Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't urges bankers to talk with unions on labor pacts

[02] Main opposition MP slams gov't on economy, labor issues

[03] US secretary of state congratulates new Greek counterpart

[04] Rice looks forward to working with new FM, State Dept. spokesman says

[05] Cyprus anticipates Greece will keep same policy on divided island

[06] New foreign minister to meet Russian ambassador

[07] Main opposition leader addresses Serbian Democratic Party conference

[08] Main opposition leader slams gov't, PM personally

[09] Reforms will be completed, DM says

[10] Minister relays gov't support for ethnic Greeks in Istanbul

[11] Govt's intentions differ from campaign promises, Papoutsis says

[12] Papaligouras to attend EU council meeting on Tuesday

[13] In favor of women in decision-making posts, SYN leader says

[14] Popular Orthodox Rally conference held in Thessaloniki

[15] PASOK MP, Cypriot Parliament Speaker present book on Cyprus

[16] Greece sends condolences, aid to Philippine gov't

[17] Greek tourism has great potential, Int'l Tourism Forum

[18] New tourism minister 'determined to succeed'

[19] Research and technology centre to be set up in Thessaly, Development Min says

[20] Seamen extend nationwide strike to Wednesday

[21] Farm producers protest against seamen's strike in Iraklio

[22] Two injured in Athens shoot-out

[23] Dead swan found in Halkidiki, causes unknown

[24] Glider crashes into ditch, no injuries

[25] Cypriot memorial service for Helios crash victims

[26] Sports minister inaugurates municipal gym

[27] New premises for northern drug abuse prevention centre

[28] Greek soccer results

[29] Cypriot president to ask Annan to appoint representative

[30] Cypriot government to grant title deeds to G/C refugees

[01] Gov't urges bankers to talk with unions on labor pacts

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

"We are speaking to everyone, in order to inform them that leeway for understanding still exists. Those who were favored in previous years should contribute and make further sacrifices, and these people are not the employees," Tsitouridis told reporters in reply to a question.

In a speech to a meeting in Lamia of the ruling New Democracy party, the minister charged the previous government of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) of implementing policies that enabled the wealthy to become wealthier.

"We are aware of the difficulties and problems faced by many Greeks. We are aware of the problems of the underprivileged, people who are weaker financially, low wage-earners, those on low pensions, farmers and the unemployed," he noted.

"The people who were comfortable, complacent and privileged were with PASOK," Tsitouridis said.

At the same time, the minister told trade unionists that there was no room for intransigence, as it was essential to reach understanding.

What the government wanted to achieve was a state that would work in solidarity with more vulnerable economic and social groups while allowing the economy to meet competition; and radical change was needed.

"This rational mix is at the heart of our policy," the minister added.

[02] Main opposition MP slams gov't on economy, labor issues

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Diamantopoulou, also head of the Development division of the party's Political Council, said that the Public Investment Program "saw a decrease of 17% in the first year leading to the loss of valuable resources."

As for labor relations, she accused the government of doing away with overtime and giving employers a free hand.

Regarding the government's reform of state utilities, Diamantopoulou said that it was "effectively eliminating collective labor agreements" and criticized the government for "creating new agencies at a cost of ¬ 130 million, thus depriving citizens of a heating fuel subsidy."

She also accused the government of having no specific plan for the development of northern Greece.

Asked to comment on the recent cabinet reshuffle, Diamantopoulou said it was a "communications ploy" to draw the media's attention away from the phone-tapping affair.

[03] US secretary of state congratulates new Greek counterpart

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

In a telephone call on Saturday, Rice told the new minister that she anticipated a maintenance of communication and mutually constructive cooperation as part of very good ties between the US and Greece.

The two officials agreed to meet at the first available opportunity in coming months, the statement said.

Also contacting Bakoyiannis to wish her well in her new duties were the president of the European Commission, Jose Barroso; and the United Kingdom's secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs, Jack Straw.

Finally, the new minister received telegrams or letters of congratulation from Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos; Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania; and Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece.

[04] Rice looks forward to working with new FM, State Dept. spokesman says

WASHINGTON, 20/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Ellis)

However, he said no date had been set for a meeting and the two officials had not yet communicated.

Asked about the context of the phone conversation between Bakoyannis and Under Secretary Nicholas Burns, McCormack said that he did not know what the two talked about.

[05] Cyprus anticipates Greece will keep same policy on divided island

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

"It is a cornerstone for us and we anticipate that good cooperation on the agreed line with Greece on the Cyprus issue will continue with the new government and new foreign minister," Papadopoulos told the Ethnos newspaper in an interview.

"I do not think that (prime minister) Costas Karamanlis has deviated in the least from what he has asserted. I am sure that the same policy and same effective cooperation will also continue with Dora Bakoyiannis," he added.

Speaking a few days before a key meeting on the Cypriot issue with UN secretary general Kofi Annan, the Cypriot president also stated: "I believe that we should not have accepted the process of mediation" in New York in February 2004. "We accepted mediation having confidence in the United Nations. That mediation would have been limited only to a few issues, that is, to those issues on which, after substantive talks, differences would have been narrowed, and that in any case, all its (UN) decisions as 'mediator' would have been within the framework of the Annan plan. These were the conditions that we set and to which the secretary general agreed. In the end, however, mediation had not taken place under the conditions we had accepted," Papadopoulos added.

He also said that the Annan plan had not died.

On the framework that he will pose to UN chief Kofi Annan for resumption of the process, Papadopoulos said: "There will be no mediation, no timescale, the talks will not be indefinite, and only an agreed solution will again be put to the people in a referendum."

[06] New foreign minister to meet Russian ambassador

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

During the courtesy visit, Andrey Vdovin will relay a letter of congratulations to Bakoyiannis from her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

[07] Main opposition leader addresses Serbian Democratic Party conference

BELGRADE, 20/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/N. Pelpas)

Papandreou, an official guest of Serbian President Boris Tandic, was well received by the 2,500 conference attendees.

In his speech, Papandreou said that he is in Belgrade in order to fulfill the promise he made to help Serbia become an EU member.

"I convey to you the solidarity of the Greek people, European solidarity, and a message from our party PASOK, a personal message. It is a message from a socialist family, that of Socialist International. I believe in Serbia, I believe that democratic forces when united can bring about real change," he said.

Papandreou called on the Democratic Party and its leader Boris Tandic to work together in cooperation with Socialist International in order to achieve peace, stability and prosperity for Serbian citizens.

On the sidelines of the conference, Papandreou met privately with Tandic with whom he discussed developments in the region and particularly the Kosovo issue ahead of negotiations scheduled to begin in Vienna on Monday.

Papandreou also met briefly with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski.

Buchkovski invited Papandreou to Skopje to attend celebrations marking the 15th anniversary since the creation of the Social Democratic Party.

[08] Main opposition leader slams gov't, PM personally

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou held Karamanlis personally responsible for "any and all problems that were created or escalated in the past two years" and said that early elections "are the most advantageous solution."

PASOK's leader placed great emphasis on the recent phone-tapping affair which targeted the prime minister, high-ranking government officials and others, calling it "a major political issue."

He called on the government to "tell the truth" regarding the affair and that whoever is responsible must be brought to justice. He said Karamanlis was personally responsible for covering up the matter.

Papandreou went on to criticize the government on a broad range of issues, including the Cyprus issue, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's name dispute, relations with the European Union, the Balkans and Turkey.

He also criticized Karamanlis for the country's unemployment, inequality, the high cost of living and the shutting down of businesses.

As for the recent cabinet reshuffle, Papandreou called it "a recycling of individuals."

Papandreou said that when PASOK returns to power it intends to push through major reforms that will require a strong local government.

In closing, he called on the party's members and supporters to choose and support the most competent and honest candidates in the upcoming mayoral and prefecture elections.

[09] Reforms will be completed, DM says

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Reforms will continue at an even faster pace when New Democracy takes office for a second term, the former party secretary added.

Referring to his new post at the defense ministry, Meimarakis said that ND is opposed to party politics within the armed forces, noting that "those who are capable and worthy will get ahead."

As for the upcoming mayoral and prefecture elections, Meimarakis said that the best people for the job must be nominated. In Thessaloniki, those candidates are Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis and the city's mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, he said, urging party members to help in their re-election.

Meimarakis also referred to labor relations, accusing certain groups of trying to upset 'labor peace' as a way of striking a blow to the government.

"The government is right not to intervene in collective labor negotiations and is right to ask the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) to improve its proposals in order to achieve 'labor peace,' the absence of which hurts society and the economy," he said.

He also accused main opposition PASOK and its affiliated trade union organization PASKE "for not respecting decisions resulting from dialogue," in reference to the voluntary retirement scheme carried out at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE).

As for DAKE, Meimarakis said that the group must maintain its independence from the party and the government.

Finally, referring to the election of a new party secretary, Meimarakis said that he would help whoever is elected.

Other speakers at the event included Macedonia-Thrace Minister Yiorgos Kalatzis, Labor Minister Savvas Tsitouridis, Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, DAKE Presidents Elias Perperidis (Private Sector), Yiannis Haidas (Public Sector) and others.

[10] Minister relays gov't support for ethnic Greeks in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 20/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/A Kourkoulas)

The message included a statement of personal interest and support from Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

From the pulpit of a chapel in the Bosporus, Vartholomeos thanked the minister for the government's active backing and noted that Greeks were resolved to maintain their origins in the area.

Roussopoulos was on a private visit to Istanbul.

[11] Govt's intentions differ from campaign promises, Papoutsis says

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

He characterized the recent cabinet reshuffle as a "communication ploy", adding that the statements made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis immediately after the reshuffle imply that the government will not only continue with the same policies, but will adopt an even harsher stance.

As for the foreign ministry, Papoutsis said that personal policies should not be implemented since this would be criminal for the country and for national interests.

He also referred to the defense ministry, saying that political partisanship exists, a fact that does not seem to concern the present administration, he said.

Finally, speaking of the economy, Papoutsis said that the situation is "not good" since workers feel a general sense of insecurity and concern.

Papoutsis is due to speak later on Saturday evening in Orestiada.

[12] Papaligouras to attend EU council meeting on Tuesday

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Items on the agenda include a proposal for a regulation on law applicable to non-contractual obligations (Rome II) and a Framework Decision on the European Evidence Warrant.

Further, according to a Council press release, agreement is also expected to be reached "on a Regulation concerning a European order for payment procedures and on conclusions regarding the visa reciprocity mechanism."

[13] In favor of women in decision-making posts, SYN leader says

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Conference participants representing local government, trade unionism, feminism and social movements, presented their views on issues such as the labor market, violence against women, economic exploitation of women, domestic violence as well as preparations ahead of mayoral elections and the European Social Forum.

Alavanos described the women's conference as a useful and timely initiative helping to "better organize our work and women's networking."

Despite legislation, Alavanos said that women's issues represent a major social and democratic problem.

Referring to women in the workplace, he said that current conditions comprise a hostile environment for working families, adding that extended work hours undermine their position.

He also accused the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) as being responsible for the large number of women unemployed as a result of the shutting down of numerous factories in northern Greece.

Alavanos also slammed the mass media for degrading women through daytime programming, calling for action aimed at protecting women's integrity and rights.

In closing, Alavanos urged women to play a leading role in the issues that concern them through cooperation.

[14] Popular Orthodox Rally conference held in Thessaloniki

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

He accused Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of 'devaluing' Thessaloniki in his last cabinet reshuffle since he limited the number of the city's MPs participating in the ministerial council.

Karatzaferis said that Thessaloniki should have more ministers and suggested that the seat of the President of the Republic should be moved to Macedonia's capital (Kyvernio).

He also referred to the recent phone-tapping affair, saying that he does not want Greece "to be a slave to phone-tapping."

Karatzaferis also referred to his party's course, noting that it is the only political party to be experiencing an upward trend, according to surveys.

As for the Cyprus issue, the LAOS leader said that the only solution is for occupation forces to leave the island and a return to the Constitution of 1960.

Also attending the event were representatives of the European Parliament's political groups as well as from Cyprus.

Thessaloniki Vice Prefect Yiorgos Tsamaslis was also in attendance.

Earlier on Saturday, Karatzaferis visited the facility of Phosphate Fertilizers, and expressed his support for workers' demands that the decision to shut down the plant be revoked.

[15] PASOK MP, Cypriot Parliament Speaker present book on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 20/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/A. Viketos)

The book refers to the Cypriot issue and its possible solution before and after the plan put forward by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

"We are obligated to fully respect the desire of the Greek Cypriot community which rejected the Annan plan," Venizelos said during the presentation.

On his part, Christofias said that Chryssostomides is a man who has made a great contribution to Cyprus and its people both as a distinguished lawyer and a politician.

The value of Chryssostomides' book lies in that it is one of few written by a Cypriot which looks at the Cyprus issue spherically and in-depth, particularly from an international, legal perspective, Christofias said.

[16] Greece sends condolences, aid to Philippine gov't

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Bakoyannis also expressed her support and solidarity in light of the tragic events that have killed hundreds in Guinsaugon.

Additionally, the foreign ministry also announced its plan to contribute ¬ 300,000 through its Hellenic Aid Agency to the Philippine government in order to cover immediate needs.

[17] Greek tourism has great potential, Int'l Tourism Forum

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which co-organized the forum in cooperation with the Greek tourism ministry and the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT), Greece has only realized 15% of its potential in the tourism sector.

For 2006, WTTC estimates that the sector will employ 700,000 people while this number is likely to increase 1.5% annually over the next decade.

In 2005, tourism revenues stood at ¬ 28.6 billion and are expected to increase 5.4% yearly over the next 10 years, according to WTTC.

As for investments in the sector, the WTTC has forecast an annual growth rate of 5.4% until 2016. In 2005, investments in the sector amounted to ¬ 5.7 billion.

Newly-appointed Minister of Tourism Development Fani Palli-Petralia pledged to fight bureaucracy which has been a chronic obstacle in the sector's further development.

On his part, Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas referred to the ministry's efforts to clean up the country's macroeconomics.

As for Olympic Airlines, he said that the goal is not to create a cheap airline that will compete with low-cost carrier EasyJet, but one that will be attractive to European travelers.

EasyJet founder and President Stelios Haji-Ioannou, also speaking at the event, criticized Athens International Airport's pricing policy, saying that it is one of Europe's most expensive.

According to HajiIoannou, major airlines avoid landing at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos airport. He asked the Greek government to break the airport's monopoly and to open up the military air bases of Elefsina and Tanagra to civil aviation.

Finally, the points highlighted during the forum as being key in strengthening the sector were boosting competitiveness on a regional level, cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as the transfer of know-how from countries that have achieved remarkable results in tourism, such as Spain.

[18] New tourism minister 'determined to succeed'

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Petralia, formerly alternate culture minister, said she would eliminate the bureaucracy and obstacles that stand in the way of the sector's further development.

Referring to the ministry's priorities, Petralia said she is in favor of upgrading Tourism Schools to higher-education institutions and also agrees with addressing the issue of town planning.

New ad for Greek tourism presented: A new ad promoting Greece as a tourist destination in the international media for the 2006-2007 period was presented during a special event held in Athens on Saturday.

The concept, according to the ad's creators, is that Greece is a movie in which visitors are invited to star in.

Tourism Development Minister Fani Palli-Petralia expressed confidence that the new ad will be successful, noting that Greece must capitalize on its 'brand name' which it developed thanks to the 2004 Olympic Games.

On his part, former tourism minister Dimitris Avramopoulos noted that the new advertising campaign provides a sense of optimism at a time of international uncertainty.

The presentation was made on the sidelines of the 1st International Tourism Forum, organized by the ministry and the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT) in cooperation with the World Travel and Tourism Council.

[19] Research and technology centre to be set up in Thessaly, Development Min says

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to members of the political community in Thessaly, Sioufas thanked all those who contributed to making the most of new technologies, research and technology in the region, adding that "together we can implement a comprehensive strategic plan for Thessaly's development."

Referring to the government's policy for the region, the minister said that "Our policy for the Thessaly region is based on a comprehensive approach, coordinated by the Thessaly Technological Park and which includes the creation of a Thessaly Research, Technology and Development Centre and a Regional Innovation Hub."

The purpose of the innovation hub is to improve competitiveness in Thessaly's key economic sectors, such as food and beverages, textiles, furniture and biological fuels.

Finally, Sioufas reiterated that the government's main objectives in regards to the fourth Community Support Framework are to support Greek regions and to capitalize on new technologies.

On his part, Secretary General for Research and Technology Yiannis Tsoukalas said that the Centre will play a decisive role not only in Thessaly's economy but in the country's economy as a whole.

[20] Seamen extend nationwide strike to Wednesday

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

In a statement on Sunday, the seamen's umbrella union repeated that it wanted to see its members' demands met and may call a fresh extension of the stoppage next week.

Union leaders were due to meet Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis for talks late on Sunday.

The strike affecting all categories of vessel that began on Thursday and was due to end on Saturday was extended for the first time by 48 hours until Monday.

At the end of last week, union leaders complained that talks with the government had failed to bring pledges of action.

The union asked for understanding from passengers, saying seamen were not responsible.

Authorities reported that hundreds of trucks were backed up in the country's ports on Sunday, due to the five-day walkout. Many were carrying perishable goods.

A back-up of trucks with goods destined for Patras and Igoumenitsa was also seen at the ports of Ancona and Bari in Italy.

[21] Farm producers protest against seamen's strike in Iraklio

20/2/2006 (ANA)

Some of the protestors burned rubber tires and attempted to cut the ships' ropes. Tension mounted when seamen tried to extinguish the fires using hoses on board the ships.

In an attempt to find a solution for the transport of the sensitive produce, Secretary General of Crete Serafeim Tsokas met with deputies, Lasithi's prefect, and representatives of farm producers and of the Iraklio Port Authority.

Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.195

[22] Two injured in Athens shoot-out

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

The shoot-out resulted when three Albanian nationals outside a coffee shop began to argue.

One of the two injured individuals was taken to Athens General Hospital by an unknown individual who disappeared.

The second injured person was initially being transported by three other Albanians, who, however were stopped by the police and arrested. The injured individual was then taken to Athens General Hospital by ambulance.

[23] Dead swan found in Halkidiki, causes unknown

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

Testing for the bird flu virus would need to be done within a maximum of 48 hours since its death.

According to the director of the Halkidiki Veterinary Agency, Andreas Koumis, the swan will be buried within a specially-designated area at the Moudanion landfill site.

[24] Glider crashes into ditch, no injuries

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

The two individuals manning the glider contacted authorities after emerging safe and sound.

[25] Cypriot memorial service for Helios crash victims

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

The service was held at the site of the crash on August 14, 2005 under a large wooden cross erected after the accident.

Among those taking part was the Cypriot consul in Athens, Stavros Avgoustidis.

[26] Sports minister inaugurates municipal gym

ATHENS, 20/2/2006 (ANA)

The hall has been named after Olympian Vassiliki Kasapi.

During his address, Orfanos said that one of the ministry's priorities is to support the effort for the construction of an indoor pool in Thermi, adding that he is optimistic that Thessaloniki will have at least 10 indoor pools in the next two to three years.

On his part, Yiannis Sgouros, President of the Greek Weightlifting Federation and Secretary General of the International Weightlifting Federation, said that the new sports facility will help make the new athletes that will shine the spotlight on Greece and asked Orfanos to "pay more attention" to weight lifting.

Also present at the event were Thermi Mayor Theodoros Papadopoulos, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis, Thessaloniki MPs, local government officials and others.

[27] New premises for northern drug abuse prevention centre

20/2/2006 (ANA)

"The Pyxida centre combines action by the culture ministry that is linked to sports and activities that aim to keep youth away from drugs," Orfanos told the ceremony.

He also welcomed initiatives taken by local authorities to combat addiction.

Soccer

[28] Greek soccer results

20/2/2006 (ANA)

OFI Crete - Egaleo Athens 1-0

Larissa - PAOK Thessaloniki 2-1

Xanthi - Atromitos Athens 1-0

Ionikos Piraeus - Akratitos Athens 3-2

Panionios Athens - Levadiakos 1-1

Panathinaikos Athens - Kallithea Athens 2-0

Olympiakos Piraeus - AEK Athens 3-0

Apollon Kalamaria - Iraklis Thessaloniki

(Match to be played on Monday February 20)

The standings after 20 weeks of play:

Olympiakos 54

AEK 45

Panathinaikos 42

Xanthi 32

Iraklis 31 (19 matches)

PAOK 30

Egaleo 28

Atromitos 26

Larissa 26

Ionikos 26

Apollon Kalamaria 23 (19 matches)

Levadiakos 18

OFI 17

Panionios 16

Kallithea 13

Akratitos 10

[29] Cypriot president to ask Annan to appoint representative

NICOSIA, 20/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Addressing an extraordinary meeting in the capital of the Democratic Party where the party's candidates for the May 21 Parliamentary elections were presented, Papadopoulos, who also chairs DEKO assured that during his meeting with Annan in Paris on 28 February, "we will not bring back yesterday, we will not bring back a plan (the Annan Plan) which was rejected by the people of Cyprus".

The Cypriot president said that he will reiterate "our firm position. We want the SG to become active, we want him to appoint, the soonest, his representative who will soundly prepare the ground for the resumption of the negotiations".

In his speech before party members, the President of the Republic referred to the period after the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriots in April 2004, noting that the "climate has now changed and all the more people realize that a solution cannot be found if the just concerns of Cypriot Hellenism are not addressed".

President Papadopoulos said that after nine months, "we managed to persuade that our three preconditions for a resumption of the talks, are right: No to mediation, no to tight timeframes and an agreed solution to be put before the people in a referendum".

The talks, he added, should have their own timeframe which will be set out by the progress of the negotiations and not to serve other parties' interests that do not concern the people of Cyprus.

"We want a solution that is based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation because there is no other solution for Cyprus", President Papadopoulos said, adding that the contents is important because this time, it will not be formulated by solely two permanent members of the Security Council "and our policy must become clear".

"We do not anticipate the involvement of Russia, China or France. What we have asked and are still asking is that efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem should not be controlled by solely two of the five permanent members of the SC", said Papadopoulos, noting the remaining three countries "are also demanding this".

Referring to the Turkish proposals on Cyprus recently put forward by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, President Papadopoulos described them as a repetition of what the former had asked last May, adding a new condition was introduced, that for Turkey to fulfill its obligations against the EU, it wants in return from the Cypriot government, the lifting of the so called economic embargo against the Turkish Cypriots, that was imposed by the Turkish occupying forces on the island.

President Papadopoulos also talked about some "shallow and bitter statements by English officials that if Cyprus had applied now for EU membership it would be impossible to enter the EU. We reverse this and say that if his country had applied for membership nowadays, many would have had reservations".

In statements at Larnaca airport before departing for Austria this afternoon where he will pay a four-day working visit, President Papadopoulos also said he will discuss with the Austrian presidency of the EU matters on the presidency's agenda, including Turkey complying with its obligations against the EU, as well as the issue of regulations for Turkish Cypriots.

On the issue of Cyprus vetoing Turkey's EU accession course, President Papadopoulos also said there is nothing new on this, adding that "the right to veto is a right that every (EU) member has and when and if it will be used is a political decision which will be taken at the right moment, if necessary. We hope we will not need to do that", he added.

[30] Cypriot government to grant title deeds to G/C refugees

NICOSIA, 20/2/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Announcing the plan after an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet, the resident underlined that the plan approved here Saturday was "neither easy nor simple".

In his statement, President Papadopoulos said the government decided to "implement a complete plan, within its capabilities, granting a comprehensive and as much as possible, fair solution to the issue of title deeds for houses in refugee estates and housing estates" affecting around 25,000 families.

He also said the government decided to grant counter measures to all those displaced persons living in Turkish Cypriot property in the free areas of the Republic or in houses that were built in land belonging to Turkish Cypriots.

Around 13 thousand displaced persons who legally and permanently reside in refugee estates or housing estates that were built on government land or land that was expropriated will receive title deeds within the next two years.

The government also decided to allot and grant government land to around 8,500 displaced persons who permanently and legally reside on the island in housing estates that were built in Turkish Cypriot land which was not expropriated nor can be expropriated.

It will also allot government land to around 5,000 displaced persons who are legally living in Turkish Cypriot properties following the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the island's northern third.

President Papadopoulos said that the prime concern of the government was to handle in the most impartial manner, "this complicated issue and to prepare a general plan that would grant the maximum level of justice to all refugees".

"The solution approved today (Saturday) by the cabinet was neither simple nor easy. Please bear in mind the many and complex problems were tackled providing practical and feasible solutions", the president added.

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