and reflects the current realities on the island as far as the work carried out by Mr Wlosowicz is concerned,'' Kelly said, when asked to comment on the reference.

Kofi Annan's September report on the UN operation in Cyprus says that ''UNFICYP is headed by the Chief of Mission, who acts as my Special Representative'' and also notes that ''the Chief of Mission of UNFICYP will act as my Special Representative on the ground of continuous contact at the highest level with the two sides and other key players on the Cyprus question.''

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