Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis pledges reforms; seeks vote of confidence in response to PASOK censure motion

[02] Public administration reform must go through regardless of EU Treaty ratification, Interior Minister says

[03] ND and PASOK Eurodeputies comment on Union's financial future

[04] Greece, Turkey sign justice cooperation protocol

[05] US State Dept. on recent visit by US Congressmen to illegal airport in Cyprus

[06] Turkey's revised security policy 'dogma' insists on 'casus belli' threat over Aegean

[07] Foreign minister receives Archbishop of America

[08] Valinakis represents Greece at OSCE conference on anti-Semitism in Cordoba

[09] NATO Defense Ministers to discuss Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans during Thursday's meeting

[10] DM: Findings from probe into Chinook crash will be unveiled shortly

[11] American Hellenic Institute delegation pays courtesy call on Voulgarakis

[12] FinMin points directly to previous PASOK gov't for loss of 518 million euros in Community funding

[13] Deputy FM Stylianidis addresses event on Balkan economic, political development

[14] EU to probe Greek aid in debt renegotiation bid

[15] IMF quoted as seeing low competitiveness in Greek banking system

[16] Finance ministry to freeze internal spending in regions

[17] Mergers, acquisitions up 24% in Greece, survey shows

[18] Germanwings names plane after Greek capital

[19] Workers at Hellenic Petroleum suspend strike

[20] International farming trade fair in Thessaloniki

[21] Stocks rise in selective blue-chip buying

[22] Chinese officials seek advice of Greek police for Olympic Games security

[23] Athens University proclaims Archbishop Demetrios of America Honorary Doctor of Literature

[24] Russian FM Lavrov says Cyprus solution must not be imposed

[25] Russia reaffirms stance on Cyprus problem

[26] Cyprus says Turkey violated agreement with

[27] Cyprus welcomes CoE Ministers' resolution against Turkey

[01] PM Karamanlis pledges reforms; seeks vote of confidence in response to PASOK censure motion

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

In an eventful Parliamentary session, meanwhile, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou replied by launching a scathing attack on the government, saying it had lost the confidence of the Greek people, and asked for a vote of censure against Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

The premier responded by requesting a vote of confidence in the government instead, which will commence on Friday, to be completed on Sunday night with a roll-call vote.

Opening the debate, the prime minister stressed the need for reforms that will benefit all Greek people, rather than a privileged few, while noting that the changes should not be driven by ideological conflicts and positions but by the need to realistically deal with the problems.

Karamanlis underscored the government's desire for the broadest possible consensus for changes and stressed that his government had neither concealed the truth about the economy nor taken the Greek people by surprise.

"In all cases, however, we are prepared to proceed with changes and reforms. There is no other way to overcome the critical economic situation," he said.

Attacking the previous government for "irresponsibility" and a slapdash attitude that had bequeathed a series of problems to the economy, Karamanlis pointed as an example to a fine of 1.5 billion euros that the European Commission had sought to impose on Greece for mismanagement of Community Support Framework (CSF) funds in 2000-2003, which the government, after months of tough negotiations, had managed to reduce to 518 million euros payable over four years.

The premier also pointed to the Irish model, noting that the Irish government, parties and trade unions had worked together to bring about changes that supported the country's productive age-groups, raising Ireland's levels of GDP growth above the EU average in the last decade, while reducing unemployment to very low levels.

"They got together and met the problems head on, agreed about the future and succeeded," he said.

The premier said that education would play a vital role in this effort, stressing that the creation of new and sustainable work positions was a matter of education and boosting the competitiveness of the Greek economy.

"The challenge for the new prospects of growth, the creation of more jobs and social cohesion demands a break with established mentalities," he said.

At the same time, he underlined that the drive to boost competitiveness could not be based on low labor costs but on the quality of Greek goods and services and by making best use of the country's comparative advantages to acquire a competitive edge.

According to the premier, a recent agreement struck by management and unions at the overstaffed state telecoms OTE - for the shedding of staff through a voluntary early retirement scheme - will act as a model.

He said the government was now seeking a rational solution for increasing the competitiveness of state-controlled banks.

"We held exhaustive dialogue, we want solutions through dialogue, but the interests of the many cannot be superseded by the sectional interests of a few," Karamanlis said.

PASOK leader asks for censure vote; Karamanlis calls for vote of confidence on Friday: Launching a scathing attack on the government's record on the economy, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou addressed ruling New Democracy MPs, asking them if they still had confidence in the government and the prime minister. To a rumble of affirmative responses, he replied: "Yes? He is, however, no longer trusted by the Greek people!"

In a speech that concluded with him submitting a censure motion against the government's finance minister Alogoskoufis, Papandreou slammed the government as totally unreliable.

"Mr. Karamanlis, reality has exposed you and your propaganda has collapsed," PASOK's leader asserted, stressing that the first "reliable" budget for 2005 had been swiftly followed by the levy of additional taxes and the admission of ministers that they had knowingly drafted a "fake" budget.

"They cheated you and your voters, along with the Greek people," he added, addressing government MPs.

Papandreou also referred to the "fiasco" of the primary shareholder bill, while claiming that the government lost the country 500 million euros from the 3rd CSF by failing to activate an agreement made by the previous government with the EU.

The main opposition leader listed a series of problems facing the economy, claiming that public debt was soaring and that the collapse of the public works system had cost 65,000 construction jobs, while criticizing the government on labor relations, shop opening hours, sales of public property, revenue collection mechanisms and for hiring ND supporters to the public sector, as well as the deal at OTE, which he said was over-generous.

Noting that more and more Greeks were feeling the threat of new poverty, Papandreou stressed opined that "very soon, the people will decide that the big step for structural changes in the country is to put (ruling party) ND back in the opposition benches". He then announced that he was submitting, on behalf of his party, a motion of censure vis-a-vis Alogoskoufis.

In response, Karamanlis said that, because the economy and the budget were not governed by one person but by overall government policy, "I request that the discussion be converted into a vote of confidence in the government, so that we may be given full opportunity to discuss the issues, and for those responsible under the PASOK governments in the preceding years to appear".

KKE leader Papariga accuses ND and PASOK of 'staging a theatrical performance': Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, commenting on the political twist which Wednesday's debate in Parliament took following the tabling by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou of a proposal of censure against Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and its turn by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for a vote of confidence in his government to be held, accused the ruling New Democracy (ND) party and PASOK of "staging a theatrical performance."

"The stage director is one: It is the anti-popular policy. The policy of slaughter of the rights of the people," she said.

On his part, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos accused the ND and PASOK of "a fixed game and theatre" so that the two parties keep united their parliamentary groups.

[02] Public administration reform must go through regardless of EU Treaty ratification, Interior Minister says

BRUSSELS 9/6/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

His comments were made at the EU ministerial meeting of public administration ministers, held in Luxembourg.

"The Lisbon Strategy goals [ie., increasing EU economic competitiveness] are based on the creation of corresponding political practices, which will then be adopted by member states," he said.

"Thus, achieving the Lisbon Strategy goals requires - in this respect - the greatest degree of convergence as possible in administrative practices when the relevant EU regulations are implemented," he added.

Pavlopoulos emphasized that modernization of public services, capitalization of human resources, e-governance, better legislation and social dialogue are key to European integration, particularly after the recent addition of the 10 new EU member states.

"These views are also clearly stated in Article 3-285 of the EU Treaty," Pavlopoulos noted, adding that the above observation should be adopted by the 25 EU public administration ministers.

Pavlopoulos' suggestion was accepted and added to the conclusions of the ministerial summit.

[03] ND and PASOK Eurodeputies comment on Union's financial future

PARIS 9/6/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Hatzidakis' comments were made during the European Parliament's Plenary Session on Wednesday.

He added that these decisions must not be made at the expense of the EU's future, but on a level that will be satisfactory for all member states.

In reference to the proposals made by the EU's Luxembourg presidency, Hatzidakis said that "unfortunately, to a great extent they [the proposals] are at the expense of the cohesion policy."

He urged the Luxembourg presidency to contain the unfavorable impact of its proposals.

Hatzidakis suggested the adoption of compensatory mechanisms for those countries or regions which are affected disproportionately by the European Commission's proposed credit distribution.

He also emphasized his opposition to re-nationalizing Common Agricultural Policy.

According to a statement released after the session, ND Eurodeputy Antonis Samaras said that, "Today's lack of leadership in the EU is reflected, partly, in the fact that while the European Parliament's duties increase, EU funds are constantly decreasing."

"Available funds from the EU budget have reached the unacceptable low of 1% of GDP," Samaras continued, adding that Luxembourg's proposal drastically reduces the funds proposed by the Commission from ¬ 1,022 billion to ¬ 871 billion.

He also noted that certain amendments proposed by him and Hatzidakis helped maintain the amount of funds Greece is to receive from the Fourth Community Support Fund at ¬ 22.5 billion.

Stavros Lambrinidis, head of PASOK's parliamentary group, released a statement after the session, explaining the reasons why PASOK eurodeputies voted against the Boge report.

"As far as the PASOK eurodeputies are concerned, the Report's proposal that 1.07% of the EU GDP be allocated to payment credits instead of 1.14% proposed by the European Commission, is unacceptable. The amount equivalent to 1.07% is blatantly insufficient for the EU' structural, financial and social needs," the statement said.

Furthermore, PASOK said that it is also opposed to co-financing Common Agricultural Policy.

[04] Greece, Turkey sign justice cooperation protocol

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The protocol concerns the transfer of know-how in matters of justice and administering justice. More specifically, it was agreed to commence an educational program for Turkish justices, to set up special training programs for candidate Turkish judges which will be held in Thessaloniki and in Turkey.

Meanwhile, a program for the twinning program was underway for the founding and organization of the institution of Ombudsman in Turkey, with the provision of know-how by the Greek Ombudsman, and with EU funding.

In addition, the signing of a twinning program on copyright matters with the European Centre for Public Law was also imminent.

The Greek side put forward a request for the transfer of Turkish citizens currently in Greek prisons to Turkey for completion of their terms of incarceration.

Papaligouras told reporters later that the Turkish justice minister had seen the request in a positive light.

The Greek justice minister said that the relationship established by the Greek and Turkish prime ministers has substantially contributed to the creation of the conditions for consolidating a climate of frank cooperation between the two countries, and for further strengthening the mutual climate of confidence.

Cicek told reporters that there existed a constructive dialogue, and that Greek-Turkish relations have acquired a multidimensional character. The political will existed, he said, adding the hope that these actions would contribute to the relations between the two countries remaining stable.

Armenian National Committee of Greece on Turkish justice minister's visit: On the occasion of the current visit to Greece by Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek, the Armenian National Committee of Greece on Wednesday condemned "Turkey's refusal to open the file of the genocide of the Armenians."

The Armenian National Committee said that two weeks ago, Cicek cancelled a congress in Istanbul on the issue of the genocide of the Armenians and its dealing with by Turkey, at which scientists from Turkey and abroad would have participated.

The committee added that the Turkish justice minister in a public statement described the participants at the congress as "traitors of the country."

[05] US State Dept. on recent visit by US Congressmen to illegal airport in Cyprus

WASHINGTON 9/6/2005 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Spokesman Sean McCormack said the delegation of three Representatives "made its own decisions on how to travel to the island, so I would refer any questions with regard to the decisions on how they got to the island, I would refer you to them ... As to our policy (on Cyprus) the US supports Secretary General Annan's call to ease the isolation of Turkish Cypriots as one way to move toward a comprehensive settlement..."

[06] Turkey's revised security policy 'dogma' insists on 'casus belli' threat over Aegean

ANKARA 9/6/2005 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

According to the television network CNN Turk, the new dogma also reiterates Turkish assertions of "grey zones" in the Aegean - which Greece dismisses as lacking foundation - and says that a decisive policy must continue "so that there are no concessions on the issue of the roughly 100 islets in the Aegean whose sovereignty is undetermined".

The text also refers to the Aegean as a "potential crisis area". The document is to be discussed and ratified at a meeting to be held by the National Security Council on June 21.

Although Greece has not extended its territorial waters from the present six nautical miles -- fixed by law in 1936 -- the country has reserved its right to do so at whatever time it deems it to be in its interests.

On May 31, 1995, the Greek parliament ratified the Law of the Sea Convention -- which gives all littoral countries the right to extend their territorial waters, or their 'territorial sea', to an outer limit of 12 nautical miles from their coastline, including their islands, in effect making official a practice exercised for decades by the vast majority of coastal states throughout the world.

A week later, on June 8, 1995, the Turkish national assembly unveiled a resolution/declaration authorizing the Turkish government to take all steps, including military ones, in the event that Greece extended its territorial waters in the Aegean.

Turkey, although not a signatory of the Convention, had in 1964 extended its own territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea but not in the Aegean.

[07] Foreign minister receives Archbishop of America

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The meeting covered issues concerning Greek expatriates and ways to strengthen their ties with Greece, focusing especially on ways to preserve the Greek language and Greek studies in America.

Immediately after meeting Molyviatis, the Archbishop paid a courtesy visit to United States Ambassador in Athens Charles Ries.

On Wednesday afternoon, Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis will host a dinner in honor of Archbishop Demetrios, while on Wednesday night he is to be named honorary fellow of the Athens University School of Philosophy during a special ceremony, to be immediately followed by a dinner in the Archbishop's honor at the University.

[08] Valinakis represents Greece at OSCE conference on anti-Semitism in Cordoba

CORDOBA 9/6/2005 (ANA - N. Melissova)

"Our government's steady aim is to continue to contribute positively to building a Europe of peace and tolerance, in the most effective way," Valinakis said in his speech to the conference.

Valinakis also had the opportunity to meet his European Union counterparts on the sidelines of the conference and discuss developments concerning the European Constitution and the EU's fiscal prospects and budget in the next seven years, in view of the upcoming EU summit.

"We hope that logic will prevail and that there is an agreement on the budget at the Summit meeting next week," Valinakis told Greek reporters in Cordoba, stressing that the EU had to send out messages of unity and cohesion and that the European course was continuing.

"We have no plan B or side exits, what is important for us is for the EU to progress. At the same time, we are listening carefully to European societies, as we must, especially after recent developments in France and the Netherlands (whose voters rejected the European Constitution Treaty in referendums held in each country)."

[09] NATO Defense Ministers to discuss Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans during Thursday's meeting

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos will refer to Greece's contribution to the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq.

He will also discuss the possibility of the Athens-based Multinational Sea Transport Centre playing a more active role in issues related to NATO allies' strategic sea transport.

According to recent announcements, Greece will be further contributing to peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan through the establishment of a health care unit and is also set to participate in managing Kabul's airport.

During the meeting, the defense ministers will also discuss the possibility of NATO's support towards the peacekeeping efforts of the African Union in establishing peace and security in Sudan's Darfur region.

The NATO-Russia Council and the NATO-Ukraine Commission will also be convening.

[10] DM: Findings from probe into Chinook crash will be unveiled shortly

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The minister made the statement in response to a handful of questions tabled by the opposition, although he declined to give a timetable for the release of the probe's conclusions.

The crash of the twin-rotor "Chinook" helicopter off the Mount Athos promontory of northern Greece caused a mini political furor at the time, with the government and main opposition trading accusations over the incident.

[11] American Hellenic Institute delegation pays courtesy call on Voulgarakis

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The American Hellenic Institute is one of the two Greek American cooperation organizations (American Hellenic Institute and Hellenic American National Council) which hosted a dinner in Voulgarakis' honor during his official visit to the United States last April.

[12] FinMin points directly to previous PASOK gov't for loss of 518 million euros in Community funding

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, the target of Papandreou's earlier criticism and the subject, in fact, of a censure motion tabled by PASOK, stressed that a recent agreement between Athens and the EU Commission proved beneficial for the former as far as averting an audit of all Community-funded projects between 2000 and 2004.

"The problems inherited by the current government were terrible; as were the delays in 3rd Community Support Framework projects," Alogoskoufis said from Parliament's podium.

In defending the Karamanlis government's performance since it assumed power in March 2004, he cited a dramatic increase in the rate of project completions as well as legal changes to make tendering of projects and studies more transparent.

"The European Commission wanted the repayment of billions of euros, and this long-time problem was created by PASOK ... Now this matter has ended and the Commission has endorsed our system for monitoring costs ... One would expect Mr. Papandreou to ask forgiveness from the Greek people, but instead, he added 'insult to injury' here in the Greek Parliament," Alogoskoufis charged.

In response to a tabled question over "who will pay for the 518 million euros cut by the European Commission and the 200 million euros cut by the (economy) ministry itself," Alogoskoufis responded:

"It will be paid by the Greek people; those that had the political responsibility won't pay".

In press statements, Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias said the agreement with the Commission averted a stop on CSF installments, whereas the 518-million-euro reimbursement will come in payments of 100 million this year; another 100 million in 2006; 150 million in 2007 and the remaining 168 million in 2008.

[13] Deputy FM Stylianidis addresses event on Balkan economic, political development

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Among others, Stylianidis cited what he called a tremendous increase in bilateral trade and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) by Greek firms in every Balkan state, which he put at more than eight billion euros.

Conversely, the Greek minister said the primary problems encountered by Greek firms -- both public and private -- in neighboring countries include red tape, corruption, a sluggish justice system, unexecuted court rulings and an often deficient legal framework, along with a lack of transparency in certain tendering procedures.

However, Stylianidis emphasized that the investment and business climate in the Balkans has dramatically improved over recent years.

On his part, main opposition PASOK MP and former Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said that "Greece can emerge as a centre of development and a financial hub in the Balkans."

He added that Greek public sector companies can play a crucial role in the privatization of major companies in the region.

Christodoulakis also stressed the need for the establishment of terms and conditions in order to create a common and functioning Balkan market, as soon as possible.

However, "if the pending geopolitical issues regarding Montenegro, Kosovo and Skopje are not resolved, then there is always the risk of a repeat of past conflicts," he noted.

Finally, he referred to Serbia's economy, saying that it's in a terrible state and requested that the EU be generous by providing Serbia with development aid similar to that given to Turkey.

The event was sponsored by the Knowsys company.

[14] EU to probe Greek aid in debt renegotiation bid

BRUSSELS 9/6/2005 (ANA/V Demiris)

The aid, involving firms in Florina and Kilkis, consisted of interest subsidies and loan guarantees amounting to ¬ 32 million and ¬ 22 million respectively, the EU's executive Commission said in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to information so far available, the aid was granted to firms in difficulty without setting presentation of a restructuring plan as a condition for eligibility, breaching EU rules on state aid for rescuing and restructuring ailing enterprises.

Greek authorities have a month to comment and clarify, the statement said.

[15] IMF quoted as seeing low competitiveness in Greek banking system

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a luncheon hosted by the Union of Greek Banks, Garganas noted that the IMF had underlined the need for structural changes, although the Greek credit system faced no systemic dangers as capital adequacy is at a satisfactory level, the sources said.

Nevertheless, caution was required as dangers could emerge in the event of a sharp rise in interest rates or a major slowdown in economic activity, the chief of the Bank of Greece was quoted as saying.

The dangers were mainly linked to the low competitiveness of Greek banks.

Domestic banks were small in comparison with other European credit institutions, and they operated with a higher interest margin, which bolstered their earnings despite low productivity, the IMF said.

[16] Finance ministry to freeze internal spending in regions

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The request was made in a circular to ministry departments in outlying areas to state budgeting priorities for next year.

The main target for the national 2006 budget is to lower the fiscal deficit to below 3.0% of gross domestic product, also spurring investment and growth, the circular said.

[17] Mergers, acquisitions up 24% in Greece, survey shows

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Of a total of 209 M&As in 2004, about two thirds represented transactions among Greek firms, the report said.

As in the two previous years, most remaining M&As involved investment abroad by Greek firms. Entry of foreign firms in the domestic market rose by 11% against the previous year.

Greek banks are turning their investments sights on the Balkans, and very likely towards Turkey, the survey said.

[18] Germanwings names plane after Greek capital

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, who officially unveiled the name of the plane, noted Germanwings' impressive contribution in the increase of tourist arrivals to Greece each year.

"Every year, thousands of Germans visit our country, either due to business or due to vacations", Bakoyannis said, adding, "and Germanwings as one of Europe's largest low-cost airline contributes impressively to the annual increase of visitors to our city."

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" CEO Alfred Van der Meer stressed that the German carrier is one of the fastest growing at the airport.

Referring to the company's decision to name the plane after the city of Athens, Karl-Heinz Hilgers, Member of the Management of Germanwings said: "The image and attractiveness of Athens, the City hosting the first and the latest Olympic Games, have improved incredibly. (...) Ties between Greece and Germany are strong and we are close friends."

[19] Workers at Hellenic Petroleum suspend strike

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

A union assembly on Saturday is expected to vote in favor of the index-linked pact.

Under the terms of the agreement, staff will receive a rise of 2.9% with a 0.2% link to a possible rise in inflation.

Other objections still held by unions, including a different pay scale for new recruits to the company, will be resolved in talks with management by the end of the year.

The union had originally sought an 8.0% wage rise. Management had pointed out that the company routinely awards staff extra benefits, including 17.7 monthly wages per year, above a national practice of 14 annual salaries.

[20] International farming trade fair in Thessaloniki

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

Arranged by state-run Helexpo, the trade fair will include a host of sideline events, including a conference on technology and agricultural science.

Also scheduled is an ExpoPartenariat forum to enable exhibitors and trade visitors to establish contact.

[21] Stocks rise in selective blue-chip buying

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,060.37 points, marking a decline of 0.42%. Turnover was 163.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.47% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.06% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.37% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 139 to 109 with 82 remaining unchanged.

[22] Chinese officials seek advice of Greek police for Olympic Games security

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The visit is part of ongoing cooperation between the Public Order Ministry and the city of Tianjin - one of four cities that will host Olympic events.

Members of the Olympic Games Security division briefed the Chinese delegation on management crisis and security planning and coordination.

[23] Athens University proclaims Archbishop Demetrios of America Honorary Doctor of Literature

Athens, 9/6/2005 (ANA)

The Archbishop had arrived in Athens on Tuesday for this purpose.

During the ceremony, the rector of Athens University, George Bambiniotis, hailed the personality of Archbishop Demetrios and stressed that he was a member of the family of Athens University given that he is already a Doctor of the Theological School.

Present at the ceremony, among others, were ministers, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania and other members of the clergy.

[24] Russian FM Lavrov says Cyprus solution must not be imposed

NICOSIA 9/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after talks here with his Cypriot counterpart George Iacovou, he also said he wanted bilateral trade and economic relations enhanced through increased investment, joint ventures and a legal framework that would promote such ties and welcomed the signing of two cooperation agreements as a step towards this direction.

In his remarks, Iacovou said the government wanted to see Moscow assume a serious role in the political developments on the island, corresponding to that of other permanent members of the UN Security Council.

''We support the reactivation of Kofi Annan's good offices mission and we hope that talks will resume, within the framework set out by the Security Council. A solution must be accepted by both sides in Cyprus and must not be imposed from the outside,'' The Russian minister stressed.

He said it was agreed to continue the existing ''excellent'', as he described it, cooperation at international fora.

Responding to questions about Moscow's role in the question of Cyprus, Lavrov said Russia had always backed a very important principle, that a viable solution can only be achieved if it comes from the two sides.

''We believe that all developments have confirmed that our position is correct,'' he noted, adding that the five permanent members of the Security Council has a specific mechanism to facilitate the Cyprus peace effort and Annan should be aware of this.

He pointed out that the absence of regular statements by Moscow on the issue does not signify a reduced role on the part of Russia.

On Annan's view that the time is not ripe to appoint a full time envoy on Cyprus, Lavrov said the UN Secretariat and Annan attach great importance to the resolution of the question of Cyprus and such an appointment was of secondary significance.

''First we have to promote dialogue and the two sides have to find mutually accepted solutions,'' he added.

The Russian FM said he discussed with President Tassos Papadopoulos and the foreign minister ways to enhance and upgrade cooperation in trade and the economic sector, adding that the intergovernmental agreements signed on Wednesday would contribute towards this direction.

On moves by Russian tourist agents to do business in Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas, he said the government long standing position is that Security Council decisions and resolutions must be respected but warned that the government cannot give full assurances that some people may not adhere to this view.

Speaking to the press, Iacovou referred to ''very successful talks'' and thanked most sincerely Lavrov for the support Moscow extends to Cyprus and the continuing cooperation.

He said bilateral ties, international concerns, UN reform were also on the agenda of the talks, adding that both countries wish to see our relations develop further, especially in the economic and trade sectors, where there are some problems.

''We both want the Russian Federation to play a serious role in developments in Cyprus as a permanent member of the Security Council, the same way as other permanent members have done in the past,'' Iacovou said.

He said he was ''utterly convinced'' that Moscow and Lavrov would continue to support Cyprus' positions.

Later on Lavrov met with House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias.

[25] Russia reaffirms stance on Cyprus problem

NICOSIA 9/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Karoyan said President Papadopoulos informed Lavrov on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and exchanged views with him on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's report on the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

''It was once again reaffirmed that the position of principle the Russian government is following is not restricted to current developments in the Cyprus problem but has to do with its role as a permanent member of the Security Council,'' Karoyan noted.

He added that the meeting was held in an excellent atmosphere and that the excellent relations between the two governments and Russia's policy of principle regarding Cyprus were reaffirmed.

Karoyan noted that President Papadopoulos and Lavrov also discussed issues related to economic cooperation and bilateral matters of a high priority to both countries.

Referring to the UN Security Council discussions over the coming days regarding the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate for a further six months, Karoyan said Russia, as always, will play a positive and constructive role in this phase.

Replying to questions, Karoyan said ''Russia always had and will continue to have a steadfast policy regarding the Cyprus problem, which is a matter of violation of specific principles and fundamental human rights.''

[26] Cyprus says Turkey violated agreement with

EU NICOSIA 9/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Karoyan said the Cypriot government would not break the rule of confidentiality, which was a basic precondition that had been set by the Luxembourg EU presidency regarding these meetings.

He added that the Turkish side's aim, which was now crystal clear, was neither to enhance the financial status of the Turkish Cypriots nor lift the ''isolation'' of the Turkish Cypriots but a conscious effort to upgrade the Turkish occupation regime and gain political advantages.

Karoyan explained that these meetings were held at the initiative of President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos during a meeting he had in Luxembourg with Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker.

This agreement, he noted, contained four basic matters: first that the meetings would be confidential, second that they would be unofficial, third that the possibility of promoting the regulation on direct trade between the EU and the Turkish occupied areas would be examined along with the issue of exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas and the issue of returning the fenced-off town of Famagusta and other matters of administrative and judicial form, which would not lead to granting political advantages thus upgrading the occupation regime, and fourth that the presidency, the Council, the Commission and the Republic of Cyprus would participate, and that the Turkish Cypriots would be present without any capacities.

''The Turkish side unfortunately violated the agreement and confidentiality that had been agreed, and with an identical written text circulated selectively to specific journalists in Turkey, tried to exploit and at the same time arbitrarily give one-sided characterizations or even titles of capacity of the Turkish Cypriot side,'' he added.

Karoyan pointed out that the Turkish claims did not reflect the truth and thus the EU presidency made statements to restore the facts.

He reaffirmed that the Cypriot government was interested in the economic growth of the Turkish Cypriots and the promotion of financial exchanges between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as long as they lay within the law and the acquis communautaire, and did not give any status to the Turkish occupation regime.

[27] Cyprus welcomes CoE Ministers' resolution against Turkey

NICOSIA 9/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release on Wednesday says that the Interim Resolution is the first historically that is adopted by the Committee of Ministers' Deputies in an interstate case, adding that its adoption proves the commitment and collective will of European governments to safeguard and defend the rule of law and the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.|

The Interim Resolution ''requests Turkey to intensify its efforts with a view to the full and complete execution of the present judgment, underlines in particular the urgency of achieving concrete results in respect of effective investigations into the fate of the missing persons, and decides to continue the supervision of progress accomplished until all necessary measures have been taken.''

Noting ''with concern that the first exhumations conducted in northern Cyprus have not as yet yielded concrete results,'' the resolution ''invites Turkey to ensure that its contribution to the work of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) facilitates the achievement of concrete and convincing results, considers that, should such results not be achieved in the near future, it will be incumbent on Turkey to take other measures to enable the fate of missing persons to be determined, and calls upon Turkey, in any event, to envisage the necessary further measures so that the effective investigations required by the Court's judgment can be conducted as soon as possible.''

It furthermore ''invites Turkey to submit all relevant information regarding any screening procedure for schoolbooks, to ensure full secondary education for enclaved Greek Cypriot and Maronite children and to provide a stable and lasting basis for the functioning of the Rizokarpaso school, by legislative or other appropriate means.''

Regarding issues relating to the freedom of religion, the resolution ''invites Turkey to provide details regarding the reasons for the rejection of the latest request by the Cypriot authorities for the appointment of a second priest and regarding the further developments of this issue.''

Concerning issues relating to military courts, the resolution observes that ''the information provided by the Turkish authorities demonstrates that military officers are no longer entitled to serve on the military courts'' and notes that ''the jurisdiction of these courts has been limited and that all the cases that were removed from the military courts as a result have been transferred to civilian courts,'' and thus ''decides to close the examination of the issues relating to military courts.''

The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the Interim Resolution reaffirms beyond any doubt the decision of the ECHR in Cyprus' Fourth Interstate Appeal against Turkey, by which Turkey was deemed responsible and accountable for a series of violations of the European Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Convention, such as the freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression, the right to life, freedom, security, education, peaceful enjoyment of the property of Greek Cypriot refugees, as well as the banning of inhuman and humiliating treatment.

The ministry notes that with the resolution, which was adopted despite the insistence of Turkey over the past four years not to apply the ECHR decision, the Council of Europe ''sends the message to Turkey that the non-application of the Strasbourg Court's decisions cannot be accepted by any country.''

According to the ministry, the adoption of the Interim Resolution is the result of the Republic of Cyprus' efforts, specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic's Permanent Representation

to the Council of Europe, the diplomatic missions of the Republic abroad, and the Law Office.

The Cypriot government also thanks its legal advisor, Lord Lester, for his invaluable contribution to efforts towards the adoption of the Interim Resolution.

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