Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis stresses 'zero tolerance' policy vis-a-vis judicial corruption

[02] President Papoulias says Sunday's European constitution referendum in France crucial

[03] Parliament President opens event on cooperation in SE Europe

[04] Papandreou requests off-the-agenda Parliament debate on public administration

[05] Coalition party leader and Syrian FM discuss Middle East issue

[06] Former Jerusalem Patriarch's passport replaced

[07] ND Secretary Meimarakis addresses presidents of party's prefectural committees

[08] Albanian ambassador presents Albanian government's strategy on immigration

[09] FinMin underlines significance of next six months on economy

[10] Greek gov't to encourage investments, FinMin says

[11] Greece, Bulgaria and Russia proceed with Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project

[12] Gov't pleased with groundbreaking deal for state-run OTE

[13] EU's Managing Committee fully accepts Greek government data on last year's cotton production

[14] Marketing Expo 2005 South East Europe opens in Athens

[15] Economy and unified coastal shipping fares to increase 6.8 percent

[16] Greek stocks end lower on Friday

[17] PM Karamanlis says free access to Internet will be given to top students

[18] Yiannakou addresses HAU conference on university-level quality evaluation

[19] 3rd Modern Hellenists International Conference to be held in Vitoria, Spain

[20] Samina shipwreck trial finally commences

[21] Athens and Rome prefectures sign friendship and cooperation agreement

[22] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos addresses Greek-Italian Chamber

[23] Dodecanese Prefecture kicks off 3rd development conference

[24] Monument unveiled for Greek-American volunteers who fought in Greece during World War II

[25] Chinese migrant smuggling ring disbanded

[26] Bomb explodes in Ambelokipi, no damages reported

[27] Cypriot President Papadopoulos ready to clearly explain views on Annan Plan

[28] UN Under-Secretary General in Cyprus next week

[29] Full freedom of expression on Annan Plan, Cyprus Spokesman says

[30] AHI letter to Bush about Cyprus and US-Turkey relations

[01] Karamanlis stresses 'zero tolerance' policy vis-a-vis judicial corruption

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who rode to a landslide election victory in March 2004 on a campaign platform that included high-profile pledges to eradicate public sector corruption and influence-peddling by vested interests, made the statement in Thessaloniki while addressing an event hosted by the National Academy of Justices.

The prime minister called on the school's graduates to serve their profession "with faith and devotion, without cutting corners and compromises".

His comments come amid an ongoing investigation of an alleged trial-fixing and parole-fixing ring that operated over the past decade. So far the inquiry has resulted in the cashiering of a handful of first instance judges and criminal charges against justices, trial attorneys, court clerks and even a controversial mid-level cleric.

He nevertheless added that the vast majority of judicial officials honor their oath, while the entire justice system cannot be stained by a few exceptions.

In outlining his government's priorities for the sector, Karamanlis mentioned a modernization of its operation, speedier proceedings and safeguarding its autonomy.

"We're reinforcing and institutionally supporting the Greek justice system so that it retains what it deserves: prestige, esteem and citizens' trust," he added.

Additionally, the prime minister referred to a wide-ranging reform of the correctional system, while citing the building of six new courthouses and the implementation of computerized records and filing in courts around the country.

Friday's event honored the 10th anniversary since the school's establishment.

Karamanlis will address an event in the evening commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Thessaloniki Polytechnic's founding.

[02] President Papoulias says Sunday's European constitution referendum in France crucial

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to members of the European Journalists Union, who visited him at the Presidential Mansion, President Papoulias spoke of a very important moment in European affairs.

He said there is a great question as to which will the repercussions be from a negative response by the French people to the future of Europe and when the referendum in the Netherlands is also impending.

President Papoulias said the role of journalists and the role of objective information are magnified, because an active citizen is a well-informed citizen.

[03] Parliament President opens event on cooperation in SE Europe

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

She stressed the contribution of deputies of Greek origin in the broader possible understanding of Greece's foreign policy, particularly in the region of the Balkans.

The event was held in the context of the World Interparliamentary Union of Hellenism (PADEE).

Psarouda-Benaki underlined that Greece is working for peace, friendship, good neighborliness and stability in the region, at the same time aiming for balanced growth and prosperity of the neighboring countries.

Taking part in the sessions were 20 deputies of Greek origin from Romania and Albania.

Present at the event was Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

Deputy FM discusses Greece's role in SE Europe: Deputy Foreign Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis discussed the role Greece can play in promoting security, stability, culture and education in Southeast Europe, in a speech he made at the Forum on Southeast European Cooperation, organized by the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Union (WHIU) on Friday.

"Violence, organized crime, trafficking of people, drugs and weapons constitute a serious and constant threat to the region's prosperity and security, making the need to pursue a close cooperation on multiple levels a mandatory, political choice," he said.

"Greece is actively taking part in all initiatives geared towards establishing stability and progress in Europe, but particularly in the surrounding region," he added.

Skandalakis also emphasized that "Stability throughout all of Southeast Europe is a top priority for Greece and must be a priority for all of Europe."

He also stressed the important role the economy can play in ensuring stability and referred to the economic support Greece provides to countries in the region through the Greek Program for the Reconstruction of the Balkans.

Concluding, Skandalakis stressed Greece's "central geopolitical position in Southeast Europe, NATO, the UN Security Council, as well as its friendly relations with all countries, elements that enable it to play a decisive role in the region, in terms of stability, prosperity and security."

[04] Papandreou requests off-the-agenda Parliament debate on public administration

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

[05] Coalition party leader and Syrian FM discuss Middle East issue

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos said he expressed his party's support for the need for a speedy settlement of the Middle East issue, based on UN resolutions, which will also include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Golan Heights.

[06] Former Jerusalem Patriarch's passport replaced

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

"The Foreign Ministry issued a new passport today, valid for six months, which bears the name of the holder and his title as former Jerusalem Patriarch," Koumoutsakos said.

"The new passport will be issued by the responsible Greek consular authority, the General Consulate of Jerusalem," he added.

[07] ND Secretary Meimarakis addresses presidents of party's prefectural committees

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the agreement between the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) administration and employees regarding voluntary retirement, he termed it as a great success, observing that "trade unionists and employees showed great maturity."

Regarding the elections for local and prefectural local government, Meimarakis said "the procedures will start in October" and disclosed that the ND will support in their majority, the in service mayors and prefects.

[08] Albanian ambassador presents Albanian government's strategy on immigration

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

"The excellent level of inter-state relations between Greece and Albania creates the necessary preconditions for solving problems facing immigrants," he said.

Immigration is a major problem for the neighboring country since about 20 percent of the population has left the country over the past decade, ranking Albania among the top countries worldwide from the point of view of immigration.

Moreover, the issue of immigration, particularly illegal immigration, concerns the Albanian government in its relations with the European Union since a large part of immigrants heads for EU countries.

"Immigrants consider Greece to be their second home," Zeneli said and assessed that the 600-700,000 Albanians living in Greece are being incorporated in a European country on a daily basis.

[09] FinMin underlines significance of next six months on economy

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The Greek minister said that economic growth would be based on the private sector and stressed that a draft law promoting joint ventures between the public and private sectors would be tabled to parliament soon.

Alogoskoufis said that another draft law on real estate taxation would be tabled to parliament in June and would be valid from January 1, 2006. The ministry's policy priorities for the rest of the year also includes restructuring of state-owned enterprises -based on corporate governance rules- drafting next year's budget and completing a national support framework program for the period 2007-2013.

Alogoskoufis expressed the hope that talks to agree the EU's budget for the period 2007-2013 would be completed in June, while he added that the pension problem in Emporiki Bank and Agricultural Bank would be solved in the next two weeks.

[10] Greek gov't to encourage investments, FinMin says

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar for senior business executives, the Greek minister presented the country's comparative advantages in attracting investments. "Greece has entered a new era of macro-economic stability, increased competitiveness, more investments in education and balanced growth. It is the only country in the region to be a member at the EU and NATO, it uses the euro currency, enjoys one of the highest growth rates, it owns advanced infrastructure and the has the best trained human resources in the region," he said.

He particularly mentioned the Greek merchant shipping fleet, one of the largest in the world which contributed more than 12 billion euros to the Greek economy last year.

Alogoskoufis said that in less than 10 years Greek investments in Southeastern Europe exceeded 8.0 billion euros and stressed that any businessman investing in Greece or using the country as a base for its activities in the region, gained access to a dynamic network of several Greek enterprises with successful activities in the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean. "This has particular significance if we consider that Romania and Bulgaria will officially enter the EU in 2007," he stressed. Greece is the biggest investor in Albania, Bulgaria and FYROM and one of the three biggest foreign investors in Romania, Alogoskoufis said.

The Greek minister also referred to a tax reform, a new development law, joint ventures between the public and private sectors and an ambitious privatization program, estimated at 1.6 billion euros this year.

"Our goals are ambitious but realistic," he added and urged foreign businessmen to invest in Greece.

[11] Greece, Bulgaria and Russia proceed with Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project

SOFIA 28/5/2005 (ANA/B.Borisov)

The target date for creating the international company is December 31, 2005 and companies interested in participating in the project can begin to submit their bids.

"Today, we took a very big step," Deputy Development Minister George Salagoudis, who represented Greece at the meeting, said. He described the meeting as confirming the commitment of Greece, Bulgaria and Russia as well as that of the interested companies, in proceeding with the construction of the 'strategic' pipeline.

During a joint press conference with General Director of the Russian Energy Ministry Anatoly Yanovski and Kalin Rogachev, Chief of the Cabinet of the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Salagoudis stressed the spirit of consensus which prevailed during the meeting among experts and among the companies from the three countries. The companies signed a separate memorandum for the creation of the international construction company.

According to Salagoudis, construction of the pipeline should begin in 2006 and be completed by 2008.

On the Greek side, he said that Hellenic Petroleum, the Latsis Group and Prometheas Gas comprise the Greek consortium Thrace, which has been promoting the project for years. Six years ago, Thrace funded the study for the pipeline carried out by Germany's ILF.

No other Greek companies have expressed an interest yet.

On the Russian side, Yanovski said that British Petroleum's Russian subsidiary, TNK-BP, and various major oil and construction companies have expressed an interest in participating in the construction and operation of the pipeline.

According to Rogachev, a consortium of seven major Bulgarian companies are participating in the negotiations.

Finally, Salagoudis emphasized the significance of the project on the geopolitical role and international standing of Greece and Bulgaria. "We are sending an important message to all countries in our region that cooperation among Balkan and Southeast European countries can create very significant works. It can upgrade relations between countries and peoples and it can bring to our previously-disturbed region the peace, cooperation and development that our peoples desire."

[12] Gov't pleased with groundbreaking deal for state-run OTE

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The matter has been amongst the government's top priorities in its quest to reform a handful of major state-run and bourse-listed enterprises and utilities.

In response to press questions on who will fund the 1.6 billion euros needed for the fund, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros emphasized that the significance lies in the "benefits accrued by OTE, its employees, the Greek economy and society..."

Antonaros also dismissed questions insinuating that taxpayers will pay for the package, as he referred such queries to "previous PASOK governments, which lumped OTE's and the Public Power Corp.'s pension liabilities onto the national budget, thus perpetuating the problem..."

Moreover, the spokesman said the restructuring of a such major utility must be accomplished over a period of time and in a manner that ensures the company's viability, effectiveness and commitment to competitive criteria.

Finally, he reiterated that there is no issue of abolishing tenure for current OTE employees.

According to reports, the fund will be financed jointly by OTE, the workers' union (OTE/OME) and by the state, with the latter's contribution based on the shares it owns in the utility.

Main opposition leader questions OTE's voluntary retirement scheme: Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou on Friday said that the agreement reached between the management and the workers' union (OME-OTE) of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) leaves many questions unanswered.

The most important question concerns the cost of the internal restructuring the early retirement scheme will entail, he said.

"Whatever reforms, whether they concern labor or other sectors, even when consensus is reached within an organization, cannot be implemented at the expense of society. They cannot burden low-income earners and pensioners. They cannot burden future workers," Papandreou said.

Asked whether he was critical of the OME-OTE PASOK representatives who agreed to the proposal, Papandreou replied: "I lay down the principles that we as a Movement have adopted. We are firm in our commitment to these principles."

[13] EU's Managing Committee fully accepts Greek government data on last year's cotton production

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The Managing Committee set the amount of 37.6 drachmas per kilo for cotton subsidization. The government, in the framework of its farming policy, had given 38 drachmas per kilo to Greek cotton growers before Easter.

Speaking in the wake of the Managing Committee's decision, Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Minister Evangelos Basiakos said among other things that "the government's options on the issue of protection for cotton growers income, as well as on control management, have been vindicated and will increase considerably in this way."

Basiakos also said "considerable results benefiting Greek farmers in a difficult year for our agricultural production are achieved in this way, while order is brought to cotton management."

[14] Marketing Expo 2005 South East Europe opens in Athens

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The aim of the exhibit is to provide exhibitors and visitors a forum for new alliances and business deals.

More than 8,000 visitors are expected to the exhibit, organized by Boussias Communications.

The exhibit is being held under the auspices of the development ministry and is supported by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) and the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO).

[15] Economy and unified coastal shipping fares to increase 6.8 percent

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

SAS reached its decision on fares of these classes by only taking into consideration the effect from the change in fuel prices, to the extent of its participation in the exploitation cost of ships in accordance with the "YPEM 1994" method.

Conditions set by the merchant marine ministry for coastal shipping companies to be entitled to fare increases are as they were mentioned by Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, that ships should operate on "limited traffic" routes and should employ doctors.

Meanwhile, fares of all classes and for every category of vehicles will be fully deregulated on ships which do not carry out public service sailings.

[16] Greek stocks end lower on Friday

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The composite index fell 0.73 percent to end at 2,961.63 points, with turnover at 180 million euros.

Most sector indices ended lower with the Construction, Holdings, Industrials and Telecommunications recorded the biggest percentage losses of the day (1.92 pct, 1.91 pct, 0.82 pct and 0.76 pct, respectively).

The IT Solutions, Insurance, Textile and Food-Beverage indices recorded the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.49 pct, 1.15 pct, 0.33 pct and 0.32 pct, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.64 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.84 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.64 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 166 to 91 with another 73 issues unchanged.

[17] PM Karamanlis says free access to Internet will be given to top students

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

In a speech on Friday night in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the local Polytechnic School, the prime minister noted the need to cover, as soon as possible the "digital gap" separating Greece from the world's most developed countries.

He said that within this framework, and with understanding with the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), from the next academic year the top student each year in every school will have the right of free access to ADSL and speedy Internet for the whole academic year.

Karamanlis said that from the next academic year OTE will offer to pre-graduate and postgraduate students of the universities and technical institutes a special reduced price of five euros per month for ADSL access (today it is 36 euros), while it will offer a reduced by 50 per cent activation fee.

At the same time, the existing Internet services have agreed with OTE to offer students a special product from the service of the speedy Internet at a considerably lower price. Therefore, the entire service will be offered at a price of 15 euros a month compared to the existing price of 85 euros.

Prime Minister Karamanlis in his speech referred also the evaluation of educational foundations which he described as a "timely structural reform."

As he said, "it is a necessary term for us to acquire a really modern and qualitative standard of higher education, so as to have higher educational foundations competitive in Europe and the world, for our children to have degrees which meet the labor market."

Speaking on the educational system, he said that "it must acquire stability, not to change from minister to minister and from government to government, to have flexibility of adjustment to continuous changing facts so as to respond to the demands of modern era."

"The aim and ambition of our policy in education is to meet the modern facts, the increased demands of the modern era, the needs of the social whole, the expectations and the visions of the new generation," Karamanlis said.

[18] Yiannakou addresses HAU conference on university-level quality evaluation

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

"Society has assigned a specific task to universities, and infrastructure is in place to serve the students, not to offer just employment to the instructors," Yiannakou, a neurologist by training, stressed, while noting that education and its evaluation is no longer an ideological or political issue, but one revolving around scientific analysis and problem-solving.

[19] 3rd Modern Hellenists International Conference to be held in Vitoria, Spain

MADRID 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The 3rd International Conference of Modern Hellenists will be attended by 70 professors, modern Hellenists and university representatives from Spain, Greece, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Chile.

[20] Samina shipwreck trial finally commences

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The skipper of the ill-fated vessel, Vassilis Yiannakis, along with the first mate, Anastasios Psyhogios, are charged with a variety of felony counts, including negligent manslaughter. Another four crewmembers, two representatives of the vessel's parent company (Minoan Flying Dolphins), Costas Klironomos and Nikos Vikatos, as well as an inspector for the merchant marine ministry, P. Tsorvos, are also being tried on misdemeanor charges.

According to court records, 460 witnesses have been summoned, whereas a change of venue to accommodate the proceedings, possibly to the Athens Appeal Courts, is being considered.

[21] Athens and Rome prefectures sign friendship and cooperation agreement

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The agreement was signed during a development conference held under the auspices of the Athens Prefecture on "Development and cooperation prospects between Greek and Italian businesses."

According to data presented during the conference, Greek exports increased 8.9 percent in 2003, while Italian imports decreased 2.8 percent, which had a favorable effect for Greece regarding the trade balance deficit (a 6.2 percent drop in the deficit).

[22] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos addresses Greek-Italian Chamber

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Having first conveyed a greeting on behalf of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the sincere friendship between the two countries, Avramopoulos noted that Greece does not regard Italy as a competitor in its common course with Greece in the European Union.

Avramopoulos hailed the role of the Chambers in the modern era, given that, as he said, they are trustworthy interlocutors, while at the same time they also express dynamism in the economies of the countries they represent.

Referring to the Greek economy, the minister underlined that henceforth the investment climate in Greece has changed, creating new opportunities for investments.

[23] Dodecanese Prefecture kicks off 3rd development conference

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The conference, which will conclude on Saturday, will focus on the region's future course and prospects during the coming years.

The opening speech was made by Minister of the Aegean and Island Policy Aristotelis Pavlidis, who said a regroup was necessary. He noted that it wasn't possible for all available subsidies to be absorbed and that many opportunities had been lost in recent decades.

During his address, Dodecanese Prefect Yiannis Mahairidis emphasized that it is up to regional authorities and the community to respond to present challenges and demands, to competition and to technological advancement.

"It is up to us to move forward and it is absolutely imperative that we join forces and follow a common course," he concluded.

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis noted that at present there are new foundations for regional growth and development. He added that the goal is to make up for lost time.

"We have no right to lose out on this opportunity. The Dodecanese were innovative on all levels and it is time that we pursue new objectives," he said.

Mayor of Rhodes George Yiannopoulos noted that an exchange of views and brainstorming is always useful, particularly in a region that is confronted with so many problems.

[24] Monument unveiled for Greek-American volunteers who fought in Greece during World War II

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The tedeum service was followed by the the laying of a wreath at the monument of the Greek-American soldiers with the names of the 170 soldiers written on the monument.

The ministry then awarded distinctions to three veterans while to the other relatives who were present books and medals were given.

[25] Chinese migrant smuggling ring disbanded

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

The latest raid on Friday comes after Italian, French and Greek authorities made numerous arrests of mostly Chinese nationals, 10 in the greater Athens area, in June 2003.

According to reports, the ring would smuggle young and impoverished individuals from rural China into Greece, Italy and France -- primarily via Russia, Jordan or Turkey. Initially promised free passage and jobs in Europe, most illegal immigrants wound up in small urban apartments turned into improvised prisons until relatives paid ransoms of between 7,000 to 15,000 euros. Allegations of torture have also been recorded.

Of the six suspects identified in Greece, three were arrested, one man is already in custody, another man was deported while the sixth is wanted.

Another 10 Chinese nationals in Greece were arrested in the previous June 2003 raid.

[26] Bomb explodes in Ambelokipi, no damages reported

Athens, 28/5/2005 (ANA)

Police arrived immediately and the small explosion which followed caused no damage.

[27] Cypriot President Papadopoulos ready to clearly explain views on Annan Plan

LIMASSOL 28/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In statements in Limassol on Friday night, President Papadopoulos said that ''all this time we have made our deliberations, discussions and yes I think that we are in position to explain fully and with clarity our views on the several aspects of the plan."

Asked if he believed talks for a Cyprus settlement would resume soon, President Papadopoulos noted that ''it is up to the UN Secretary General to decide if the climate is ready and if the conditions have matured and if a possibility of common ground is there.''

Responding to a question on whether the Greek Cypriot side has permitted Sir Kieran to submit its positions to the Turkish Cypriot side, the President said that the UN official will evaluate the facts and use the positions in the way he finds appropriate, to ''take the pulse'' of the parties. He added that the Greek Cypriot side expects Sir Kieran will hold discussions with both sides, so that Annan will be able to decide if the conditions are the for a new initiative. President Papadopoulos reiterated his position the there is still a lot to be done.

Responding to another remark, he expressed the belief that the UN, as well as others, have long known the changes the Greek Cypriot side wishes to be made to the UN-sponsored plan to meet the concerns of the Greek Cypriot side.

''Our objective is the reunification of our country. Of course this requires a compromise, as long as this compromise can be accepted, and dignified, and does not escape from our basic goals, which are the end of occupation, reunification of space, society, economy and institutions,'' he said.

[28] UN Under-Secretary General in Cyprus next week

NICOSIA 28/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Cypriot Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said here on Friday that Sir Kieran would be having separate meetings with President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, as well as other political leaders on the two sides.

He will then travel to Athens and Ankara for meetings on the Cyprus issue before briefing the UN Secretary General at the headquarters in New York on whether the necessary conditions exist for Kofi Annan to decide if he will embark on a new initiative for a settlement.

Chrysostomides said the talks would have neither the form of consultations nor proximity talks, noting that ''we are still at a preliminary stage'' and that the aim of the UN is to explore the possibility for the resumption of the talks.

Asked if recent meetings in New York on behalf of the President's envoy, Ambassador Tasos Tzionis, created the proper climate so that with Sir Kieran's visit the right conditions will be created for the resumption of Cyprus talks, the spokesman said, ''We hope so''.

[29] Full freedom of expression on Annan Plan, Cyprus Spokesman says

NICOSIA 28/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He also described as unfounded the accusations against the Cypriot Government, as described in a report of Amnesty International as regards the period prior to the referendum in April 2004, which led to the rejection of a UN sponsored plan for a Cyprus settlement.

According to the report, covering events from January to December 2004, ''during the pre-referendum period in the south, the government was accused of failing to show due diligence in carrying out its duty to protect the rights to freedom of expression, and there were allegations of attempts to intimidate individuals into rejecting the plan.''

Chrysostomides added that Amnesty International does not make an ascertainment that these things actually happened.

''Amnesty International refers to accusations. There were such accusations against the government, which however were and still are unfounded and do not respond to reality,'' Chrysostomides said.

Concluding, the spokesman indicated that the report should also include the government's point of view.

[30] AHI letter to Bush about Cyprus and US-Turkey relations

NICOSIA 28/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The letter's content is the same as the one sent to President Bush January 23, 2004, due to Erdogan's visit to the US on the 28th of the same month.

''That letter was detailed on the issue of Cyprus and is pertinent today. Since that time Turkey has not been a helpful ally and we are surprised that Prime Minister Erdogan was invited again. We do not believe this is the best way to negotiate'', Rossides stresses.

The letter notes that it is in the best interests of the US to openly support a Cyprus solution based on the EU's acquis communautaire and democratic norms and to support modifications in the Annan Plan to make it democratic, workable and financially viable.

Moreover US is called upon to ask for the immediate return of Varosha area, in occupied Famagusta, to the government of Cyprus under UN auspices for the resettlement of refugees.

''It is for the US interest to call for the speedy demilitarization of Cyprus with a specific and short timetable. The continuing presence of the over 35,000 Turkish military occupation force has been a major, if not the major, impediment to negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots," it adds.

The US are called upon to publicly ask Turkey to return its illegal colonists promptly to their homes in Turkey.

''There are an estimated 100,000 illegal Turkish colonists from Anatolia in Cyprus in violation of the Geneva Convention which prohibits colonization by the occupying power," it says.

The letter adds ''it should be acknowledged that there is no legal distinction between Turkey's 1974 aggression against Cyprus and Iraq's 1990 aggression against Kuwait."

The US are also called upon to acknowledge that former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger encouraged and supported Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, failed to enforce US laws requiring the immediate halt in arms to Turkey and refused to denounce Turkey's aggression.

Regarding the US-Turkey relations the letter notes that there is a misconception regarding Turkey and its role in the Southeastern Mediterranean, since Turkey has proven to be an unreliable ally many times.

It adds that the use of the Turkish political model to promote democracy in the Middle East is unrealistic.

''For the above reasons Mr. President, we ask you to reconsider Turkey's importance to US interests and raise the above issues during your meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan," the letter concludes.

AHI President sends letter to US Congressman about illegal visit: Forthcoming visit of US congressmen to the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus through an illegal port of entry constitutes a violation of US and international law and does not contribute to the efforts to reach a settlement and reunify the island.

This was said by American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Gene Rossides in a letter to US Congressman Ed Whitfield, who is to head a US delegation aiming to pay an illegal visit to occupied Cyprus through the "Ercan" illegal airport.

In his letter Rossides notes that such a visit would lend endorsement of the illegal occupation and violation of human rights by Turkey in Cyprus and serve to exacerbate the problem on the island.

''The AHI, on behalf of its nationwide membership, is extremely disappointed in your decision to travel to the illegally occupied part of Cyprus via the illegal airport. Such an act violates the US and international law and does not serve the best interests of the United States in support of a proper solution to the reunification of Cyprus," the letter says.

He adds that the trip would have an adverse effect against the legitimate government of Cyprus and the message would be sent that certain Members of Congress do not support a resolution of the Cyprus problem that is consistent with UN resolutions and the rule of law.

Rossides notes that AHI strongly supports congressional visits to Cyprus, including the occupied area of Cyprus in the north, if they are done in a manner consistent with international law and US law.

He also refers to a forthcoming visit of nine Congressmen to Cyprus who will arrive to the legal airport of Larnaca.

In the letter Rossides explains the historical and political background in Cyprus and emphasizes on the self-proclaimed state in Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

''If the visit takes place through the illegal port, it places those Members in a position of aiding and abetting the violation of the laws of the Republic of Cyprus, a friendly nation who has helped the US substantially on many important occasions'', he concludes.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

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