Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece among the safest countries, PM says after visiting public order ministry

[02] EU European Affairs ministers examine fiscal prospects for 2007-2013 period

[03] Foreign ministry on Turkish airspace violations, policy on Greek-Turkish relations

[04] Bid for Cyprus solution must be carefully prepared to avoid new failure, Athens stresses

[05] FM Spokesman outlines Greece's priorities during SEECP presidency

[06] PM meets environment and public works minister

[07] President of the Republic meets Greek European Commissioner Dimas

[08] Athens policy on Iraq, Sudan will not mar traditional friendly Arab ties, foreign ministry says

[09] Environment ministry says its priority is the country's protected regions

[10] PASOK spokesman slams PM and gov't policy, gov't spokesman responds

[11] PASOK party leader to attend Bilderberg Club conference in Germany

[12] Greek deputy defense minister in Cyprus for private visit

[13] Patriarch Irineos renounced in letter by high-ranking clergy of Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood

[14] Local gov't union opposes Olympic venues bill

[15] Foreign, Defense and Merchant Marine ministries cooperate in protecting sea borders

[16] IEO executive director satisfied with country's efforts to maintain 90-day oil deposits

[17] IMF experts in Greece to offer technical assistance in public spending management

[18] Greek trade unions to celebrate Labor Day with general strike on May 11

[19] Thessaloniki Prefecture implements EU employment programs

[20] Transport ministry's leadership discusses Olympic Airlines' privatization with employee unions

[21] Hellas Sat signs five-year contract with ATHINASAT TV

[22] Agricultural development ministry makes eight new project proclamations in framework of EU Leader+ initiative

[23] Greek mutual funds' assets down 2.9 pct in 2005, report

[24] Greece, Kosovo seek closer cooperation in energy

[25] Stocks rise in blue-chip selling

[26] Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis inaugurates 'Greek Treasure from the Benaki Museum in Athens' exhibition in Sydney

[27] Greek and Albanian police cooperate in the fight against crime

[28] Supreme Court president asks for dismissal of first-instance judge Aspasia Basta

[29] Britons aboard grounded 'Ifigenia Express' delivered safe to Lefkada

[30] Athens Mayor Bakoyannis inaugurates capital's first 'Flower Exhibition'

[31] Int'l meeting of peace movements from Europe and the Middle East to be held in Athens

[32] US wants contribution from GC side for Cyprus process to move ahead

[33] Cyprus President: talks must have a reasonable expectation for success

[34] Olli Rehn: Signing of Protocol by Ankara would be a positive step

[35] Cyprus Defense Minister: Turkey strengthens military presence

[01] Greece among the safest countries, PM says after visiting public order ministry

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis had a two-hour meeting with Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis, after which he stressed that the ministry and the police force were doing very good work, with results that were clear and measurable in terms of both quality and quantity.

He stressed that in the field of law and order, the government was working according to a plan, whose results were already apparent in the daily life of the public.

"The goal of the state is to be transparent, reliable and always at the service of the public," he said, underlining the positive contribution made by the police to the safe organization of the Olympic Games.

The premier also pointed out that the know-how acquired during the Olympics was already paying off, as in the successful handling of a recent bus hijacking.

Karamanlis congratulated the police and the political leadership of the ministry for their unassuming efforts to combat organized crime, while announcing that the ministry will be reorganized to place priority on organized crime, electronic crime and rural security, which is to be covered by the rural police force.

Finally, he congratulated officers for their well-coordinated efforts to regulate the massive departure of Athenians for Easter, noting that the measures on national highways and elsewhere had reduced traffic accidents.

[02] EU European Affairs ministers examine fiscal prospects for 2007-2013 period

LISBON 6/5/2005 (ANA/F. Karaviti)

The meeting focused on the EU's fiscal prospects over the period between 2007 and 2013.

Valinakis said that with 25 member-states now, the EU's needs have multiplied, while funds have only increased slightly. In addition, the relevant proposal made by the European Commission, although appearing to satisfy 17 of the member-states, is being confronted by Europe's six "powerful" countries (Germany, France, Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria) who want to curb their contribution to EU funds.

Luxembourg's presidency, in an effort to break the deadlock, tabled a compromise proposal, which is again distant from the pursuits of the "17."

"We cannot have more Europe with fewer funds. The European pie must become bigger so that all of the children of Europe can be fed," Valinakis said and expressed support for the equal distribution of the burden of EU enlargement among its member-states.

"Our target is for the cohesion countries of the '15' to avoid having to shoulder the greatest part of the cost of enlargement," he added.

[03] Foreign ministry on Turkish airspace violations, policy on Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Commenting on the large-scale violations and infringements of Greek airspace by Turkish aircraft the previous day, Koumoutsakos said there was no change in the framework of policy on Greek-Turkish relations.

He noted, however, that the situation created on Wednesday was highly provocative and that an improvement in climate that was not reflected in a change in military behavior was inconceivable. Such incidents do not help establish a good climate and good neighborly relations, which is the main element that clouds Turkey's course toward EU accession according to the latest document EU-Turkey Council's report, he said.

Asked whether Greece's political support for Turkey's accession since 1999 had had results in any area of Turkish policy toward Greece, Koumoutsakos said that it had improved the climate in bilateral relations and promoted cooperation in so-called "low-policy" issues.

He also stressed, however, that Greece's policy was not that of a "blank cheque" but one that would require effort and determination in a developing time framework.

Sixty Turkish warplanes carried out 31 infringements of air traffic regulations in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) on Wednesday, which evolved into 16 violations of national air space in the northern, central and southern Aegean.

According to National Defense General Staff sources, it was the biggest number of Turkish warplanes to enter the Aegean in the past two years without submitting flight plans.

[04] Bid for Cyprus solution must be carefully prepared to avoid new failure, Athens stresses

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos underlined that it should not take place under pressing time limits or arbitration and that the solution should be agreed and then put to a referendum. He also noted that in an international negotiation, each side had to be aware of the procedure before presenting its positions.

He was responding to questions on whether Athens supports the positions of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on this issue.

Questioned about a visit to Athens by U.S. deputy assistant secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Laura Kennedy on Wednesday, Koumoutsakos said that Kennedy had not come to present specific ideas or proposals from Washington but to sound out the intentions and views of the sides concerned.

The spokesman also conceded that there was a certain amount of activity around the Cyprus issue but noted that there was still a long way to go before a possible initiative for a Cyprus solution.

[05] FM Spokesman outlines Greece's priorities during SEECP presidency

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The priorities, according to Koumoutsakos, are: 1) to further cooperation and adapt it to the new European environment; the SEECP is to become the main vehicle for European Union integration; 2) to create an SEECP secretariat; and 3) to upgrade the SEECP's institutional role.

The next SEECP Summit - on a governmental level - will be held in Bucharest on May 11. A summit on a foreign ministerial level will precede it on May 10.

According to Koumoutsakos, the situation in the Balkans has changed significantly following the beginning of the accession process of Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania and with the setting of a date for negotiations to begin with Turkey.

He also emphasized that 2005 will be a significant year regarding developments in Kosovo.

[06] PM meets environment and public works minister

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Souflias was questioned regarding a presidential decree seen as paving the way for a government reshuffle but stressed that this did not refer to the composition of the government but to its operation.

Asked if a reshuffle was on the cards, Souflias said that this would not happen imminently but might possibly occur in the autumn, since the present cabinet would have then completed a year and a half in its current form.

He also stressed that other decisions concerning the composition of the government, such as creating a vice-premier or setting up a small and flexible cabinet, were the prime minister's exclusive prerogative.

According to sources, the presidential decree was drawn up the 'tightening up' of existing legislation by a committee set up for the purpose in 2003, before the last general elections that brought the present government into power, and which had remained unchanged. Aides to the prime minister said that the decree was completely unrelated to any decisions or intentions for a reshuffle.

[07] President of the Republic meets Greek European Commissioner Dimas

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Dimas said the president had focused on environmental issues, noting that Papoulias had a special interest in these since Greece was the country with the highest biodiversity within the EU.

Asked to comment on the issue of the 'primary shareholder' law, Dimas said the issue was "heading toward a solution".

"I assume that in the discussions carried out between the Greek government and the European Commission a common ground will be found so that the goal of ensuring transparency in the awarding of public-sector contracts will be achieved," he said.

[08] Athens policy on Iraq, Sudan will not mar traditional friendly Arab ties, foreign ministry says

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

[09] Environment ministry says its priority is the country's protected regions

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The ministry said that the allocation of funds for the protection of the environment has been approved by the "Environment" Program and totals about 7.2 million euros.

The ministry said that consequently, Papadimoulis' statement is ''surprising'' as regards "environmental statements in words and anti-environment choices in practice." The ministry added that "our few words are in full harmony with our actions and this is proven daily to all those who deal substantially with the country's problems and do not resort to statements which at the very least, do injustice to the country."

[10] PASOK spokesman slams PM and gov't policy, gov't spokesman responds

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Athanassakis made the comment in reference to Karamanlis' successive visits to the ministries.

"Through these visits, the Prime Minister can ascertain the backsliding in all sectors that is the result of his administration's mistaken policies," Athanassakis said.

PASOK's spokesman also referred to the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, saying that "the Karamanlis administration will continue to have the same problems and will create the same or worst problems for Greek citizens, with or without a reshuffle."

Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos responded to Athanassakis' comments saying that "Obviously, incapable of articulating serious proposals, [Athanassakis] limited himself to politicking..."

[11] PASOK party leader to attend Bilderberg Club conference in Germany

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou has been invited to make an address on the theme of "Where is Europe heading?".

An announcement by PASOK said that issues concerning relations between Europe and the United States, problems they are facing and issues of special European interest will be discussed during the Club's conference.

[12] Greek deputy defense minister in Cyprus for private visit

NICOSIA 6/5/2005 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Even though the visit was private, the minister had meetings with Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos and Cypriot defense minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas, while he also visited the General Staff of the National Guard.

[13] Patriarch Irineos renounced in letter by high-ranking clergy of Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood

JERUSALEM 6/5/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

The letter, which has also been sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, holds Irineos personally responsible for the current dire straits of the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate and the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and its plummeting image with Arabs.

It also accuses the Patriarch of being behind the sales and long-term leases of land in East Jerusalem that have incensed the Palestinian and wider Arab community.

The letter demands that Irineos either resign or be removed from the Patriarchal seat, noting that he "daily lessens the prestige of the Patriarchal office, being unable to become the symbol of all the things the Greek-Orthodox Jerusalem Patriarch must stand for".

For this reason, the letter adds, Irineos does not have the right to remain in the position of Patriarch and to represent the Orthodox faith and the Greek nation in the Holy Lands, they conclude and ask that the Greater Synod be convened to resolve the problem.

Arabs have been angered by reports that the Greek Patriarch was responsible for the long-term lease of prime pieces of property owned by the Patriarchate in Arab East Jerusalem to foreign Jewish interests, including the landmark Imperial hotel near the entrance to Jerusalem's Old City run by a Palestinian family. They are clamoring for Irineos' removal and have called for the 'Arabization' of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

In past weeks, the Patriarchate has become the focus of controversy and protests that have often spilled over into violent incidents, including during Orthodox Easter week, when the ceremonies and services had to be carried out under bristling security.

The Patriarch has denied the allegations, blaming the Patriarchate's former financial manager - now facing charges of embezzlement - for the controversial land deals, which he says are in any case invalid since they have not been approved the Patriarchate's Holy Synod.

Government comments on letter renouncing Jerusalem Patriarch, Irineos responds: Deputy Foreign Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis said that the Greek government stands firm in its position regarding the Jerusalem Patriarchate controversy and is exclusively concerned with protecting the patriarchate's Greek Orthodox character, its prestige and unity, in response to reporters' questions on Thursday.

Specifically, Skandalakis was asked to comment on the letter signed by 11 bishops and 23 archimandrites of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre who are demanding that Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos give up his seat.

"Today's developments further add to our already deep concern regarding the serious issues the Jerusalem Patriarchate has been recently facing. It is obvious that these are particularly serious and grave developments," Skandalakis said.

The letter's authors hold Irineos personally responsible for the current dire straits of the Jerusalem Orthodox Patriarchate and the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood and its plummeting image with Arabs.

It also accuses the Patriarch of being behind the sales and long-term leases of land in East Jerusalem that have incensed the Palestinian and wider Arab community.

The patriarchate discounted the accusations, labeling the letter as "the underhanded actions of a few, and certainly a minority of the Brotherhood...," adding that "Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos enjoys the complete trust of the majority of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Synod."

[14] Local gov't union opposes Olympic venues bill

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

According to KEDKE, the bill is not based on any comprehensive or specialized studies, but rather was drafted and tabled under time pressure.

It also conflicts with institutional rights and powers of regional authorities, KEDKE claimed, citing the example of the issuance of operating licenses for food establishments, which was handed back to the government even though it constitutes a local issue.

Additionally, KEDKE argues that the provision for long-term leasing, "which is equivalent to the selling of thousands of acres of public property to private entities by Olympic Properties SA is not monitored by Parliament, the State Council or the Audit Council."

KEDKE President Paris Koukoulopoulos called on the government to withdraw the bill and to hold a "real" dialogue before drafting a new bill that "will respect state institutions and the law."

KEDKE's Executive Board will meet on Tuesday for a more detailed discussion of the bill.

[15] Foreign, Defense and Merchant Marine ministries cooperate in protecting sea borders

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

According to an announcement issued by the foreign ministry, protecting the country's sea borders is important as a means of preventing illegal immigration.

[16] IEO executive director satisfied with country's efforts to maintain 90-day oil deposits

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Mandil said meeting this international obligation is very important at this time of instability in the oil market and of high oil prices.

This measure helps to supply the oil market and functions in a balancing manner as regards oil demand and supply, since it gives IEO member-states the possibility of reacting immediately and effectively in the event supply is discontinued.

Sioufas said efforts to maintain oil deposits will continue so that the country can also contribute to the IEO's common targets in the best possible way.

[17] IMF experts in Greece to offer technical assistance in public spending management

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

IMF's experts are visiting the country on an invitation by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis. The visit will be completed on May 18. The experts will help efforts to improve efficiency in managing public spending for the benefit of citizens.

[18] Greek trade unions to celebrate Labor Day with general strike on May 11

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

GSEE, the country's largest trade union umbrella, and ADEDY, civil servants' union, said a rally scheduled for Wednesday, 11 May, would demand for immediate measures to deal with price increases following a government decision to raise VAT factors.

GSEE president, Christos Polyzogopoulos, rejected there would be any talks on the pension system and labor relations, stressing trade unions would resist any government effort to proceed unilaterally in reforming the pension and labor systems. He criticized the government for failing to declare May 11 as an official national holiday.

Polyzogopoulos said the government's inaction would benefit businessmen with savings of 125 million euros, a sum added to around 800 million euros offered by the government through a package of tax cuts last year.

ADEDY president Spyros Papaspyros urged the government to find more money from private capitals to fund the country's pension system and predicted more austere incomes policies in the future.

May Day will not be celebrated on May 11 gov't says, opposition responds: May Day, which this year coincided with Orthodox Easter, will not be rescheduled for May 11, the Ministry of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization and the Ministry of Labor announced in a joint statement on Thursday.

Therefore, May 11, "which the trade union groups chose for the celebration of May Day will remain a regular work day for both the public and private sectors," the statement read.

Main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis responded by saying "the government should get serious" and called on the competent ministers to designate May 11 a holiday.

[19] Thessaloniki Prefecture implements EU employment programs

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

He said that a third program is also being promoted which will help 1,500 people from former Soviet countries to find jobs.

Referring to the first program, Psomiadis said that it involves a comprehensive affirmative action plan on behalf of women, while the second deals with initiatives geared towards helping the particularly poor population of Thessaloniki's western rural region.

Ariadne was first launched in December 2004 and ends in June 2006; 75% of it is co-funded by the European Social Fund. A total of 661 women are participating.

"With the Ariadne program, we are trying to support women's family and professional lives, so that their professional plans do not conflict with their family obligations; to enable them to actively participate in the changes occurring in their workplace and to promote and recognize their experience and professional potential and skills," Psomiadis said.

The second program, according to Psomiadis, is in line with the policy for balanced growth and development throughout the prefecture on an economic, social and cultural level. The western rural region was chosen based on the high rates of unemployment prevalent there as well as the existence of structural problems that make addressing the issue difficult.

Participation began during 2005 and will finish in 2006, helping 526 unemployed individuals.

[20] Transport ministry's leadership discusses Olympic Airlines' privatization with employee unions

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Federation of Civil Aviation Unions (OSPA) President Manolis Patestos expressed the federation's disagreement with the privatization procedure for Olympic Airlines and reiterated the proposal for the reconstruction of the company and that it should stay under the umbrella of the public sector. This scenario appears to be categorically rejected by the ministry.

As regards the content of the meeting, according to Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Anastassios Nerantzis, Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis briefed the unionists on the course of the sale tender for the Olympic Airlines' majority package.

Nerantzis announced that the ministry will keep employees posted on the tender procedure and let it be understood that results are expected around the end of the month.

[21] Hellas Sat signs five-year contract with ATHINASAT TV

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The contract, signed in Nicosia by Hellas SAT chief executive Christodoulos Protopapas and ATHINASAT chairman Ioannis Stroggylos and chief executive Sofia Georgala, is a landmark agreement for the satellite company, since ATHINASAT will be the first Greek-language TV subscription platform to be broadcast by the Greek satellite. ATHINASAT expects to begin its program by the end of May offering CINE COMEDY, CINE ACTION, CINE GREEK, TCM, BEAT MUSIC CHANNEL, FAMILY, DISCOVERY SCIENCE, HUNTING & FISHING, ,ÂBC DOC, SIGMA TV, CNN, EUROSPORT GREEK, EUROSPRT 2 GREEK, EXTREME SPORT, ESPN CLASSIC SPORT, PLAYBOY TV, SPICE PLATINUM, JOY TV and CARTOON NETWORK channels to its subscribers.

[22] Agricultural development ministry makes eight new project proclamations in framework of EU Leader+ initiative

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Minister Evangelos Basiakos said that 787 investment plans worth 224 million euros have been approved so far in the framework of this initiative. This amount accounts for 87.6 percent of the program.

The Leader+ initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life of people living in rural areas and attracting young people into such areas.

[23] Greek mutual funds' assets down 2.9 pct in 2005, report

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

[24] Greece, Kosovo seek closer cooperation in energy

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

[25] Stocks rise in blue-chip selling

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,852.80 points, marking an increase of 0.70%. Turnover was 122.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.67% higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.67% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.79% higher.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 165 to 91 with 82 remaining unchanged.

[26] Deputy Culture Minister Tatoulis inaugurates 'Greek Treasure from the Benaki Museum in Athens' exhibition in Sydney

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The Greek deputy culture minister, addressing the audience, which surpassed more than 1,000 people and consisted of academics and distinguished Australians and Greek-Australian citizens, noted the importance of the exhibition. Specifically, Tatoulis referred to the particular role of the Benaki Museum exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum as it shows the continuation of Greek history.

On his part, Carr declared that he is continuing to campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

[27] Greek and Albanian police cooperate in the fight against crime

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The two sides had agreed to cooperate during their most recent meeting in the Albanian capital Tirana following the positive experience and results of collaboration during the summer Athens Olympics.

The meetings between the Albanian and Greek police aim to strengthen cooperation in fighting organized crime and trafficking of drugs, people and weapons.

Albanian police officers will be trained in Greece as part of this effort.

The following three issues dominated Thursday's meeting: better policing of borders, cooperation in returning illegal immigrants to their country of origin and the adoption of additional measures on both sides in dealing with organized crime gangs.

[28] Supreme Court president asks for dismissal of first-instance judge Aspasia Basta

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Basta has been accused of delays in issuing court decisions during the early years of her judicial career and of forging the signature of the president of the Athens First-Instance Court where she served in order to issue decisions that had been delayed.

She is also alleged to have collaborated with justice Antonia Ilia, who was involved in corrupt judicial circles, in replacing other justices so that she could try cases involving former archimandrite Iacovos Yiossakis and to have deposited 3,000 euros in a bank account held by Yiossakis, while offering different explanations for why she deposited the sum in her statements to public prosecutors and Supreme Court disciplinary bodies.

[29] Britons aboard grounded 'Ifigenia Express' delivered safe to Lefkada

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

The yacht, which was carrying out a tour of the Ionian islands, remained grounded on the charted reef until 9:00 on Thursday.

[30] Athens Mayor Bakoyannis inaugurates capital's first 'Flower Exhibition'

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Taking part in the exhibition is the Agricultural Cooperative of Aharnon Nurseries, which will present a great variety of plants from all over Greece from May 5-18 from 10.am. to 10 p.m.

[31] Int'l meeting of peace movements from Europe and the Middle East to be held in Athens

Athens, 6/5/2005 (ANA)

Within the framework of the events, meetings will be held of retired military officers from western and eastern Europe on the issue of the new strategy of NATO and the European Union and the role of their armed forces, as well as of representatives of peace movements from Europe and the Middle East. Discussions will also be organized on the European Constitution and the "new imperialistic threats in the Balkans and the broader Middle East."

[32] US wants contribution from GC side for Cyprus process to move ahead

NICOSIA 6/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a one-hour meeting with President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, Kennedy underlined that the US would like to see such development and would do everything possible to support the process.

"I found it a very useful meeting, obviously I let the President speak for himself, his assessment", Kennedy said.

On the "vital issue of the Cyprus settlement", the US diplomat noted, "we agree on the importance of the UN led effort. The basis of a bicommunal, bizonal settlement, on the basis of the Annan Plan".

Kennedy reminded that "the SG has invited parties to specify specifically their concerns, and particularly has asked the Greek Cypriot side in the negotiation to specify specifically changes that they might like to see".

"A realistic contribution on this, would certainly move the process forward'' she said, noting this is something the US would like to see ''and we will do everything possible to support the process", the State Department official added.

Asked if she has been informed on the changes the Greek Cypriot side wants, Kennedy replied "this would be for the SGÔs benefit, that's the key thing, for him to get that, so we just support that process and are delighted to see steps towards that".

To a question if the changes are given then what would be the next step, Kennedy said the "SG has always said that he wants this information so that he can make the judgment as to whether the conditions are right to resume the talks. But again that's a judgment the SG would make".

On the bilateral agenda Kennedy said they "agreed on the importance of moving forward with the proliferation security initiative".

"We look forward to finalizing this agreement, which would be very useful for both governments and again, an example of cooperation between our governments", she concluded.

Kennedy, who arrived on the island earlier Thursday, also met House President Demetris Christofias and met opposition Democratic Rally leader Nicos Anastassiades. On Friday she is scheduled to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

[33] Cyprus President: talks must have a reasonable expectation for success

NICOSIA 6/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In an interview with Reuters, Papadopoulos said he did not know anyone who entered negotiations and gave his bottom line up front.

He expressed the belief that more people now appreciate the reasons the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan plan.

On Turkey's EU accession course, he noted that ''as long as Turkey complies with its obligations, we have no reason to exercise a veto,'' and ''definitely we have no desire to do so.''

Asked if a deal was possible by October 3, when Turkey starts EU talks, Papadopoulos replied: ''The proper answer is there is always time to reach agreement. Practically however, since we have not yet started the talks, it is very hard to predict.''

''We have had a bad experience once, that time limits don't work, people feel under pressure, people at large eventually feel that they are being pushed into a corner due to technical timetables and this is not very productive,'' he added.

He noted that ''when we enter the talks the next time we must have a reasonable expectation for success. For that to happen, talks have to be prepared very well beforehand and we are in the process of doing that.''

Asked what was the biggest gesture Turkey could make to get a deal on reunification of Cyprus, Papadopoulos replied that Ankara should withdraw its troops from the island.

''Our view is that the crux of the Cyprus issue, which people seem to forget, is the invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkey,'' he said.

As regards the UN request for him to spell out exactly what changes Greek Cypriots wanted in a new deal, Papadopoulos said: ''I don't know anybody who enters negotiations and he gives his bottom line up front.''

Papadopoulos said he believed world opinion was finally coming round to realizing why Greek Cypriots rejected the earlier deal.

''I think more people now appreciate the reasons the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan plan,'' Papadopoulos said.

Papadopoulos said he was not against Turkey joining the EU as long as it was ready to honor obligations of EU membership including relations with Cyprus as an existing EU member.

''We have no specific intention of exercising a veto,'' Papadopoulos said.

''Therefore as long as Turkey complies with its obligations we have no reason to exercise a veto. Definitely we have no desire to do so,'' he told Reuters.

[34] Olli Rehn: Signing of Protocol by Ankara would be a positive step

NICOSIA 6/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Addressing a forum in Istanbul, entitled ''Prioritization: where should Turkey focus its energies'', Rehn referred to Turkey's relation's with the EU member states, pointing out the need for the signing of the Ankara Agreement to expand its Custom's Union with all new EU members-states, including the Republic of Cyprus.

''The signature of the Protocol extending the Ankara Agreement to all 25 EU Member States is in the pipeline,'' the European Commissioner said, adding that this would ''be good news, and a positive step towards normalization of relations with Cyprus, pending a comprehensive settlement.''

According to Rehn, right from the outset, the success of the European project depended on how the principles of peace, stability and prosperity would translate into reality.

''How can nations seriously expect economic growth and jobs, if they are plunged in a permanent state of tensions, whether inside or with their neighbors,'' Rehn wondered.

Rehn also welcomed the ''major improvements'' in Turkey's relations with Greece, noting that ''from the famous 'earthquake diplomacy' to the recent new confidence building measures, we can only applaud such progress.''

[35] Cyprus Defense Minister: Turkey strengthens military presence

NICOSIA 6/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In an interview with CNA on the first anniversary of Cyprus' accession to the EU, Mavronicolas said the Turkish occupied army continues to strengthen, even this year. He clarified however that despite the Turkish arms superiority, he is convinced the National Guard will be in a position to bring about its mission.

Mavronicolas said the forces which Turkey maintains in Cyprus are estimated at 43.000 troops plus 3.500 Turkish Cypriot soldiers, 300 modern tanks, 680 armoured personnel carrier and more than 200 large caliber machine guns.

"These forces are in order of battle and are supported by the second largest NATO army, air force and navy", the minister said.

On the National Guard, Mavronicolas said it's personnel levels, although seem to remain stable since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the island's northern third, the force is upgraded on a continued basis.

He revealed that the National Guard's recent restructuring aimed at modernizing and creating a strong, quick and flexible force, with modern armament systems, an increase of its operation readiness and means of reaction to handle any threat, complemented with the coordinated action of the Greek Armed Forces, within the framework of the joint defense pact between Greece- Cyprus.

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