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

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

September 5, 2005

CONTENTS

  • [01] PASOK party leader addresses event on 31st anniversary of party's founding
  • [02] PASOK's National Council Secretary says party 'has adjusted and enriched its policies'
  • [03] PASOK deputy stresses need for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates
  • [04] ND secretary stresses need for bold moves and structural changes in public utilities
  • [05] SYN rejects PASOK leader Papandreou's proposal; slams remarks by ND Secretary Meimarakis
  • [06] Deepening of Greek-Chinese cooperation in the defense industry sector discussed
  • [07] 2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005, finance minister says
  • [08] Former president Kostis Stephanopoulos honored by Achaia Prefectural Administration
  • [09] Team of Belgian police officers visit Trikala to brief citizens on issues of people with special needs
  • [10] 'Youth Parliament' expresses concerns and puts forward proposals
  • [11] Olympic Airlines flight to New York delayed after passenger suffers heart attack
  • [12] Prominent Greek film director Grigoris Grigoriou dies at the age of 86
  • [13] Former Greek Police chief Nikon Arkoudeas dies
  • [14] Memorial service held in Cairo on anniversary of Alexandria Patriarch Petros' death
  • [15] 'Anti-Nazi Initiative' on Nazi gathering
  • [16] Greece's Polymeros wins gold medal at World Rowing Championships in Japan
  • [17] Greek national soccer team leaves for Kazakhstan, optimism over Wednesday's match
  • [18] Greek First Division soccer results and standings
  • [19] FM: Cyprus positions regarding Turkey supported by EU
  • [20] Tsolakis: Commission has enough information on air crash cause

  • [01] PASOK party leader addresses event on 31st anniversary of party's founding

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing a party rally at an indoor stadium in the coastal district of Faliro on Saturday night, marking the 31st anniversary of the party's founding by his late father and prime minister Andreas Papandreou, said Greece is suffering at present as a result of the government's policy and accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of not keeping promises he had made before the last elections. Papandreou further said the government and the prime minister have pinned the country down and are squandering the material and moral wealth of Greece for no purpose at all and are also cooperating with vested interests.

    The government, he added, is displaying an authoritarian neo-liberal attitude combined with clientele state control and is implementing a policy whose main characteristics are the lack of meritocracy, corruption and partisanship at the citizen's expense.

    Papandreou further accused the government of undermining popular achievements, placing justice under its control and of having no other plan than power for the sake of power.

    The PASOK party leader, referring to international developments affecting Greece, said that in the globalized society his party is an ally of forces placing the human being above the market. He also called on the United States to begin democratization by decreasing their own influence over international organizations.

    Focusing on Europe, Papandreou said deeper democratization is necessary and that PASOK aligns itself in Europe with forces seeking radical neo-liberalism as regards citizens' rights. At this point he also accused the government of allowing the far-rightists of Europe to use Greece as a symbol, with events scheduled in the southern region of Messinia, while stressing that Greece is a symbol of democracy.

    Referring to relations between Europe and Turkey and to Greece's stance, Papandreou said the ruling New Democracy party and Karamanlis are leading the country to isolation and dependence. He further said that ND is moving on a pendulum wavering between tension and retreat.

    Papandreou also directed his fire at those members of the government who claim that if Greece does not say "yes" to Turkey tension will follow, adding that as a result of its policy the government will be faced with this dilemma on a daily basis.

    Lastly, the PASOK party leader appealed to the parties of the Left in his address, calling on them to agree to an open and sincere dialogue to join their forces with the purpose of tackling the country's major problems.

    Government showing defeatism in light of municipal and prefectural elections, PASOK party leader says: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing party members on Sunday, said the government is showing defeatism in light of municipal and prefectural elections (due in 2006) by raising the issue of changing the electoral system, adding that it is seeking ways of avoiding popular disapproval which is coming up.

    Papandreou further termed the discussions taking place on vote percentages with which candidates can be elected mayors "tricks" and stressed that "we have not yet understood what electoral law they want to prepare."

    Referring to PASOK's aims in the municipal and prefectural elections, Papandreou said "our target is to promote local leader-ships capable of shouldering the weight of the major reforms when we shall be coming to power after the next elections."

    The PASOK party leader further noted that the ruling New Democracy party "is moving with panic as regards local administration issues and wants to downgrade the image of dissatisfaction the Greek people have of it in every way."

    PASOK leader calls for dialogue and cooperation with 'forces of socialism': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou has called on "all the political forces of the progressive and democratic field" for a dialogue," on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the founding of PASOK.

    In a statement, which was published in the Saturday edition of the "Eleftherotypia" newspaper, Papandreou called "for a dialogue, joint action and cooperation of the forces of socialism, the renewed Left, ecology and progress."

    He said that the purpose of the proposal "is the unity of the Greek social movement, so as to overturn the ideology of neo-conservatism" and of "the new authoritarianism."

    He also called for dialogue with the other forces of the Left "without bias, on the basis of the principles and values we share."

    He posed the question:" Shall will we allow the ideology of conservatism and of authoritarianism to prevail?"

    Papandreou speaks of 'pioneering changes' in PASOK 'on a world level': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, speaking on Sunday during a meeting in Athens of the party's secretaries and alternate secretaries of the regional and prefectural committees as well as of the municipal organizations, described the changes which are taking place within PASOK as "pioneering changes on a world level."

    Papandreou added that "this effort by PASOK has been recognized on an international level as well as by newspaper articles and by invitations directed to the Movement's party cadres by other parties, so as to convey their experiences and contribute to changes that these parties desire to make."

    The PASOK leader reiterated his conviction that PASOK will return to power in the next general elections, whenever they take place, and that "it will govern better than the New Democracy party, to the benefit of public interest and of the Greek people."

    Papandreou stressed that PASOK will utilize its time as main opposition party "in the best possible way" and called on the party cadres to use this time to plan the country's future.

    "We will invest in you, not simply for you to achieve your goals, but also for you to give the new breath for our Movement and for the country," Papandreou said. He added that over and above our positions and philosophy, what the citizen will judge will be practice."

    PASOK leader Papandreou says he wants to 'replan the country's course and lead it ahead': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, on the occasion of Saturday's 31st anniversary of the founding of the Movement, expressed his ambition to replan the country's course and to lead it ahead.

    In an interview he gave to Saturday's edition of "TA NEA" newspaper, Papandreou said "I want PASOK's contribution to-day to be the replanning of the country's course, adding that "we want and I want to lead the country forward."

    The PASOK leader also stressed that "the basic principles and objectives of the Greek people which the Movement expressed with its founding are the same today, within which, however, in a different environment." He said, characteristically, that "the slogan, Greece for the Greeks, is always at the forefront."

    Papandreou answered to all those who criticize him and his party that it has not prepared itself and has no grogram. He termed as groundless this criticism and promised that PASOK will respond to the popular sentiment "which asks for its own alternative proposal."

    He promised that "once PASOK comes to power," it will "guarantee greater capability, coordination, transparency and meritocracy" and will proceed in "radical changes through democratic consultation."

    Papandreou accused the New Democracy (ND) government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of being "insincere" when it promised before the March 2004 general elections that there would be different ethics and another form of governance."

    He accused Karamanlis that he ""resigned" (from his promises) and supported "a conservative logic which controls power with bargaining." He added that Karamanlis "is only interested in power for the sake of power," while the ND "wants to control everything and above all the state" and that the government's decisions "are in favor of a few."

    ND's Roussopoulos lashes out against PASOK leader Papandreou: Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on Saturday on main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou's interview to the "TA NEA" newspaper, accused Papandreou that "while for 20 whole years as major cadre and PASOK minister he did not say a word about 'phenomena of arbitrariness, arrogance and unjustified wealth', now, as leader of the main opposition, he declares that he 'must' clash."

    Roussopoulos added:" For twenty years he knew, saw and kept quiet. He compromised for twenty years. He compromised with the interests of the few and the powerful with political expediencies against principles and values, with policies which led to isolation from society."

    The minister of state and government spokesman went on to say:" Now, as leader of the main opposition, he declares that he 'must' clash. We fully agree. However, why did he not do so for twenty years? He must answer this. More so when he dares to dispute the credibility and sincerity of a prime minister and of a government which in 18 months of governance has already made daring effective work for the confrontation of untransparency and vested interests, for the service of public interest."

    [02] PASOK's National Council Secretary says party 'has adjusted and enriched its policies'

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    "The world of PASOK is tired on introversion, whining and misery, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) National Council Secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou said in an interview to the Saturday edition of "Eleftherotypia" newspaper.

    She added that the people of PASOK "demand unity, political consistency and effective action."

    In reply to a question regarding what is said about the setting up of a political directive, she stressed that "the PASOK organs are elected through democratic procedures, while regarding the "personal strategies" of certain cadres, she answered that "personal ambitions are desirable to the degree that they are incorporated into a collective political effort."

    To a question whether PASOK has changed in the past 31 years, she said that it has adjusted and enriched its policies, firmly maintaining, however, its stable values and its basic objectives." She added that PASOK is developing but not changing."

    Regarding opinion polls that the ruling New Democracy (ND) party is dwindling and that PASOK is unable to take advantage of this, Xenoogiannakopoulou observed that "despite all this, the political climate is changing." She said that PASOK does not want the ND to simply dwindle but for the opposition party to "daily convince the citizens of its own proposal."

    The PASOK Secretary said that the policies of the government and of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "have exposed their neo-right and autocratic face."

    [03] PASOK deputy stresses need for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK party Deputy Anna Diamantopoulou, speaking in an interview with the Sunday newspaper "To Vima", stressed the need for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates.

    "There is a need for a different model, for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates, to the creation of jobs and to a fairer system of distributing wealth produced," she said.

    Diamantopoulou added that the country needs a new national target, stressing that shaping such a target necessitates ideological clarity based on the principles of social justice, solidarity, participation, freedom of the individual, tackling every kind of exclusion and the right to equal opportunities.

    [04] ND secretary stresses need for bold moves and structural changes in public utilities

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Ruling New Democracy party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis, speaking in an interview with the Sunday newspaper "Apogevmatini", stressed the need for bold moves and structural changes in public utilities.

    Giving an example of such a change, Meimarakis said that permanent status should be lifted for all newly appointed employees at public utilities, adding that this should have taken place during the previous decade to enable Greece to be more competitive. However, he noted that each public utility has its own particularities which must be taken into consideration.

    Referring to next year's local elections, he left open the possibility of ND supporting candidates from the Left who enjoy wider social acceptance.

    [05] SYN rejects PASOK leader Papandreou's proposal; slams remarks by ND Secretary Meimarakis

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) Central Political Committee Secretary Nikos Hountis, referring on Sunday to the proposal put forward by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou for dialogue and cooperation between the forces of the Left, said that the policies of Synaspismos are different to those of PASOK.

    "The policy and positions of Synaspismos on the country's major problems were and still are different from the policy of the PASOK leadership. PASOK's consensus today with the conservative policies of the (ruling) New Democracy party and the projected volition for dialogue and cooperation with the forces of the Left are not compatible and mainly serve expediencies of communication," Hountis said.

    Hountis also referred to an interview given by New Democracy (ND) party Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis regarding cooperation in local government.

    "Meimarakis in essence proposes that which Synaspismos has already rejected. As you are aware of, by decision of the Central Political Committee, we have excluded central agreements and cooperation with the forces of bipartisanship in the local government elections of October 2006," Hountis said.

    Regarding Meimarakis' statement for the lifting of the job permanency of newly employed people in public utilities (DEKO), Hountis commented:"The government's unacceptable agreement with PASOK's trade unionists in the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) has opened, as we had announced, the road for the general attack against the rights of the working people to be stepped up."

    [06] Deepening of Greek-Chinese cooperation in the defense industry sector discussed

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    The broadening and deepening of cooperation between Greece and China in the defense industry sector where agreement was reached for exploratory contacts to begin for the location of the sectors of possible industrial defense cooperation, was examined during the recent visit to China by Greece's National Defense Minister.

    At the same time, the Greek Armed Forces offered to convey to the Chinese officials their experience and technical know-how in the security sector from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, in light of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

    Decision was also reached for consultations between the General Staffs of the two countries to be held frequently with the purpose of implementing what was agreed on and for the broadening of the cooperation sectors.

    The Greek National Defense Minister expressed in his discussions with the Chinese officials the gratitude of the Greek side for China's support in the Cyprus issue and expounded on the Greek positions on national matters.

    The visit was regarded as contributing to the strengthening of Greek-Chinese relations, opening new horizons in bilateral co-operation also beyond the defense sector.

    [07] 2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005, finance minister says

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, speaking in an interview with the Sunday newspaper "Ethnos", said the year 2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005.

    "2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005. It will be a continuation of the year we are going through as regards the reforms we have scheduled. They are changes concerning the public sector, there were the most 'liabilities' are," he said.

    Alogoskoufis said the government's policy places priority on those in need, adding that in difficult years such as 2005 and 2006 moves have been carried out and will be carried out and mentioned, as an example, increases in tax-free income and in farmers' pensions.

    The minister also indicated that changes will be made in the public sector and noted that public utilities operating in a competitive way towards private businesses must "play" the game with the same terms.

    [08] Former president Kostis Stephanopoulos honored by Achaia Prefectural Administration

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Former president Kostis Stephanopoulos was honored by the Achaia Prefectural Administration during a special event held at the Patra University's Convention Centre on Saturday night. The main speaker was Constitutional Law professor Dimitris Tsatsos who said "Kostis Stephanopoulos has set the bar for all the presidents to come as regards how they shall live and function", adding that "he succeeded in becoming a political and not a partisan president and did not allow parties to use him."

    Stephanopoulos said it is one of the last times he will be speaking in public and stressed that "I have no role and reason to do this" and added that he greatly appreciates the present President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.

    The former president also said that more honors are being bestowed upon him than he deserves and pointed out that he could have done more.

    The event was attended by local Parliamentary deputies, Patra Mayor Andreas Karavolas and Prefect Dimitris Katsikopoulos who offered Stephanopoulos gravure of the region of the Peloponnese in the 17th century.

    [09] Team of Belgian police officers visit Trikala to brief citizens on issues of people with special needs

    Trikala, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    A team of Belgian police officers arrived in Trikala, central Greece on Saturday within the framework of the effort by the International Police Union to brief citizens on issues of people with special needs.

    The Belgians were welcomed by local government officials and police officers who said that they would support this worthy effort.

    It is worth noting that the briefing campaign of the International Police Union on issues of people with special needs is taking place in 23 countries of the world.

    Specifically, at Trikala's main square, two retired Belgian police officers arrived, who have started since August 10, with a special vehicle, a tour of 22 European countries, having traveled a distance of 10,000 kilometers.

    Their activities are named "European 'Dakar' for philanthropic purposes".

    [10] 'Youth Parliament' expresses concerns and puts forward proposals

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    The problems of education, regional development but also the world energy crisis were at the centre of talks on Saturday during the sessions of the "Youth Parliament".

    Taking part in the Greek Parliament's educational program are 300 students from Greece and Cyprus and Greeks and Cypriots abroad.

    The 17-year-old students expressed the need for the protection of the Greek language and for an improvement in the educational system.

    The massive rise in the price of oil was combined with the need for the protection of the environment and quite a few students proposed alternate sources of energy.

    The students further expressed concern over the abandonment of citizens from the prefectures to urban cities. What is needed, they said, is motivation for people to remain in the prefectures and continue farming.

    The "Youth Parliament" sessions were visited by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki as well as former parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    [11] Olympic Airlines flight to New York delayed after passenger suffers heart attack

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Olympic Airlines flight OA 411 to New York will be delayed by over four hours on Sunday after the aircraft due to take the passengers was delayed after a passenger suffered a heart attack.

    The flight, originally scheduled for 12.30 p.m., is expected to take place at about 5 p.m. on Sunday since the aircraft scheduled to carry out the flight arrived with a considerable delay. During the flight OA 412 from New York to Athens, the aircraft was obliged to make an emergency landing at Shannon airport in Ireland when the passenger suffered a heart attack.

    The passenger died in the ambulance rushing him to hospital. His identity and nationality are not yet known.

    [12] Prominent Greek film director Grigoris Grigoriou dies at the age of 86

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Film director Grigoris Grigoriou, one of the protagonists of Greek cinema, died at "Sotiria" hospital in Athens on Sunday at the age of 86.

    Grigoriou, who had directed 30 long films, was born in Athens in 1919, first son of a prominent family, son of lawyer Michalis Grigoriou.

    He studied law and foreign languages and took lessons in the theatrical department of the University Club and was won over by film directing in which he was self-taught.

    During the occupation, he took part in the Battle of Crete.

    He directed his first film "Kokkinos Vrahos" (Red Rock) in 1949.

    In 1964 he won the award for film directing with his film "Diogmos" (Persecution) at the Thessaloniki Festival and in 1966 with his film "Ohi Kyrie Johnson" (No Mr. Johnson).

    Condolences over the death of Grigoris Grigoriou were sent by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and by Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis.

    [13] Former Greek Police chief Nikon Arkoudeas dies

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Former Greek Police chief Nikon Arkoudeas died at an Athens hospital on Sunday morning after a long struggle with cancer. His funeral will take place at the Athens First Cemetery at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

    [14] Memorial service held in Cairo on anniversary of Alexandria Patriarch Petros' death

    CAIRO, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Alexandria Patriarch Theodoros II on Sunday held a memorial service for his predecessor Petros VII who was killed on September 11, 2004, when a Chinook helicopter he was travel-ling in with his 16-member entourage crashed in the Aegean.

    The memorial service was held at the late Patriarch's tomb at Saint George's Monastery, where all the Patriarchs of the Church of Saint Mark are buried.

    The event was attended by relatives of the Patriarch, the Ambassador of Cyprus to Egypt Phaedonas Anastasiou, the Greek Embassy's charge d'affaires Evangelos Tsaousis and Greece's General Consul in Cairo Ekaterini Ghini. Similar memorial services will be held in Alexandria and Nicosia next Sunday.

    [15] 'Anti-Nazi Initiative' on Nazi gathering

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    The 'Anti-Nazi Initiative' in an announcement on Sunday called on "democrats to firmly oppose the gathering of Nazis in Greece," noting that it is groundless to say that if it is not allowed to take place it would "supposedly obstruct freedom of expression."

    The announcement said that "such freedoms are not recognized to Nazis in any European country," adding that "in accordance to the law, the Constitution and international treaties, the right of open Hitler supporters to gather and express their 'opinions' is not allowed."

    Concluding, the announcement by the "Anti-Nazi Initiative" said:"The support of Nazism automatically means a call for racist violence and anti-Jewish genocide. It is characteristic that the Nazis themselves call their gathering a 'festival of hate'."

    [16] Greece's Polymeros wins gold medal at World Rowing Championships in Japan

    Kaizu, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Greek rower Vassilis Polymeros won the gold medal in the light-weight men's single sculls final at dawn in Japan on Saturday during the World Rowing Championships at the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course in Kaizu, Gifu Prefecture. Polymeros won the final with a time of 7:17.19 seconds.

    The 29-year-old champion from Volos, central Greece, became the first Greek rower to win a gold medal in a world champion-ship.

    He had won a bronze medal, along with Nikos Skiathitis, at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

    [17] Greek national soccer team leaves for Kazakhstan, optimism over Wednesday's match

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    The Greek national soccer team left for Kazakhstan on Sunday morning with renewed optimism following the dramatic 2-2 draw between Turkey and Denmark in a World Cup European zone group 2 matches played in the neighboring country on Saturday night.

    In other matches played for the same group Georgia and Ukraine drew 1-1, with the latter qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time in its history, and Albania edged Kazakhstan 2-1.

    Greece will be playing with Kazakhstan on Wednesday afternoon and has two more matches with Denmark away on October 8 and Georgia at home on October 12 before the qualifying round ends.

    "Turkey's 2-2 result with Denmark is an extremely positive result. We were pleased with it and it fills us with optimism. We have many hopes of qualifying and now we are going for 'three out of three'," said Greek striker Angelos Charisteas, adding that "if we beat Kazakhstan we will be taking a step towards winning second place."

    Standings in group 2 after 10 matches played:Ukraine 24, Turkey 17, Greece (nine matches) 15, Denmark (nine matches) 13, Albania 12, Georgia (nine matches) 9 and Kazakhstan (nine matches) 0.

    [18] Greek First Division soccer results and standings

    Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

    Results of Greek First Division soccer matches played since the start of the championship on Sunday, August 28 until Sunday, September 4.

    Kallithea Athens-Egaleo Athens 1-1

    Xanthi-PAOK Thessaloniki 1-0

    Akratitos Athens-Iraklis Thessaloniki 3-1

    Apollon Thessaloniki-OFI Crete 2-1

    Panathinaikos Athens-Olympiakos Piraeus 0-2

    Panionios Athens-Larissa 1-1

    Atromitos Athens-AEK Athens 0-0

    Levadiakos-Ionikos Piraeus 1-1

  • Atromitos and AEK played on Monday, August 29 and Levadiakos and Ionikos played on Sunday, September 4.

    Standings and points after first game played:

    Akratitos 3 points, Olympiakos 3, Apollon 3, Xanthi 3, Egaleo 1, Larissa 1, Panionios 1, Kallithea 1, AEK 1, Atromitos 1, Ionikos 1, Levadiakos 1, PAOK 0, OFI 0, Panathinaikos 0, Iraklis 0.

    [19] FM: Cyprus positions regarding Turkey supported by EU

    LARNACA, 05/09/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou has said that he is very satisfied with the outcome of the EU Foreign Ministers' informal meeting in Wales last week, that discussed the issue of an EU counter-statement to Turkey's unilateral declaration that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

    Speaking to the press upon returning to Cyprus, Iacovou stressed that the climate at the meeting was very favorable for Cyprus and he expressed conviction that the EU counter - statement's text would be further improved at the Permanent Representative's Committee meeting (COREPER) in Brussels.

    ''The British EU Presidency has made efforts to satisfy our positions. The first text for the counter-statement has been improved to our benefit'', he said.

    Answering questions the minister said that EU Foreign Ministers deem that ''Turkey's declaration that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus has damaged its image in Europe, especially taking into consideration the current negative climate in Europe against Turkey''.

    Regarding Turkey's participation at the informal meeting, Iacovou said that ''Turkey followed its usual policy of black-mailing by saying that it would abandon its EU aspirations''.

    ''At least seven Foreign Ministers have stressed that it is about time Turkey changes the way it deals with the Republic of Cyprus. They indicated to Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, that his country would start negotiating with 25 countries, one of which will always be the Republic of Cyprus''.

    Regarding the appointment of a new UN Special Representative for Cyprus, Iacovou said that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has sounded out three persons about their interest for the post, adding ''this is a positive development''.

    Turkey signed the Protocol extending its Customs Union with all new EU member states including the Republic of Cyprus, which was expected by the EU to begin accession negotiations with Turkey, scheduled to start October 3rd. However, Turkey issued a declaration accompanying the Protocol, that it does not recognize Cyprus.

    Turkey refuses to implement the Protocol regarding Cyprus, and does not open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships or aircrafts.

    Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern third.

    [20] Tsolakis: Commission has enough information on air crash cause

    LARNACA, 05/09/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    Head of the Greek Investigating Commission on Air Accidents, Akrivos Tsolakis, said Sunday that the commission was

    leaving Cyprus Sunday with enough information regarding the cause of the crash of an Helios Airways Boeing 737, that killed all 121 people on board, most of them Cypriots last month.

    Speaking after meeting Communications and Works Minister Haris Thrasou, Tsolakis said the Commission will examine all information it has collected in Cyprus and in Athens, and the information it will obtain this week in the UK and if there is anything that needs clarification, the Commission will return to Cyprus, even for a few hours.

    He also said the Commission will convene in Athens on Monday to coordinate the next steps. Tsolakis also announced that he will be heading to London in middle of the week while a re-enactment of the flight of 14 August that crashed near Athens will take place 15 days later.

    Asked whether the information, which the Commission obtained in Cyprus point towards the direction of the information, it had collected in Athens, Tsolakis said the "directions are many, they have not changed, they simply lead us to path which we will finally take".

    Tsolakis also responded positively to a question whether the Commission has decided which direction it will take.

    He also said the two Helios British engineers have consented to giving statements to the Commission.

    Meanwhile Communications Minister Thrasou said he believed that very soon the cause of the accident will become clear.

    He told reporters after meeting Tsolakis that every time he meets the Greek head of the Commission he is more certain that the cause of the accident will be found and added that with the statements that will be taken in London "pretty soon the whole setting will become clear so that we can answer the questions of the public opinion" on the issue.

    Thrasou also said he was certain that there is no suspicion against any Cypriot Air Traffic controller.


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