Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't determined in implementing change, fighting corruption, PM tells ND central committee

[02] ND youth organization convenes

[03] FM on Greece's foreign policy

[04] Kosovo solution should lead to stability in Balkans, Greek ambassador to the US says

[05] PM, education minister distribute PCs to students

[06] Education minister on Int'l Day of the Child

[07] Parliament President visits Mitera's maternity ward

[08] Education top priority for PASOK

[09] Interior Minister on local gov't

[10] Athens mayor calls for central committee meeting dedicated to local gov't issues

[11] Trilateral conference focuses on local gov't cooperation

[12] Judges guilty of perjury will be punished, Justice Minister says

[13] Main opposition leader visits Mt. Athos

[14] President Papoulias visits birthplace of ND founder

[15] Former Athens 2004 chief possible mayoral candidate, FinMin says

[16] FinMin expresses optimism over Greek economy's course

[17] ND honorary president on gov't performance

[18] Inflation kept at bay, Development Ministry says

[19] OEK president's resignation fuels speculation, PASOK takes jab at gov't

[20] ND Secretary on mayoral candidates, OEK president's resignation

[21] Crete's greatest gift to Greece E. Venizelos, Athens mayor says

[22] Protestors demand legal status for all immigrants

[23] Anti-racism protest held in Thessaloniki

[24] FM: Turkish Cypriots delay response on Ledra proposal

[25] EU Commissioner warns about loss of funds for Turkish Cypriots

[26] Chrysostomides proposes joint forum to draft constitution

[27] Helios air crash reconstruction in December, says investigators

[01] Gov't determined in implementing change, fighting corruption, PM tells ND central committee

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"We promised Greek society that we would contain corruption, shape common rules applicable to all, and strengthen democracy in the land that created it," Karamanlis said.

"We are not abandoning any of the promises we made. We do not hesitate, we have no dilemmas and no second thoughts," he continued.

"It's been a while since we made our decisions, we are on a steady collision course with corruption and the phenomena that cultivate it," he said, stressing that this 'course' is necessary for the well-being of the economy and democracy itself.

The government's goal is to achieve total transparency, legitimacy and serving the public interest, according to the prime minister.

To this end, the government has proceeded with changes regarding public works contracts, armaments procurement and is promoting a new system in health care procurement.

Karamanlis also referred to steps taken thus far in 'cleaning up' the judiciary, a process that will continue.

"The principles of the new governance are clear-cut and apply to all: accountability, legitimacy, transparency, respect for tax-payers' money, respect for citizens, respect for the values of Greek society," he said.

Regarding the future, Karamanlis said that implementation of reforms will continue with vision, determination and responsibility.

He explained that the government's planned reforms are not being implemented just to correct mistakes of the past, but to open new avenues and new opportunities for Greek citizens.

"They [reforms] are being undertaken in order to create a modern social state, tailored to the needs of the present, capable of providing citizens with better health care, more effective security, real prosperity and a better life," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister also referred to the economy, and the bad state it was in when New Democracy came into office in March 2004.

Greece's public debt soared from 25% of GDP in 1980 to nearly 110% in 2004, while the country ended up having the highest fiscal deficit among its peers, and unemployment exceeded 11% in 2004, Karamanlis noted.

"We are fighting to contain wasteful spending in the public sector, tackling tax evasion, capitalizing on public property, ensuring absolute transparency in management, cleaning up and containing the broader public sector," he said.

In closing, Karamanlis said that Greek citizens support the government's efforts to change all that is wrong in the country and called on the party's cadres to continue fighting to this end.

Greece not progressing under ND gov't, main opposition spokesman says: Greece is not progressing but rather regressing under the Karamanlis administration, main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said, commenting on Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' speech delivered during ruling New Democracy's Central Committee meeting on Saturday.

"No matter how many times Mr. Karamanlis repeats the same words and makes the same announcements, no matter how many times he attacks the main opposition, no matter how much of a display of determination he puts on, the reality does not change," Athanassakis said, adding that the majority of Greek citizens is hurt by the government's policies while only a slight few benefit.

Regarding transparency and the fight against corruption, Athanassakis referred to the 'main shareholder' law the government had to revise following the European Commission's intervention and the recent resignation and allegations of former Public Power Corporation Chairman Yiannis Paleokrassas, as examples of the government's failure in this domain.

Finally, Athanassakis said that the prime minister's words are so far removed from the government's actions, "that one wonders whether it's a case of crass hypocrisy or if he [Karamanlis] really does not realize what's going on in the country."

Government Spokesman responds: In response to Athanassakis' comments, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that the government is moving forward with changes and reforms that PASOK knew were necessary for the country but did not dare to implement them.

Further, Roussopoulos accused PASOK of "political destitution and awkwardness that keep it [PASOK] hostage to conservatism and reaction."

[02] ND youth organization convenes

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

He also voiced ONNED's unequivocal support of the government's reforms.

"No illegal act that has been proven or any kinds of graft are acceptable," he said.

"If any evidence of corruption or of any act that goes against the organization's mission emerges in relation to any ONNED cadre or member, then that individual should voluntarily withdraw for the benefit of the organization, otherwise the responsible disciplinary bodies will be called upon to intervene," Papanikolaou said.

ONNED's president also accused the former PASOK government of Costas Simitis, which had been responsible for revising the Constitution, that it "effectively allowed corruption in our country to take on gigantic dimensions, since it took no measures to address it."

[03] FM on Greece's foreign policy

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

He said that competition is tough on all issues in the international arena and that the foreign minister's task is to quietly promote the country's interests without seeking to promote him/herself personally.

Regarding the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Molyviatis said that Skopje would take the matter to international organizations either in agreement with Greece, or on their own as FYROM.

As for Greek-Turkish relations, the minister said that Greece is not compromising any of its sovereign rights in any way.

[04] Kosovo solution should lead to stability in Balkans, Greek ambassador to the US says

WASHINGTON, 12/12/2005 (ANA/A. Ellis)

Stability in the Balkans requires the cooperation of the European Union and the United States, Mallias added.

He highlighted the role Greece can play to this end, noting that 3,500 Greek companies have invested a total of $8 billion and have created 200,000 jobs in a region plagued by high unemployment (30% - 40%), while 800 Greek soldiers are part of the KFOR mission in Kosovo.

Mallias termed 2006 as 'the year of the Balkans' when pending issues will hopefully be resolved, especially the one regarding Kosovo's status.

Regarding the long-standing dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter's name, Mallias said that within the context of seeking agreed-upon solutions in the Balkans, a solution - mutually acceptable to both sides - must be found.

According to Mallias, the proposal made by former UN Mediator Matthew Nimetz last March is a good basis for negotiations.

The event was organized on occasion of the 10th anniversary of an educational program launched in Greece, which has hosted 800 students and young politicians from the Balkans, the Middle East and the US in cooperation with the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation.

[05] PM, education minister distribute PCs to students

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at the event, Karamanlis underscored the importance of the information society in staying abreast in the new era, citing Scandinavian countries as a prime example.

"To my surprise I discovered that Finland, a country which has revolutionized the sector, is at the cutting edge. It didn't perform a miracle. It did something we all have to do (...) It invested, as much as possible, in ensuring that its young people - and society as a whole as time passes - have access to modern tools," the prime minister noted.

"Let's not be fooled - the only great weapon we have is our knowledge; everything else comes and goes," he said.

He also stressed the value and significance of education and culture, describing them as "our main weapons and source of power."

Karamanlis stressed that the government is currently implementing a program aimed at making internet access cheap for college students and, at a later stage, for young adults in general.

On her part, Giannakou noted the important role of technology in education.

Referring to the specific initiative, she said giving out computers to students is a way of rewarding them for their excellent performance in school.

Computers will be distributed to other outstanding students throughout the country.

[06] Education minister on Int'l Day of the Child

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Celebrated each year on December 11, the International Day of the Child highlights the difficult living conditions of many children around the world.

As evidence, Giannakou cited data from human rights organizations, according to which 183 million children under the age of five are undernourished; 120 million do not have access to education; 3 million under the age of 15 suffer from AIDS; 1.2 million become victims of trafficking, kidnapping and prostitution annually; while in developed countries, 3,500 children under the age of 15 die annually from abuse.

While improving children's living conditions is a priority for human rights organizations, the issue concerns everyone and mainly governments, she said.

"Our fundamental obligation as adults, is for us to provide children with a loving environment that ensures sufficient material goods, sanitary conditions, well-being and the right to an education and a stable family environment," Giannakou noted.

"Let this day be an opportunity for us to focus more on children's needs, be it our own children or children in need of our attention and care," she added.

[07] Parliament President visits Mitera's maternity ward

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Psarouda-Benaki made particular reference to those children deprived of the proper family environment or living conditions saying that "if we fulfill our obligations towards those children we will have a better tomorrow and a better world in the future."

The parliament president also referred to the hospital's work and achievements and congratulated hospital staff "for their efforts to provide high-quality care to children on a daily basis."

She also congratulated those volunteering their time and services to the hospital.

Psarouda-Benaki, accompanied by the health ministry's Secretary General Gianna Despotopoulou and Mitera's Board Chairwoman Maro Kontou, was given a tour of the facilities.

[08] Education top priority for PASOK

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

In other comments, Papandreou predicted early elections, saying that the government would not be able to avoid them.

"George [Papandreou] will become prime minister much sooner than many think," she said, referring to PASOK's president.

As for the issue of corruption, Papandreou said that ruling New Democracy's tactics against PASOK on this issue "have collapsed and the government will now have to defend itself."

[09] Interior Minister on local gov't

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos outlined steps taken to this end, such as applying favorable conditions for the settling of local government debt, implementation of the development program "Theseus" which made ¬ 1.7 billion available to local government authorities, and the distribution of misappropriated funds from the 1998-2003 period.

On the legislative front, the minister said that the new Municipalities and Communities Code has been completed, while funds totalling a 220% increase have been approved for the 2004-2005 period.

Pavlopoulos also announced that following approval of the new Municipalities and Communities Code and the law regarding districts, the debate over the country's future administrative structure will begin.

[10] Athens mayor calls for central committee meeting dedicated to local gov't issues

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Bakoyannis' comments were made during ND's central committee meeting on Saturday.

According to the Athens mayor, procedures for the naming of municipal election candidates must be accelerated.

She added that the party needs to proceed united and strong, unhindered by any possible weaknesses.

[11] Trilateral conference focuses on local gov't cooperation

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

The roughly 100 attendees had the opportunity, during the two-day conference, to listen to presentations by Pantelis Sklias, Assistant Professor at the Dimokritio University of Thrace; Stavros Kourtalis, Associate of the Hellenic Centre for European Studies and Yiorgos Sakoulidis, Director of the European Centre of Communication, Information and Culture in Thessaloniki.

Deputy Minister of Agricultural Development and Foods Alexandros Kontos inaugurated the conference on Saturday.

"When local communities themselves try to solve long-standing problems, when these communities concern peoples of bordering countries and when these communities have a common orientation and direction - the European Union - then the countries themselves have no other choice other than cooperation and communication," Kontos said.

The conference ended on Sunday.

[12] Judges guilty of perjury will be punished, Justice Minister says

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

The process of cleaning up is necessary "for restoring citizens' trust in the judicial system," Papaligouras said, adding that the government is committed to following this one-way street to the end no matter how long it takes.

Asked to comment on heavy penalties imposed on citizens, Papaligouras acknowledged that "certain judges tended to equate their personal integrity with the abuse of strict penalties at the expense of citizens under trial," adding that "I addressed this issue promptly stressing that justice lives up to its name when it is strict with judges who have committed perjury and lenient when dealing with citizens."

As for the mass media playing the role of judge and jury, Papaligouras said that the answer lies in upgrading the judicial system.

"Public opinion will stop resorting to 'self-appointed' prosecutors only when it becomes convinced that it can rely on actual judges," the minister noted.

[13] Main opposition leader visits Mt. Athos

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou described his visit as one of "cooperation" and promised PASOK's full support in helping to address the problems facing Mt. Athos, such as a delay in the disbursement of funds from the Third Community Support Framework, revision of legislation related to archaeology, recruitment of monks, and taxation of monastic property outside Mt. Athos.

He stressed that Mt. Athos is an international symbol of Orthodoxy and the ambassador of a civilization and values throughout many parts of the world. As such, Papandreou promised that PASOK will try to promote Mt. Athos' role and culture and will do everything in its power to help address its problems.

[14] President Papoulias visits birthplace of ND founder

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias visited Karamanlis' house, now a museum, on Friday after the inauguration of the newly-built Greek-Bulgarian Friendship Tunnel at Exochi and following the invitation extended by Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis, Karamanlis' nephew.

In comments he made during the visit, Papoulias said that he had a good relationship with Karamanlis and that they shared a mutual fondness.

"It is from this pretty and humble home in the village of Proti, that Constantine Karamanlis set out, driven by the passion to make a contribution to his country and the vision to change for the better anything he could," Papoulias wrote in the guestbook.

"His great achievements in Balkan policy came to life today with the opening of the Exochi Tunnel," Papoulias concluded.

[15] Former Athens 2004 chief possible mayoral candidate, FinMin says

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"The party [ruling New Democracy] has many competent cadres who would be able to continue the tradition of successful mayors of the past 20 years: My colleague Mr. Kaklamanis who has expressed a desire to run, but also Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulos [Daskalakis] could be one of them," Alogoskoufis said, referring to the former Athens 2004 President.

Regarding the government and its achievements to date, Alogoskoufis said that "in 2005, we succeeded in lowering the deficit and unemployment, while at the same time maintaining high growth rates, a significant achievement considering the stagnation prevalent throughout the Eurozone."

As for the new bill regarding state enterprises and utilities (DEKO), Alogoskoufis called it the greatest reform undertaken in the country in the past decade.

In the event that DEKO managers prove unable to fulfill their duties, "they will be terminated," he said.

The minister ruled out early elections and predicted that New Democracy would win a second term in office.

[16] FinMin expresses optimism over Greek economy's course

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

The economy is steadily improving and prospects are looking promising despite "the very adverse situation we inherited," Alogoskoufis said.

The minister defended the government's policy for fiscal reform and accused the main opposition PASOK party of being exclusively responsible for the fiscal problem it created for the country.

Referring to his economic policy, Alogoskoufis said that with the 2005 budget, tax reform, the new investment law, the new wave of privatizations, liberalization of markets and other reforms, the government succeeded in reversing the country's negative fiscal situation, maintaining a high growth rate, increasing employment and strengthening social cohesion.

He said that 2006 is also a crucial year for the Greek economy and called on everyone to support the basic priorities of the government's economic policy, which include achieving fiscal balance, increasing productivity and strengthening competitiveness, reducing unemployment as well as lowering the risk of social marginalization.

"Our goal is to further reduce the deficit to 2.6% of GDP, while economic growth also remains a top priority with the aim of strengthening it further," he said.

In closing, he called on central committee members to support the government's efforts for fiscal reform in order to address long-standing problems.

[17] ND honorary president on gov't performance

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

Regarding the government's effort to reform state enterprises, Mitsotakis said that the reform is vital for the Greek economy and noted that this will not be possible without article 14 of the bill the government tabled in Parliament and which has provoked the opposition's reaction.

[18] Inflation kept at bay, Development Ministry says

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"Another 'wave of price increases' that some have insisted on predicting over the past 20 months did not materialize," Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou said in the statement.

According to data from the National Statistics Agency (ESYE), annual inflation stood at 3.5% in November, slightly lower than in October.

Furthermore, according to the same data, the average inflation rate remained at 3.5%, at the lowest levels of the past four years, Sioufas and Papathanassiou noted.

They also point out in their joint statement, that for the first time in four years, prices have increased in line with inflation, despite the significant impact of rising oil prices on the consumer price index.

According to the statistics agency, prices for the majority of goods and services have increased at a rate lower than that of inflation and at a slower pace than corresponding increases in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

The ministers also note that the gap between Greek inflation and inflation in the Eurozone has also narrowed, from a difference of 1.7% in 2002 to 1.1% in November 2005.

[19] OEK president's resignation fuels speculation, PASOK takes jab at gov't

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"The aim of these actions [investigation] is to prove what exactly happened, and to hold guilty parties - if any - accountable," Panayiotopoulos said.

According to the newspaper "PARON", Economopoulos inappropriately handled matters concerning Programs Emfietzoglou, President of Michaniki, and a leading construction company in Greece.

In a letter sent to Panayiotopoulos on Saturday, Economopoulos cited 'personal reasons' for his decision to resign.

According to ministry sources, Panayiotopoulos and Economopoulos had problems cooperating, while problems had also arisen following delays in delivering workers' housing in Ioannina and Thesprotia, resulting in complaints from beneficiaries.

[20] ND Secretary on mayoral candidates, OEK president's resignation

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"When the time comes, we will discuss the various proposals put forth by those interested in running for Athens mayor, provided that Mrs. [Dora] Bakoyannis will not be in the running," he said.

Asked to comment on the resignation of Angelos Economopoulos, President of the Workers' Housing Organization (OEK) until Saturday, Meimarakis said: "We have repeatedly stated that all those appointed to such posts must bear in mind that they are being called upon to implement the government's people-friendly policy and which has been approved by the majority of the Greek public; second, they must bear in mind that they are being judged on a daily basis and therefore no appointment is permanent."

Main opposition makes accusations, gov't responds: Economopoulos decided to resign ahead of press reports making serious allegations against him regarding corruption, main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said, commenting on the former OEK President's resignation.

In response, Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that PASOK was not in any position to criticize, given that the party did nothing to fight corruption during the 20 years it was in office.

[21] Crete's greatest gift to Greece E. Venizelos, Athens mayor says

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

"Thanks to him, the objective of the Greek Revolution of 1821 was accomplished; thanks to the leadership of Eleftherios Venizelos and to his political and diplomatic instinct, Greece doubled in size in less than a decade," she noted.

Bakoyannis also referred to the special ties between Macedonians and Cretans and to the contribution Cretans made in freeing Macedonia.

She said she was proud that her grandfather, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, played an active role in those events.

Other speakers at the event, organized by the Pan-Cretan Brotherhood of Macedonia, included the organization's President Petros Petrakakis and Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Nikos Tsiartsionis.

Speaking to reporters after the event and asked to clarify comments she made during ruling New Democracy's Central Committee meeting on Saturday, Bakoyannis said that "I did not say that ND is not ready [for municipal and prefectural elections]. Every party has its own procedures and what I said is that I think these procedures must be stepped up so that citizens in all prefectures and all municipalities will know which candidates are backed by ND."

[22] Protestors demand legal status for all immigrants

ATHENS, 12/12/2005 (ANA)

According to protestors, the new law - drafted by the Ministry of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization, - legalizes the exploitation of immigrants, while only several thousand illegal immigrants, of a total of roughly 500,000, have managed to submit their papers in order to acquire legal status.

Protestors are demanding new legislation that will provide for "real legalization" and social integration of all immigrants living in Greece.

They are also demanding that asylum be provided to all refugees.

[23] Anti-racism protest held in Thessaloniki

12/12/2005 (ANA)

The APTh is demanding that all immigrants living in Greece be granted legal status and equal social rights.

Roughly 300 protestors marched through the city centre ending their march outside the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace, according to the event's organizers.

Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend:

OFI Crete - AEK Athens 0-1

Levadiakos Livadia - PAOK Thessaloniki 2-2

Apollon Kalamaria - Akratitos Athens 3-0

Xanthi - Kallithea Athens 2-2

Ionikos Piraeus - Egaleo Athens 4-1

Panathinaikos Athens - Iraklis Thessaloniki 2-2

Panionios Athens - Atromitos Athens 2-0

Olympiakos Piraeus - Larissa (Match to be played on Monday December 12)

The point standings after thirteen weeks of play:

AÅÊ 32 points, Olympiakos 30 (twelve matches), Xanthi 24, Panathinaikos 24, PAOK 20, Ionikos 18, Iraklis 18, Larissa 16 (twelve matches played), Egaleo 16, Atromitos 15, Apollon Kalamaria 15, OFI 12, Panionios 12, Levadiakos 11, Kallithea 8 and Akratitos 7 .

[24] FM: Turkish Cypriots delay response on Ledra proposal

NICOSIA, 12/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The government, he recalled, has officially made concrete proposals to the United Nations on how to break the current deadlock in the effort to open a crossing point between the island's northern Turkish occupied areas and the southern government controlled part of the country.

The deadlock in these efforts was the direct result of the construction of a bridge on the northern Turkish occupied part of Ledra street.

''This is the methodology the Turkish side has always used. It is difficult to believe the United Nations have not communicated to the Turkish Cypriots our proposal and our positions on the matter,'' he said.

Invited to comment on Turkish Cypriot remarks that no formal proposal had reached them, Iacovou replied: ''they are delaying their response in order to finish the work they are doing. One of the recommendations in the proposal is to freeze all activity currently underway.''

Responding to questions, he said the United Nations have welcomed the government's proposal and they are studying it.

''I have no doubt they are talking about it with the Turkish Cypriots. When the Turkish Cypriots express their views, obviously the United Nations will convey these views to us and maybe some of their suggestions'', he added.

The proposal was submitted earlier last week and made public on Thursday.

The government proposed the immediate freezing of all activity currently going on in the area of Ledra and Ermou streets related to the crossing point and the initiation by UNFICYP of consultations with a view to determining the arrangements needed for the opening of a new unimpeded crossing point.

Military forces and armaments on both sides within the vicinity of the prospective crossing point must be withdrawn, the proposal said.

[25] EU Commissioner warns about loss of funds for Turkish Cypriots

NICOSIA, 12/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou here Saturday, Borg said he had a "productive discussion" on the EU

Constitutional Treaty and the financial perspective ahead of this week's summit, which will deal with these matters.

The commissioner said it was important for him to have had first hand information from the minister about current developments with regard to two EU regulations on financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriots and on direct trade, both of which were on the agenda of EU meetings this past week. No agreement was reached on the matter, due to Turkish objections, to allow the allocation of 259 million euro.

Responding to questions, Borg said this specific issue falls within the competency of Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rhen but noted that if no agreement is reached by the end of December this year, part of the funds (about 120 m) destined for the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community would be lost.

The government of Cyprus has long given its consent to the allocation of the funds but the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side have so far refused to cooperate towards this goal, insisting on linking financial aid to direct trade.

Minister Iacovou said after the meeting that current EU concerns were at the core of his discussion with the commissioner, whom he described as "an old associate and friend."

"We had a very interesting conversation, talked about among other issues, Turkey's accession course and the obligations it has to meet," he concluded.

[26] Chrysostomides proposes joint forum to draft constitution

NICOSIA, 12/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In his address to the party congress, ahead of May's parliamentary elections, he said the constitution must be based on a bizonal bicommunal federation and provide for a single state with a single personality, one citizenship and it must exclude division.

He pointed out that the forum could be chaired by the UN or jointly with a Greek and a Turkish Cypriot expert but also stressed that the European Union must participate in such an effort, the outcome of which must be put to the people.

Referring to Turkey, he said that if Ankara wants to be considered an acceding country to the EU, it must clarify whether it wants a solution that would render Cyprus an exception or a prototype for the application of the acquis communautaire.

"Turkey must state clearly whether it is ready to engage in talks with a view to bringing about those changes in the Annan plan (a UN proposed solution plan) that would ensure that a solution will be to the benefit of all Cypriots and not third parties," he added.

Chrysostomides questioned Ankara's motives in seeking a political settlement in Cyprus, saying that it appears that Turkey wants to "cash in" on its approval of the Annan plan to gain advantages, at the expense of the Turkish Cypriots.

[27] Helios air crash reconstruction in December, says investigators

NICOSIA, 12/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Akrivos Tsolakis, leading a team of experts as the head of the Greek Investigation Commission into the cause of air crashes and incidents, who was in Cyprus for further investigative work, said Saturday that 2006 will vindicate those who have suffered from the August crash and will help Cyprus find the path it deserves in the air industry, in particular where safety is concerned.

"The reconstruction will take place on December 19 with a similar aircraft to the one that crashed, that belongs to Olympic Airways. The flight number will be symbolic, OA 121," he said, adding that the reconstruction will conclude the initial effort to collect data relating to the cause of the crash.

He explained that two Olympic Airways chief pilots will fly the aircraft to be used in the reconstruction and added "this flight will go down in history because it is unprecedented in Cyprus' air industry and we have never witnessed an air crash in which fighter planes were present."

On 14 August an Helios airways Boeing 737 on its way to Prague, via Athens, crashed into the mountain side north of the Greek capital killing 121 passengers and crew on board, most of them Cypriots going on holiday. The Boeing came down as two Greek F-16 were accompanying it after it failed to respond to calls from Athens control tower.

Tsolakis, speaking after a meeting with Cyprus' Minister of Communications and Works Haris Thrasou, said that in the reconstruction F-16 will fly along the commercial aircraft to reconstruct all that happened on that fatal day in the Greek skies, including the take off from Larnaca airport at exactly the same time as the time of the last flight.

In his remarks, Thrasou appeared certain that the conclusions of the Greek Commission will "satisfy all those who are anxiously waiting for the outcome of the work we have undertaken."

He said the government was very pleased with the course of the investigations by the Greek Commission, which cooperates with its Cypriot counterpart.

"We are also in close cooperation with regard to problems civil aviation in Cyprus has to tackle and we are trying to improve further the safety of the air industry and in general air transport," Thrasou added.

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