Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis reiterates gov't emphasis on regional development

[02] PASOK party leader chairs political council meeting

[03] Greek President meets foreign leaders during Moscow visit

[04] Fanar moving toward recognition of Irineos' replacement at Jerusalem, sources say

[05] Ecumenical Patriarch invites Irineos to visit Fanar

[06] Karamanlis to depart for SEECP summit in Bucharest on Tuesday

[07] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets Montenegrin PM Djukanovic

[08] 'Europe Day' celebrated in Athens

[09] Finmin denies cabinet rift

[10] Event at 'Andreas Papandreou' Institute on Lisbon strategy

[11] Greece's UN envoy presides over Sudan sanctions committee

[12] Greece transforms into a strategic energy hub, minister says

[13] Gov't planning new financing, bankruptcy and town planning laws

[14] Labor unions call on employees in private and public sectors to go on strike on Wednesday

[15] Greek minister in Belgrade; discusses bilateral economic ties with Serbia and Montenegro

[16] Over ninety investment plans seek perks under growth law

[17] Greece, Turkey hold first banking level meeting in Athens

[18] Gov't announces 3.21 pct cap on school fee increases

[19] Evert tables Parliament question on bourse

[20] Proposal on cross border cooperation approved

[21] Stocks drop in blue-chip selling

[22] 'The Heart of the City' beats at the National Garden

[23] Int'l Conference on World Mission and Evangelism to be held in Athens May 10-16

[24] Presentation of book by former Cypriot president George Vassiliou

[25] Disbarred ex-judge to appear before magistrate later in the month

[26] Justice minister addresses event for prison detainees

[27] Cypriot President, UN SG and Turkish Premier meet in Moscow

[28] Van der Meer says more active role for Commission in Cyprus

[01] Karamanlis reiterates gov't emphasis on regional development

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking after a relevant Cabinet meeting he chaired, the Greek prime minister noted that "our attention and priorities remain steadfastly directed at Greece's provinces."

Among others, he said the public works ministry will tender regional development projects worth five billion euros in 2005 alone, while stressing that contracts for six major road axes around the country are being rapidly promoted.

Karamanlis added that his government is also emphasizing greater tourism development in the provinces and support of farmers' income.

Furthermore, the premier said he has requested from ministers to focus on the greater absorption of 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) funds while at the same time finalizing preparations for the upcoming 4th CSF.

In terms of absorption rates for EU funds, Karamanlis reminded that his government has absorbed more CFS funding in one year than in the previous four years.

Finally, the premier said the government is serious about formulating a new institutional framework that guarantees rapid development, new investments and more jobs in the provinces, while reiterating that a new tax code and development law has been passed by Parliament. Along those lines, he cited legislation to combat red-tape and to replace the previous public works tendering system with a more transparent system.

[02] PASOK party leader chairs political council meeting

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou said the first victim of government policy is regional development with cutbacks in funds of the Public Investments Program, the freezing of projects, the increase in unemployment (65,000 new unemployed in the construction sector), the great problem in the absorption of European Union funds, the threat of payments coming to a standstill due to the primary shareholder and the absence of an agricultural policy.

The PASOK leader said appeals by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for coordination constitute self-criticism.

Papandreou further accused Karamanlis of making new election announcements during the cabinet meeting, while referring to regional development.

"Karamanlis is continuing to live far from Greek reality," the PASOK leader said, adding that he is following mistaken policies, while there is also incompetence in governance.

[03] Greek President meets foreign leaders during Moscow visit

MOSCOW 10/5/2005 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Among those meeting Papoulias were United States President George Bush, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Present at each of these meetings was Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis.

The Greek president described his contacts in Moscow as "interesting", while noting that it was his duty as head of state to promote the country's interests whenever the opportunity arose.

Papoulias also referred to the medal awarded to him by Putin for his resistance action during WWII.

"Today was a great day, not just for Europe but for the entire world, for all those who stood up against the tyranny and barbarity of the Nazis and Fascists. The honor done to me was an honor for the entire Greek resistance, for those who fought in the mountains and the towns, for the heroic people of Athens and the resistance fighters, regardless of their political alignments. For the universal Greek resistance, which was among the most heroic in Europe. For this reason, as President of the Republic, I feel proud and moved," he said.

Earlier on Monday morning, joined world leaders that attended military parades marking the anniversary in Red Square and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Later on, at a special ceremony within the Kremlin, Putin awarded the Greek president the medal of Victory for his action against the Nazis in the Greek resistance, which he joined at the age of 15. Other recipients of the medal were Albanian President Alfred Moisiu, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, former Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, former Polish president General Wojciech Yaruzelski and the former Romanian monarch Michael Hohenzollern.

President Papoulias returns to Athens from Moscow: President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias returned to Athens on Monday evening from Moscow where he represented Greece at the events marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Papoulias, was awarded by Russian President Vladimir Putin with the Medal of Victory for his resistance activity, had brief talks, along with Deputy Foreign Minister Takis Skandalakis, with foreign leaders within the framework of the official luncheon hosted at the Kremlin by the Russian president for the heads of states and governments who attended the events in Moscow.

According to sources, U.S. President George W. Bush congratulated Papoulias on his election as president and on the successful hosting of the Olympic Games by Athens in 2004. He stressed that Greece, "a country of democracy and freedom, is a dynamic member of the European Union and deserves to have solutions to national issues."

According to the same sources, a wish was preceded by Papoulias in his meeting with Bush "for the new era we have before us to be beneficial for the Greece's national issues." The sources added that President Bush "praised the dynamic presence of the Greek community in the United States."

Meanwhile, President Papoulias stressed in his talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that "we must take steps for our problems to be solved." According to sources, Erdogan agreed, adding "that slowly but surely, our relations are getting better and are improving, compared to the past."

President Papoulias, within the framework of the same luncheon, had brief talks with French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

[04] Fanar moving toward recognition of Irineos' replacement at Jerusalem, sources say

ISTANBUL 10/5/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

An announcement from the Patriarchate in Istanbul - which is traditionally, holds primacy among Orthodox Churches as 'the first among equals' - is expected to be made in the next few hours, they said.

They noted that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is constantly in touch with a three-member delegation sent to Jerusalem by Fanar on Friday in order to assist in overcoming the crisis.

Earlier on, it was made known that Bartholomew appealed to Irineos to avoid actions that will further exacerbate the crisis, in a fax sent on Monday morning.

He particularly advised Irineos to avoid convening the Jerusalem Holy Synod, stressing that this move will further deepen the crisis within the Jerusalem Church.

According to the ANA correspondent in Istanbul, Bartholomew's letter addresses Irineos in the manner that the Ecumenical Patriarchate uses for primates that have for some reason been stripped of their administrative rights, thus indirectly accepting the authority over the Jerusalem Patriarchate of a three-member committee appointed earlier by the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood.

Irineos effectively lost control over the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Friday afternoon, after a two-thirds majority of the Jerusalem Synod signed a document renouncing him as Patriarch, which ensures his automatic dismissal pending final approval of the Jordanian government.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate was temporarily taken over by senior clergymen and primates of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, who appointed three-member committee among their number to take over the Patriarchate's leadership.

A delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate also arrived in Jerusalem on Friday and held talks with Irineos, who has so far refused to resign.

A letter renouncing Irineos and asking him to give up his seat, signed by senior clerics of the Jerusalem Church, was handed to Irineos on Thursday morning, while a copy was sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

The letter also held Irineos responsible for controversial land deals that have incensed Arabs and Palestinians, in which prime pieces of Orthodox Church property - including the landmark Palestinian-run Imperial Hotel at the entrance to Jerusalem's Old City - have been leased or sold to foreign Jewish interests.

[05] Ecumenical Patriarch invites Irineos to visit Fanar

ISTANBUL 10/5/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

Sources at Fanar said the invitation was made over the phone on Monday, when Irineos called after receiving a fax sent by Bartholomew earlier the same morning.

Irineos apparently repeated his earlier claim of being "falsely accused" and did not appear ready to relinquish the Patriarchal throne, even though a majority of the Jerusalem Church Synod and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood have called for his resignation.

According to reliable sources within the Ecumenical Patriarchate earlier on Monday, Fanar is moving toward recognition of the three-member committee appointed by the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood to replace Irineos as Patriarch.

They noted that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is constantly in touch with a three-member delegation sent to Jerusalem by Fanar on Friday in order to assist in overcoming the crisis.

In a fax sent to Irineos on Monday morning, Bartholomew urged him to avoid actions that will further exacerbate the crisis. He particularly advised Irineos to avoid convening the Jerusalem Holy Synod, stressing that this move will further deepen the crisis within the Jerusalem Church.

According to the ANA correspondent in Istanbul, Bartholomew's letter addresses Irineos in the manner that the Ecumenical Patriarchate uses for primates that have for some reason been stripped of their administrative rights, thus indirectly accepting the authority over the Jerusalem Patriarchate of a three-member committee appointed earlier by the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood.

Irineos effectively lost control over the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Friday afternoon, after a two-thirds majority of the Jerusalem Synod signed a document renouncing him as Patriarch, which ensures his automatic dismissal pending final approval of the Jordanian government.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate was temporarily taken over by senior clergymen and primates of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, who appointed three-member committee among their number to take over the Patriarchate's leadership.

The document renouncing Irineos and asking him to give up his seat, signed by senior clerics of the Jerusalem Church, was handed to Irineos on Thursday morning, while a copy was sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

The letter also held Irineos responsible for controversial land deals that have incensed Arabs and Palestinians, in which prime pieces of Orthodox Church property - including the landmark Palestinian-run Imperial Hotel at the entrance to Jerusalem's Old City - have been leased or sold to foreign Jewish interests.

PASOK party leader calls on Patriarch Irineos to facilitate solution at Jerusalem Patriarchate: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Monday called on Patriarch Irineos to facilitate a solution to the deadlock created at the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

"It is a picture which harms Greece and Orthodoxy," Papandreou said and, according to reports, reportedly expressed support during PASOK's political council meeting for a more active involvement by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in the finding of a solution in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul, an announcement by the Ecumenical Patriarchate's chief secretariat summing up developments on the ecclesiastical issue of Jerusalem, said "Patriarch Irineos accepted an invitation by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and promised to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the coming days."

The announcement said that the Ecumenical Patriarch sent a written appeal to Patriarch Irineos on Monday not to convene a minority Synod which, according to reports, would impose sanctions and would elect new senior clergymen, and secondly Patriarch Vartholomeos communicated by telephone with Patriarch Irineos and invited him to visit the Phanar to discuss the crucial situation which has been created.

[06] Karamanlis to depart for SEECP summit in Bucharest on Tuesday

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis will meet with Romanian President Traian Basescu shortly after his arrival in the Romanian capital.

The SEECP summit's sessions begin on Wednesday.

Karamanlis will also meet with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on Wednesday.

[07] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets Montenegrin PM Djukanovic

BELGRADE 10/5/2005 (ANA/N. Pelpas)

Their discussion centered on issues concerning economic cooperation between Greece and Montenegro and particular on Greek business activity in the region and they agreed that Greek investments should increase.

One of the main issues discussed was the implementation of the Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans from which 17 million euros correspond to Montenegro.

Stylianidis noted that agreement has already been reached with the government of Montenegro for the financing of the construction of a hospital.

Djukanovic in statements to reporters after the talks with the Greek deputy foreign minister expressed his satisfaction "because the promises which Greek Prime Minister Mr. Costas Karamanlis gave during his recent visit to Belgrade are being put in practice."

Stylianidis early Monday afternoon greeted the 5th Serbia-Montenegro conference being held on the theme "The European course of Serbia-Montenegro".

Stylianidis will meet Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica on Tuesday.

[08] 'Europe Day' celebrated in Athens

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking afterwards, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis referred to a "great day, when we remember how we arrived at today's Europe of cooperation and rapprochement in the wake of the war's destruction."

The Zappeion events were held under the auspices of the foreign ministry in cooperation with the education ministry. Several hundred pupils were on hand for the celebrations, held on the day the world marked the Allies' victory in Europe.

"Children are the protagonists of European history, the ones who will lead the train towards the future and progress," Valinakis added.

FM gives reception on occasion of Day of Europe: Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis gave a reception on Monday night on the occasion of the Day of Europe.

Welcoming his guests at the foreign ministry, Molyviatis said "today, some take for granted the achievements of united Europe and an inseparable part of their daily lives", adding that "tough efforts were necessary since the course was not always straight. Europe made steps forward through cooperation and compromises."

Referring to Greece in particular, the foreign minister spoke of a country which is in the vanguard of Europe, since it is one of its oldest members, while it is also among the first who ratified the constitutional treaty.

"Greece and the Greeks gain many benefits from participation in the European Union," Molyviatis added.

[09] Finmin denies cabinet rift

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

"There was no disagreement between the minister and any other colleague during the cabinet meeting. On the contrary, there was constructive and substantive discussion of regional development," the finance ministry said in a statement responding to a TV news report.

[10] Event at 'Andreas Papandreou' Institute on Lisbon strategy

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Diamantopoulou expressed pessimism over Greece achieving the targets set by the Lisbon strategy, saying that Greece failed to achieve the targets since many of them require considerable infrastructures and structural reforms.

Moreover, she stressed that priority must be given to education in the budget ( 5 percent), as well as to research and technology (2 percent).

[11] Greece's UN envoy presides over Sudan sanctions committee

NEW YORK 10/5/2005 (ANA)

According to a press release issued by Greece's ambassador to the UN, Adamantios Vassilakis, Resolution 1591 (2005) authorizes the Committee to monitor the implementation of measures referred to in the resolution, including:

"An arms embargo which immediately came into force following the Security Council's adoption of resolution 1556 (2004) on July 30, 2004, and whose scope was extended with the Council's adoption of resolution 1591 (2005) to include all parties to the N'Djanema Ceasefire Agreement and any other belligerents in the three States of Darfur."

Also, the press release cites a "... travel ban and an assets freeze against those individuals, as designated by the Committee, who impede the peace process, constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and the region, commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities, violate the expanded arms embargo, or are responsible for prohibited offensive military over flights."

[12] Greece transforms into a strategic energy hub, minister says

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting, Sioufas said measures to liberalize the country's natural gas market, combined with plans to link Greece, Turkey and Italy with a natural gas pipeline and the construction of an oil pipeline linking Burgas (Bulgaria) with Alexandroupoli (Greece), were promoting the country as a strategic energy hub in the region.

The Greek minister said the government completed a project of signing electricity production codes in the country, a move harmonizing Greek legislation with European standards.

Sioufas said the measures would offer more choices to big energy consumers and to private consumers in the country. He also reiterated that the government was sending a message to the domestic and international energy community for large-scale investments in the production of electricity energy that would lead to hundreds of new jobs and positively help the country's energy balance.

[13] Gov't planning new financing, bankruptcy and town planning laws

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

The government wants to see the terms of duel project financing contained in a single law, and reshape existing legislation on bankruptcy and land-use, the premier told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

[14] Labor unions call on employees in private and public sectors to go on strike on Wednesday

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Public transport organizations have sided with the strike and train, Metro, electric railway and bus employees will begin a 24-hour strike at midnight on Tuesday, while trolley bus employees will hold a work stoppage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

As regards airline flights, it has been decided that one flight will be carried out for each destination.

The main demands of the strike include the need for taking measures to confront unemployment and the high cost of living, protecting the social security system, safeguarding labor relations and salary and pension increases to relieve working classes financially.

Two rallies will be held in Athens on Wednesday. GSEE and ADEDY will hold the one at Pedio tou Areos Square at 10.30 a.m. and the Communist Party of Greece affiliated PAME labor group the other at Syntagma Square at 10 in the morning.

Strikers will stage a march at the end of the rallies.

[15] Greek minister in Belgrade; discusses bilateral economic ties with Serbia and Montenegro

BELGRADE 10/5/2005 (ANA - N. Pelpas)

The Greek minister informed Draskovic of Athens' decision to provide 100,000 euros in emergency financial aid to victims of recent floods in Serbia.

Stylianidis also discussed Serbia and Montenegro's European course and assured Draskovic that Athens will support Serbia and Montenegro's integration into Europe both politically and by providing know-how on harmonizing Serb legislation with European law.

The two men also examined the options for absorbing the greater part of the aid destined for Serbia under the Greek Balkan Reconstruction Plan.

After the meeting, Stylianidis noted that political developments in Serbia favor an increase in Greek investments in the area.

[16] Over ninety investment plans seek perks under growth law

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Of the total, 29 projects worth 153.3 million euros were given to the ministry's central service, and the remainder to regional departments, the ministry said in a statement.

Forty seven of the planned projects were in the manufacturing sector; 38 in tourism; five in services; and two in agriculture, the statement added.

[17] Greece, Turkey hold first banking level meeting in Athens

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting was held on the initiative of the two countries' banking unions.

Addressing the meeting, National Bank governor and president of Bank Union of Greece, Takis Arapoglou, said the Southeast European banking market offered very significant prospects and noted that the Greek and Turkish bank unions faced many common challenges.

"The meeting laid the foundations to find common approaches and to better promote our interests and forge closer trade and economic relations," Alpha Bank's chairman and IIF board member Yiannis Costopoulos told the meeting.

Discussions focused on issues related with implementing "Basel II" rules on retail banking, introducing risk management systems, regulatory framework for the operation of the banking system, etc.

Ersin Ozince, president of the Bank Union of Turkey, said there was strong interest by international banks for Turkey's banking market while he noted an international trend of creating large bank groups on international and regional level.

The two Unions agreed to hold their next meeting in October in Istanbul. Monday's meeting was attended, among others, by more than 60 senior banking officials from both countries, European Central Bank's vice-president Lucas Papademos, HSBC Holdings plc chairman sir John Bond, UniCredito Italiano deputy president Andrea Moneta, IFF chief executive Charles Dallara.

[18] Gov't announces 3.21 pct cap on school fee increases

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Papathanasiou said the fee increase would include both required and elective studies and transportation. He noted, however, that the 3.21 percent cap on school fees did not include fees for the first classes of kindergartens, elementary and high-schools.

The Greek minister also announced that the ministry would published a new, corrected, version of a list of school fees in a move aimed to offer a clearer picture to parents.

Mihalis Kouroutos, president of the Union of Private School Teachers, speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Papathanasiou said that first class school fees would be 30 percent higher next year and urged the ministry to take corrective measures.

[19] Evert tables Parliament question on bourse

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

In his tabled question, Evert notes that the bourse's general index rose since 2003 primarily on the heels of gains by a handful of firms with high capitalization stocks. However, he charges that the vast majority of medium and low-capitalization shares continued to face serious problems.

"Most of these (company) shares have lost 99 percent of the value they had in 1999, with the result being that 1.3 million retail investors have lost their savings," Evert, a vocal critic of the previous PASOK governments' supervision of the bourse, said.

He called on the economy minister to state which listed companies have lost 80 percent of their ASE share value; what measures will be taken for deflated shares as well as information on banks and institutions that guaranteed share prices.

[20] Proposal on cross border cooperation approved

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

The project, referred to in brief as "EX-INT", was submitted to the Managing Authority of the European Program INTERACT in Vienna and, according to an announcement made during a press conference on Monday, gathered the highest number of points compared to all the other projects submitted to the same authority for approval.

The project is budgeted at 1,215,000 euros and it is aimed at preparing agencies for changes in the operational environment of cross border cooperation and utilizing experience obtained from the three packages of INTERREG since 1990.

[21] Stocks drop in blue-chip selling

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,836.97 points, marking a decline of 0.94%. Turnover was 118.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.79% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.04% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.13% up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 161 to 99 with 72 remaining unchanged.

[22] 'The Heart of the City' beats at the National Garden

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

From Monday until May 22, the National Garden opens its gates to all those who wish to explore it. The program of tours enables schoolchildren and the public in general to be informed on the history of the National Garden.

[23] Int'l Conference on World Mission and Evangelism to be held in Athens May 10-16

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

"To be held in the Aghios Andreas centre near Athens, Greece, May 10-16, 2005, the conference is one of the broadest gatherings of Christian Churches in the early 21st century. It will gather up to 700 participants from over 100 countries all over the world. The event is invited by the Church of Greece and is hosted by a group of Athens-based churches," the press release said.

[24] Presentation of book by former Cypriot president George Vassiliou

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Among those who spoke at the event in honor of the former Cypriot president were main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou and former prime minister and ruling New Democracy (ND) Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis.

Papandreou said that Cyprus' accession to the European Union "is a European success, as after accession, a new framework was created within which the Green Line collapsed."

The PASOK leader reminded that Cyprus' accession was a result of the Helsinki strategy, expressed the conviction that "the impetus of facts will not leave the Cyprus issue on the shelf," and underlined:"The final conclusion depends however on our contribution. And for this reason we must continuously take initiatives."

Former prime minister Mitsotakis stressed that the procedure for Cyprus' EU accession "was correctly aimed, and was supported by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side united.

Mitsotakis underlined that Cyprus' accession in the EU "is the only vindication in a course of mistakes in the Cyprus issue," observing that "the only outlet passes through dialogue." He further noted that "the EU in general feels that we tricked them, however, today it is a prisoner of realities and must act to be freed."

[25] Disbarred ex-judge to appear before magistrate later in the month

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

Cashiered judge Leonidas Stathis is charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of money laundering profits from illegal activities and bribery.

Another 10 trial lawyers have already provided statements in connection with the Stathis case and have been set free after posting a bond.

Stathis has already been kicked off the bench with a decision issued by the Supreme Court's plenum.

[26] Justice minister addresses event for prison detainees

Athens, 10/5/2005 (ANA)

The minister further said "we have already inaugurated a multiform effort to make the prisons of the country centers of real correction and not punishment. Schools for a second opportunity for all detainees and not schools of corruption, as they were until today."

Papaligouras also disclosed that as part of the effort to modernize the correctional system, the overcrowding of prisons is being tackled with the construction of six new prisons having modern specifications.

[27] Cypriot President, UN SG and Turkish Premier meet in Moscow

NICOSIA 10/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Reliable sources told CNA in Moscow that it was ''a social encounter that was not on the agenda and took place during the lunch given by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the framework of the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.''

Although the sources did not elaborate on the substance of the conversation, they told CNA that the meeting took place in a positive climate and President Papadopoulos did not state anything more than his steadfast positions on the Cyprus issue, reiterating at the same time his readiness for a promotion of the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue.

''President Papadopoulos was sitting next to the UN Secretary General and they were talking. Then Premier Erdogan approached and a short conversation took place,'' the same sources said.

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides confirmed that the meeting took place in Moscow but did not wish to elaborate.

Meanwhile, a UN representative told CNA in New York that the UN Secretary General is ready to send an envoy to the region on an investigative mission aiming at restarting his Cyprus initiative.

The same source said that this development is the result of the conversation held Monday between President Papadopoulos, Annan and Erdogan.

The UN representative added that President Papadopoulos told Annan that he would send an envoy to New York for consultations at the United Nations.

He said Annan replied that after he holds talks with President Papadopoulos' envoy, he would decide on the matter.

According to a UN representative in Moscow it is almost sure that the UN Secretary General would send an envoy to the region.

The same source said that Erdogan joined President Papadopoulos and Annan and held a positive stance.

This development is considered to give a new dimension to the meeting to be held on May 20th in Washington between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and US President George Bush, where the Cyprus issue is high on the agenda.

The Turkish Premier told journalists upon his return to Ankara that Annan had said the period after the referendum on a UN-sponsored solution plan is over and a new initiative can start.

''I saw the Greek Cypriots were not negative about this. Compared to their previous statements, I saw they approached positively the issue of carrying out such a process,'' Erdogan said.

Commenting on Erdogan's statements, sources from the President's environment in Moscow told CNA that there is no change in President Papadopoulos' stance regarding the Cyprus issue, noting that Erdogan's statements show the importance of direct contacts.

Erdogan also said that he would further discuss the Cyprus issue with Annan during his planned trip to the United States in early June.

[28] Van der Meer says more active role for Commission in Cyprus

NICOSIA 10/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''The Commission hopes that a compromise will allow the rapid adoption of its proposals on both the financial assistance and on special conditions for trade for the Turkish Cypriot community,'' he adds.

Referring to Cyprus' accession to the EU, he notes that the country has quickly found its place inside the enlarged European Union.

''A dynamic process of economic change has led to Cyprus recently joining the ERM II, an important step towards joining the Eurozone. I trust that Cyprus will join the other countries that have already ratified the Constitutional Treaty,'' van der Meer states.

Regarding the Constitutional Treaty, the EU official expresses conviction that Cyprus will ratify it.

He adds that the new Constitution would deliver visible benefits for citizens and improve the way European institutions work, since it simplifies decision-making procedures and more clearly defines who does what.

''The creation of a European Minister for Foreign Affairs will strengthen the EU's voice on the world scene. The Commission is looking forward to the rapid ratification of the Constitution by all member states. Six member states have already done so,'' van der Meer says in his statement.

Europe Day in Cyprus will be celebrated both in Nicosia on 13 May and in Limassol on 15 May.

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