Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papoulias, Karamanlis attend ANA event commemorating agency's 100 years of operation

[02] PM Karamanlis to depart for official visit to United States on Thursday

[03] PM meets deputy foreign minister for talks on economic diplomacy

[04] PM discusses bilateral relations with Chinese deputy prime minister

[05] Meeting of Orthodox leaders to deal with Jerusalem crisis finalized for Monday; Eirinaios vows to attend

[06] Deputy DM Michaloliakos to meet with Hungarian counterpart Ivancsik

[07] Airforce Chief Avlonitis to attend NATO Mediterranean members' meeting in Italy

[08] General Staff chief expresses country's readiness for special training programs at Multinational Training Centre

[09] Public order minister to visit Bulgaria

[10] PM Karamanlis addresses symposium on 'Spain, Portugal, Greece 30 years after the transition to Democracy'

[11] PASOK party leader addresses event on European constitution

[12] Athens mayor Bakoyannis calls on President Papoulias

[13] Greek-Turkish meeting of diplomats in Athens

[14] UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz arrives in Skopje for talks on 'Macedonia issue'

[15] Parliament approves in principle draft law on 'Utilization of Olympic Installations'

[16] DM inaugurates Franco-Greek seminar on European defense

[17] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

[18] Greece seeks expanding economic relations with Japan

[19] Gov't announces energy saving measures in the public sector

[20] Projects worth 13 billion euros to be created in 2004-2006, public works minister says

[21] Greek telecoms, post service markets improved in 2004, report

[22] Civil servants' union president hails Wednesday's strike as a success

[23] Greek-Turkish bank in the pipeline

[24] Development minister addresses letter to EU trade commissioner on Chinese textiles issue

[25] Greece to participate in program for unmanned fighter aircraft, gov't says

[26] Software piracy in Greece amounted to 62 pc in 2004, report says

[27] Stocks drop, bucking trend abroad

[28] Antiquities discovered in Karditsa may point to Homeric site

[29] Exhibition of British art of the 1960s to be held at the Andros Museum of Modern Art

[30] Four Albanians identified as culprits in compatriot's contract killing

[31] Defense ministry to recruit up to 5,800 professional soldiers

[32] UN talks unfold in a satisfactory manner, says Cypriot

[33] Cyprus FM assured Israel will not cooperate with occupied north

[34] Boucher: US has not tried to sacrifice Cyprus

[01] Papoulias, Karamanlis attend ANA event commemorating agency's 100 years of operation

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Several past and present ministers, deputies, newspaper editors and reporters, party representatives, as well as Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, also attended the commemoration.

In his address, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos praised the ANA's role in supplying expatriate Greek media with news, while he also called the Greek national news agency a "guarantor" for the dissemination of real news stories, "ones that have a place in our lives."

Roussopoulos also underlined the transparency that defines the ANA's operation, as he said, noting that links to both the state and to the private sector are absolutely crystal clear.

Roussopoulos said that in the new century, the challenge for the ANA is to proceed dynamically ahead on all levels, while referring to the objectives of the unified news agency, that is the forthcoming merger of the ANA with the Thessaloniki based Macedonian Press Agency, he said that new websites are being created, while the creation of the Balkan news agency is at the stage of preparation.

"For a century now, the ANA is in the front line of developments, observes and registers with calm the facts and this heritage constitutes the best legacy for the future," Roussopoulos underlined.

"The ANA's work was significant for newsgathering in Greece. For a very long time it was (Greece's) only window to the world for foreign news as well as a primary source for domestic news, not just for Athens' major newspapers but primarily for the mass media in the provinces..." ANA General Director George Tambakopoulos said.

Tambakopoulos referred to the developments in journalism with the expansion of the Internet and underlined that "the news agencies may no longer be the exclusive 'handlers' of news of continuous flow, however they constitute a corner stone to the briefing of public opinion. They remain the guarantors of quality, quantity and the speed of information which they broadcast."

The ANA general director added that the news agency is called on at the start of the second century of its existence to broaden its horizons.

On his part, former long-time general director Andreas Christodoulides noted that the most important development for the ANA after the restoration of democracy in Greece (1974) was the fact that it continuously improved its credibility, "and today it is considered as a small, professional and credible national news agency".

Christodoulides expressed certainty that the ANA will continue dynamically and with responsibility the completion of its objectives and the fulfillment of its obligations to its subscribers and to Hellenism in general.

Anna Psarouda-Benaki in a statement said: "Our national agency, the ANA, is henceforth an institution of our country, an institution which supports democracy and the freedom of the Press. We have a duty to safeguard it, to support it and I believe that this event was an expression of this duty."

[02] PM Karamanlis to depart for official visit to United States on Thursday

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Prior to his departure, Karamanlis will meet visiting Chinese state councilor Chen Zhili on Wednesday at 18:00 in Athens.

The Greek premier will begin a round of contacts in Washington on the morning after his arrival, beginning with U.S. Senator Dick Lugar, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at 9:30 on Friday.

Karamanlis will next meet Greek-American senator Paul Sarbanes at 11:00 and will then be received by U.S. President George Bush at 13:15 at the White House, after which he will hold a brief press conference and have successive interviews with the U.S. mass media.

According to Roussopoulos, the talks between Bush and Karamanlis are expected to cover bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), relations between Greece and Turkey and Turkey's course toward the EU.

The Greek prime minister's next stop will be in Boston, where he will be met on his arrival by Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, local authority officials and members of the Greek-American community on Friday evening.

On Saturday at 10:00, Karamanlis will tour the Classical Antiquities wing at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and then attend a reception at the governor's office from 16:00-18:00, followed by a reception given by the president of Tufts University Lawrence Bacow at 19:00 and a dinner at 20:00.

On Sunday morning, the premier will return to Tufts for the graduation ceremony, where he will be named an honorary professor of law. The ceremony is expected to conclude at 11:15 and Karamanlis is due to depart for Athens at noon, arriving at 4:00 on Monday morning.

PM Karamanlis confers with foreign, defense ministers ahead of US visit: Prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday conferred with foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and defense minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, ahead of his upcoming visit to the US.

The meeting concerned preparations for the visit and for Karamanlis' scheduled meeting with US president George Bush while in Washington.

No statements were made after the meeting.

[03] PM meets deputy foreign minister for talks on economic diplomacy

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Stylianidis noted that Greece's contribution to the aid effort for victims of the killer tsunami in southeast Asia had earned the country praise and positive comments worldwide, helping the development of a pro-Greek trend internationally.

[04] PM discusses bilateral relations with Chinese deputy prime minister

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

[05] Meeting of Orthodox leaders to deal with Jerusalem crisis finalized for Monday; Eirinaios vows to attend

ISTANBUL 19/5/2005 (ANA)

In a related development, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II informed the Phanar district-based Patriarchate that he will not be able to the synod in Istanbul due to health reasons. Instead, Smolensk Metropolitan Cyril will stand in for the Russian Patriarch.

Meanwhile, embattled Jerusalem Patriarch Eirinaios (Irineos) returned to his official residence on Wednesday after an apparent standoff a day earlier with opponents at the Patriarchate's throne room.

Unconfirmed reports, moreover, placed Eirinaios' limousine on Wednesday near the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

In a surprise statement to reporters, the Jerusalem Patriarch said he would attend Monday's meeting in Istanbul, "of course, I will go to the Phanar, why shouldn't I?" he added.

He also appeared to back away from an option of convening a Holy Synod, a development veteran Jerusalem Patriarchate watchers said would be a prelude to dismissing critics from the top ecclesiastical body and replacing them with supporters. In fact, he said he would not attempt to defrock the 14 high-ranking Holy Synod clerics that have demanded his resignation.

Eirinaios continues to be at the centre of an unprecedented furor in Jerusalem over the purported sale -- or long-term leasing, according to other reports -- of several properties in east Jerusalem to Israeli interests, a prospect that has enraged Palestinians, Arab Christian faithful and the Greek Orthodox brotherhood of clerics in the Holy Land. Calls for the Jerusalem Patriarch's resignation have continued unabated since the issue first surfaced earlier in the year.

[06] Deputy DM Michaloliakos to meet with Hungarian counterpart Ivancsik

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, the two deputy defense ministers will discuss matters of cooperation and EU and NATO level, and matters of bilateral military cooperation of mutual interest, a defense ministry announcement said.

[07] Airforce Chief Avlonitis to attend NATO Mediterranean members' meeting in Italy

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, the Air Force chiefs of NATO's Mediterranean area member-countries will discuss general issues of air force interest, a GEA announcement said.

[08] General Staff chief expresses country's readiness for special training programs at Multinational Training Centre

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

He was speaking during the alliance's recent Military Commission conference in Brussels on May 11-12.

Officials from countries of the Mediterranean Dialogue (Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Jordan) are already being trained at the Multinational Centre in various sectors related to peace support operations. The officials numbered 13 in 2004 and another 10 have been added in 2005 to date.

Hinofotis also extended an invitation to Mediterranean Dialogue countries to participate, either with aeronautical units or as observers, in an exercise of a humanitarian nature which will be held at Greece's initiative in the sea region of Crete in the middle of autumn.

[09] Public order minister to visit Bulgaria

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

He will be accompanied by Greek Police (ELAS) Chief Lieut. General George Aggelakos, Northern Greece General Inspector Lieut. General Efstratios Kyriakakis and public order ministry staff.

During the visit, Voulgarakis is scheduled to meet Bulgarian Interior Minister Georgi Petkanov for talks on issues of mutual interest.

These are likely to cover issues related to international terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, counterfeiting, human trafficking and organized crime.

[10] PM Karamanlis addresses symposium on 'Spain, Portugal, Greece 30 years after the transition to Democracy'

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis stressed: "What is required in the new era is the quality of Democracy. It is its improvement and deepening. It is the shaping of a new relation of trust in parties and to the institutions of the state. It is the eradication of distrust to the politicians and politics. It is of imperative need for the acquiring of democratic quality, the safeguarding of the rules of transparency, the measures for strengthening justice and stable and effective rules for all."

The prime minister referred to the common experiences of the collapse of the autocratic regimes in the three countries and to the transition to democracy.

Referring to the events in Greece, he stressed that in July 1974, Constantine Karamanlis "undertook the burden and the historic responsibility to seal the end of dictatorship and to proceed in the setting up of a democratic state."

Karamanlis also referred to the course of the three countries that had a common character in the implementation of the European reality and their accession to the European family. He noted that Greece, although it was incorporated into the European family five years before Portugal and Spain, it was not able to promote in the same degree the necessary changes and reforms and he added that "this is today the great bet which we are called upon and ready to win."

He further said that the accession to the European structures was for the three countries one of the basic factors which contributed to the consolidation of democracy, political stability and smooth political life. The accession to the then European Community "cemented the strong basis of the operation of the democratic parliamentary system and put a final end to the doubts about the viability of the democratic institutions," he said.

[11] PASOK party leader addresses event on European constitution

PARIS 19/5/2005 (ANA)

"Let us grasp the opportunity being offered to us to give this constitution greater democratic legalization," he said.

The PASOK leader said he participated actively in difficult negotiations for the constitution in the framework of the Assembly, adding that the European socialists gave great battles to promote their targets, but it was worth it.

Papandreou further said the constitution contains values which inspire them, solidarity and tolerance. It includes the Charter of Human Rights and the new social clause which shall be imposed in all of the European legislation.

"It makes the Union stronger in its international relations, more capable of protecting its identity and its values and more capable of struggling for a world which will be fairer and more human," he added.

Papandreou further pondered whether a "no" vote will contribute to the building of a fairer and more effective Europe, or will improve the living standards of working people or will help promote the rights of man and stressed that "for this reason we say no to 'no'."

[12] Athens mayor Bakoyannis calls on President Papoulias

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Bakoyannis told reporters that the discussion covered matters of general interest, with attention on creating green areas in Athens.

The mayor noted the City of Athens' proposal for landscape upgrading of the Votanikos area, the former Ellinikon airport, the metropolitan park in the Goudi area, and the progress in works currently being carried out.

She invited the President to visit with her the projects in Athens, including the National Gardens, which were currently undergoing landscaping upgrades.

[13] Greek-Turkish meeting of diplomats in Athens

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting comes within the framework of regular six-month contacts alternately held in Athens and Ankara.

The Greek side was led by Amb. Thrasyvoulos Stamatopoulos, whereas the Turkish delegation was led by Alternate Deputy Minister for EU issues Amb. Volkan Bozkir.

[14] UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz arrives in Skopje for talks on 'Macedonia issue'

SKOPJE 19/5/2005 (ANA - N. Frangopoulos)

On his arrival, Nimetz said that he would not be presenting any proposals and that Thursday's talks will consist of an exchange of views over the outstanding issue of FYROM's name, to see if there were any margins for making progress.

The envoy also said that he was unaware of any proposal that FYROM's leadership might submit and that the people in Greece and FYROM appeared to be giving the issue of the name serious consideration, which might possible lead to progress.

In statements a few days prior to the envoy's visit, FYROM President Branco Crvenkovski appeared to leave very little room for compromise and stressed that his government intended to give Nimetz a detailed outline of its positions on finding a solution based on a "double name".

In addition to meeting Crvenkovski on Thursday, Nimetz will also meet FYROM Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva.

Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its northern neighbor on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece. Greeks are also incensed by the attempts of FYROM Slavs to "usurp" the famous Macedonian general of antiquity Alexander the Great, whose ancient kingdom lay roughly within the borders of the present-day Greek province of Macedonia, from whom they claim descent.

[15] Parliament approves in principle draft law on 'Utilization of Olympic Installations'

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia called on the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) to abandon its "dead end party juxtaposition," while she answered to the "impudent attack" by PASOK deputies on the cost of the Olympic installations.

"Only for the Olympic projects of the Culture Ministry, the excess from 2001 to 2004 was 73.3 per cent, and in March 2004 there were still projects of which the agreement was not even signed," she said.

However, she recognized that work was done up to the time when the ND came to power in March 2004.

[16] DM inaugurates Franco-Greek seminar on European defense

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

The defense minister said "strategic cooperation" between the European Union and NATO is characterized by the principles of "equality" and "participation".

He added that Greece supports this relation which facilitates the consolidation of peace and prosperity. European integration, and an advanced European defense and strategic policy, also passes through alliances and strategic agreements.

The defense minister also referred to the problem of international terrorism and said the country's contribution towards tackling it was substantive.

Issues examined during the seminar were the development of European military potential, the role of the European defense service, bilateral defense cooperation in the European environment and the role of industry in the defense sector.

[17] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national air space

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

All the Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by corresponding Greek fighter jets, while in five cases the procedure of interception developed into a mock dog fight.

It was reported that nine Turkish formations were armed, while four aircraft were photographic Phantoms.

[18] Greece seeks expanding economic relations with Japan

TOKYO 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a conference in Tokyo during a four-day visit to Japan as the head of a Greek delegation to celebrate "Greece Day" at the EXPO 2005, Alogoskoufis urged Japanese businessmen to invest in the developing region of Southeastern Europe using Greece as a base, while he presented the government's main policy initiatives to create a favorable investment environment in the country.

Alogoskoufis, accompanied by Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Petros Doukas, met with Japan's Finance Minister Santaguzu Tanigaki and discussed ways to avoid a policy of double taxation - a major hurdle in further expanding business relations - and restarting direct flights between Athens and Tokyo.

The Greek minister also met with Bank of Japan's governor Tosihiko Fukui and Parliament chairman Yohei Kono.

Addressing the same conference, Tourism Deputy Minister Anastasios Liaskos referred to improving tourism services in the country after the successful organizing of the Athens Olympic Games and forecast a significant increase in the number of Japanese tourists to visit Greece.

Olympic Real Estate's president Christos Hadjiemmanouel announced that a first phase of tenders in the use of Olympic facilities would include the canoe-kayak, the International Broadcasting Center and the Badminton units, within 2005.

Greek Industries Union's president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos urged Japanese businessmen to create joint ventures with Greek businessmen and to invest in the wider Southeast European region.

The Greek delegation also includes heads of state organizations, ministry officials, businessmen and bankers. Greek bankers said Japanese institutional investors and financial institutions showed increased interest in buying Greek state bonds and Greek stocks. Japanese investors also expressed interest in buying a special 10-year benchmark bond issue, worth 1.0 billion euros.

On his part, Greek Agricultural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos met with Japanese importers of Greek products, particularly olive oil, honey, canned foods and other farm products.

[19] Gov't announces energy saving measures in the public sector

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

The measures were included in a commission's report on electricity, presented on Wednesday by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

The measures will be introduced ahead of the summer season, when demand for energy is increased due to the operation of air conditioning systems, threatening the country's electricity grid with black outs.

The report, signed by Development ministry secretary-general N.Stephanou, noted that the Greek electricity grid has been strengthened significantly following its black out in July 12, 2004, although it acknowledged that its operation would reach its limits during the summer season.

[20] Projects worth 13 billion euros to be created in 2004-2006, public works minister says

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

"We are changing Greece and strengthening the countryside," the minister said, replying to criticism by the main opposition PASOK party's relevant coordinator Giorgos Floridis.

"It is unacceptable and groundless criticism. I would like it very much, in all honesty, if such inaccuracies were not said and we were left alone to do our work," Souflias added.

[21] Greek telecoms, post service markets improved in 2004, report

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

The report said that 2004 coincided with the launch of a new modern system of managing and supervising telecommunications bands in the country. The new system ensures high quality of services.

EETT also contributed in a 4.3 percent decline in the communications price index for 2004, while turnover in the telecommunications market totalled 8.0 billion euros, up 6.6 percent from 2003.

Turnover by mobile telephony operators jumped 16.7 percent to 4.2 billion euros, while market share by alternative fixed-telephony operators jumped 45.7 percent in the first half of 2004 to 23.6 percent of the market, while Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) saw its market share drop by 8.3 percent over the same period.

The domestic fixed-telephony market slowed in 2004, while the mobile telephony market grew steadily with the rate of penetration in the Greek population reaching 84.4 percent. EETT said the use of internet steadily rose, while broadband access grew rapidly in 2004.

Post services improved significantly in 2004, both in turnover and market competition.

[22] Civil servants' union president hails Wednesday's strike as a success

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Replying to critics of ADEDY's demand for a 1,200-euro starting wage for civil servants, Papaspyrou pointed out that this would be the lowest wage earned by civil servants in the Eurozone, when Greece was one of the most expensive European countries, with the cost of living was among the highest.

Other speakers also took the opportunity to slam the KEPE report on the Greek economy's competitiveness released earlier this week, rejecting its proposals as 'extreme Thatcherite outcomes' and said that trade unions will wage a steady and continuous battle to avert their implementation.

[23] Greek-Turkish bank in the pipeline

ISTANBUL 19/5/2005 (ANA/A Kourkoulas)

The Athens-based bank will initially have a branch in Istanbul, and after a year, another two in Izmir and Thessaloniki, said Demirtas, citing a letter from the president of the Greek-Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Panayotis Koutsikos.

The bank's capital is to total 100-200 million euros, equally divided between the two countries, Demirtas told Turkey's Anadolu news agency.

An application will be sent to the Bank of Greece, or central bank, after three months, he added.

[24] Development minister addresses letter to EU trade commissioner on Chinese textiles issue

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas stressed the danger of irreparable harm also being caused by other categories of products for which the promotion of the urgent consultations procedure with China is necessary.

The minister also underlined the possible danger posed for the European footwear industry by imports of similar Chinese products and proposed the taking of safeguarding measures based on data to be gathered on such imports.

The commissioner requested from China to agree to urgent talks on two categories of textiles products.

[25] Greece to participate in program for unmanned fighter aircraft, gov't says

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

He said EAB had signed a contract with the French firm Dassault for the design and construction of prototypes for the rear fuselage of the aircraft, its electronic controls console and other parts.

Also participating in the research program for the UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) are France, Sweden, Spain, Italy and Switzerland.

[26] Software piracy in Greece amounted to 62 pc in 2004, report says

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

This data is included in the worldwide report carried out by the IDC research company for 2004 in the regions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and announced on Wednesday by the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

According to the report, the percentage of piracy decreased to 39 percent (meaning 39 pc of software in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is pirated) compared to 41 pc in 2003.

However, the cost of piracy for local and international software production companies increased by three billion dollars, amounting to 15.7 billion dollars.

[27] Stocks drop, bucking trend abroad

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,854.91 points, marking a decline of 1.06%. Turnover was 153.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.21% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.90% down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.46% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 145 to 82 with 97 remaining unchanged.

[28] Antiquities discovered in Karditsa may point to Homeric site

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Among the objects found are items made of copper and bone, such as a pin and needles, and shards of pottery dating from the middle and later Mycenaean copper age.

The discovery of part of a walled settlement brings to mind a section of Homer's Iliad and continuing excavation may well help to confirm that the site in Palama coincides with the Homeric "Asterio".

[29] Exhibition of British art of the 1960s to be held at the Andros Museum of Modern Art

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Its title, borrowed from the work of Bridget Riley (of 1964), which will be presented at the exhibition, determines the intention of the exhibition to show the illustrated "transformations" which were the follow-up of the major social, political and cultural changes of the post-war period.

The exhibition at the Cycladic island of Andros will present paintings, sculpture, abstract art and drawings from the rich reserves of British art in the collections of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon and of the British Council in London.

[30] Four Albanians identified as culprits in compatriot's contract killing

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Only one of the suspects is in custody, charged in the contract killing of 22-year-old Adit Hodaz.

According to reports, the other three unnamed suspects, aged between 20 and 33, live in third countries, as an investigation is continuing with the assistance of Interpol.

Police said two of the assailants were paid by the other two Albanians 16,000 euros and half a kilo of heroin to lure the victim to the site before murdering him, the last chapter in an apparent vendetta between the parties.

[31] Defense ministry to recruit up to 5,800 professional soldiers

Athens, 19/5/2005 (ANA)

Deadlines for submission of applications expire in July.

[32] UN talks unfold in a satisfactory manner, says Cypriot

FM LARNACA 19/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on his return from a visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Iacovou said that ''we are at the initial investigative stage with an emphasis on procedural matters''.

He said Tzionis' contacts in New York are confidential and there is a news blackout on the talks.

Asked if anything substantive can be expected in the next months, Iacovou said ''a UN Secretariat high ranking official is likely to visit Cyprus'' to allow contacts to continue.

Tzionis is in New York for meetings with UN Under Secretary General for political affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast. A UN spokesman said the talks on Tuesday concentrated on the substance of the Cyprus problem.

[33] Cyprus FM assured Israel will not cooperate with occupied north

LARNACA 19/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He was also told that Israel does not intend to begin direct flights to and from the occupied areas or visit the port of Famagusta, declared an illegal port of entry into Cyprus.

Speaking after returning from a visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Iacovou said his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom rejected reports that his government was cooperating with the illegal regime and said that Israel would observe international legality.

Referring to Israeli investment in occupied Cyprus, Iacovou said Shalom explained that his country acts in line with the positions of European countries and does not encourage such investment.

On his visits to Jerusalem and Ramallah, Iacovou said he had the chance to evaluate with his interlocutors progress in bilateral relations.

He said Israel ranks seventh in terms of exports to Cyprus, whereas Cypriot exports to Israel are at a low level.

The Cypriot minister said he discussed cooperation in technology related issues with the Israeli Minister of Commerce and Industry, adding that Israel has shown an interest to cooperate with Cyprus on research and technology.

He said Shalom showed a great interest in a bilateral agreement on search and rescue operations, noting that both countries have an international obligation to work on this.

Europe sees ''Cyprus as an EU member state with common frontiers with Middle East countries and we must be informed and have ideas and

views to help Cyprus as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East'', Iacovou said.

Iacovou said that Cyprus has promised Palestinians technical assistance, training for civil servants and policemen and help in the health sector. ''All these will materialize through a bilateral agreement, in cooperation with the EU'', he added.

[34] Boucher: US has not tried to sacrifice Cyprus

NICOSIA 19/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''The United States has not in any way tried to sacrifice Cyprus. We tried to help people in the Turkish community, the Turkish Cypriot community and the Greek Cypriot community achieve what they themselves have long pledged themselves to and wanted. And that is a united federal Cyprus'', the US diplomat said.

His comments came in response to remarks at a Congressional hearing on U.S.-Turkish relations that these ties are problematic and that the U.S. must find ways to appease the Turks at the political cost of Cyprus.

Boucher said that he did not think it was something that the US had put forward.

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