Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inner cabinet discusses foreign policy issues

[02] PASOK party official comments on foreign policy

[03] Bakoyannis to meet UN's Gambari on Wednesday

[04] Gov't on dinner between president, premier

[05] PASOK leader chairs party coordinators' meeting

[06] PASOK prefectural meeting in Thessaloniki convened

[07] Parliamentary debate on SAE organizing bill

[08] SAE President Athens concludes visit to Ukraine

[09] Greece, Cyprus agree to strengthen economic relations

[10] Kazakhstan expresses interest in Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline

[11] Natgas network in Alexandroupoli region by end of 2006

[12] Greek budget revenues up 14.8 pct in June, yr/yr

[13] No change to retirement age, labor minister says

[14] Development ministry calls on regional services to implement law on third country citizens

[15] Gov't declines comment on central bank chief's statements

[16] Banks and employee unions on collision course

[17] Greece reports steady inflow of foreign direct investments

[18] European Parliament plenum ratifies 4th CSF operational framework

[19] J&P AVAX SA Company announces contract for energy plant in Cyprus

[20] Mobile Information Unit on broadband services

[21] Greek stocks end flat for second day running

[22] Fatality caused by ditch in road leads to conviction of ex-mayor, municipal employees

[23] 60th Nat'l Convention of Pan-Macedonian Association ends in Las Vegas

[24] Greek football federation appeals for reversal of FIFA suspension

[25] PASOK spokesman criticizes government over European Soccer Federation's decision

[26] Cyprus satisfied with Papadopoulos - Talat meeting on missing persons

[27] Borrell welcomes Papadopoulos-Talat meeting

[28] Cyprus problem cannot be associated with Turkey's EU obligations, says Spokesman

[29] Spokesman: Ankara is undermining efforts to create climate for Cyprus talks

[01] Inner cabinet discusses foreign policy issues

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

After the meeting, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stated that the inner cabinet was briefed on all foreign policy issues, the Balkans, the latest developments in Iran, the Cyprus issue in light of a visit by UN Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari and Euro-Turkish prospects.

On an impending visit by Cyprus Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos to Athens, Bakoyannis said that developments will be reviewed and all issues will be discussed for better and continuous coordination between the two governments.

Bakoyannis also stated that there is no problem in Athens' relations with President Papadopoulos, while adding that there should be continuous cooperation between the prime minister and the Cypriot president as well as between the two foreign ministers in order to achieve the best results.

The foreign minister also clarified that the process for the solution of the Cyprus issue is not linked with Turkey's European prospects as they are two entirely different things. The Cyprus issue, she pointed out, is being discussed within the UN framework, while Turkey's European prospect concerns Turkey and the European Union, reiterating that Turkey should meet the obligations it has undertaken toward the EU.

Responding to a question on pressures likely to be exerted by the United States, she stated that the United States' viewpoint is known but Turkey's European prospect is an EU matter.

Earlier, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, responding to questions while leaving Maximos Mansion regarding the comments made on Monday by Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, stated that the Bank of Greece enjoys economic, operational and political independence and the government always respects this independence.

[02] PASOK party official comments on foreign policy

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Papoutsis said that "Greece's message must be clear regarding the obligations of Turkey which, as he said, is obliged to proceed with the extension of customs union with the 10 new member-states of the European Union, including Cyprus, "as soon as possible".

"This also applies to the other obligations of the neighboring country, such as of good neighborliness with Greece, the consolidation of religious freedoms, from which the obligation on the reopening of the Halki School and the recognition of the universal role of the Patriarchate emanates," he added.

Papoutsis also made special reference to the implementation of the acquis communautaire with a specific timetable and without deviations.

Lastly, commenting on the issue of Cyprus, he said that "one must not forget that it is a problem of illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, a member-state of the UN and the European Union."

[03] Bakoyannis to meet UN's Gambari on Wednesday

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Gambari will be arriving from Ankara and he is expected to be in Cyprus on Thursday after his Athens talks.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis will host a lunch for Gambari, the press release added.

Gambari's mission in the three countries aims at sounding out the possibilities for the undertaking of a new United Nations initiative to solve the Cyprus problem.

[04] Gov't on dinner between president, premier

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Responding to a question regarding news coverage of the dinner, Antonaros simply noted that it was not unusual for brief footage of such events to be shown.

[05] PASOK leader chairs party coordinators' meeting

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Referring to the government's foreign policy and in particular to Greek-Turkish relations, Papandreou charged that it "will keep hiding behind the positions of the European Union while not taking the necessary initiatives."

As to his recent trip to the Middle East in his capacity as president of the Socialist International, Papandreou informed the meeting that his proposal for the convening of an international conference on the issue was gaining ground among parties in conflict. Nevertheless, he made it understood that it was not easy for this initiative to advance due to current dramatic developments in the Gaza strip.

The PASOK leader asked party members to get actively engaged during the summer period on the basis of the party's planifications aiming at "bringing into light the practices of the government".

[06] PASOK prefectural meeting in Thessaloniki convened

THESSALONIKI, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Polyzogopoulos, a veteran trade unionist and long-time PASOK member, now oversees the main opposition party's campaign mobilizations, with the emphasis at present on October's local government elections.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece located in a prefecture of the same name, ranks as a distinct "thorn" for the main opposition party, as opinion polls give both New Democracy-supported incumbents, for Thessaloniki's mayor and prefect, respectively, comfortable leads.

Polyzogopoulos said Papandreou's presence in the northern port city signals the "beginning of PASOK's counter-attack ahead of national elections."

[07] Parliamentary debate on SAE organizing bill

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

"The new draft law on SAE is aimed at the upgrading and the more effective functioning of the Council of Hellenes Abroad to enable it to fulfill the constitutional mandate anticipating its existence," he said.

Kasimis added that the bill safeguards the institutional role of SAE with the explicit determining of the framework, the limits and the way with which its duties will be exercised, while the organizational structure and functioning of SAE's organs is also defined clearly.

The deputy minister added that the bill defines SAE as an organ that is supportive of the Greek state and the tenure of the members of SAE's organs is four years, while the basic principle of representation is consolidated with an increase in the number of regions from four to seven.

[08] SAE President Athens concludes visit to Ukraine

CHICAGO, 5/7/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Athens was accompanied by Dr. Charles Kanakis, Director of SAE's Medical Program. The aim of the visit was to inspect the operation of SAE's Medical Program in Ukraine.

During his visit, Athens visited Doniesk and Mariupol where he met with citizens and patients who thanked him for the valuable help offered by the Medical Centers, the announcement said. He also met with Ukrainian officials and Greek Consul General Frangiskos Kostelenos.

The SAE president left Ukraine on Tuesday for the Greek capital where he will attend the 6th World Convention of Pontian Hellenism taking place on July 6-9.

[09] Greece, Cyprus agree to strengthen economic relations

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and his Cypriot counterpart Mihalis Sarris, said they discussed ways to further improve investment climate, to boost bilateral trade, tax and customs issues and enhancing joint business activity in the wider region.

The Greek minister said the meeting also discussed Cyprus' entry in EMU. "We warmly support Cyprus effort to enter EMU," Alogoskoufis said adding that the advantages of entering the euro currency were many but mostly it was ensuring sustainable growth.

The Greek minister said the meeting briefly discussed a bid by the Bank of Cyprus to buy Emporiki Bank, adding that the government was seriously examining all bids.

Sarris said the two countries had an excellent cooperation and expressed his government's intention to further strengthen bilateral relations.

[10] Kazakhstan expresses interest in Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline

ASTANA, 5/7/2006 (ANA-MPA - N. Melisova)

He said that Kazakhstan had expressed a desire to participate in the project, either through a joint venture or by supplying the pipeline with oil from Kazakhstan, during his meeting on Tuesday morning with local Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Baktykozha Izmukhambetov and the chairman of the state oil company KazMunaiGaz National, Uzakbay Karabalin.

Stylianidis noted that the prospect, if agreed, would ensure that the pipeline was both viable and competitive. According to the minister, boosting cooperation with oil-rich Kazakhstan was part of a "strategy of opening toward this rapidly developing country".

He said Monday's agreement sought to pave the way for Greek construction and engineering firms to enter Kazakhstan's market at a time when the country was in the midst of a frenzy of construction to build its new capital city.

Also present at the meeting were the director of the DEP SA-Thraki SA joint venture for the pipeline Christodoulos Dimas and DEP board member Mihalis Myrianthis.

During a meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Kazakhstan Parliament speaker Oral Mukhamedzhanov with MPs in Parliament's Greece-Kazakhstan Friendship group, the Greek minister was also presented him with an invitation from Greek Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki to visit Athens, which Mukhamedzhanov accepted.

The Greek minister also thanked him for Kazakhstan's support of Greek positions concerning the Cyprus issue and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and pledged Athens' support for Kazakhstan's bid for the OSCE presidency, in addition to support the country's efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

[11] Natgas network in Alexandroupoli region by end of 2006

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The 26km-long network will be funded by the 3rd Community Support Framework package.

In its current phase the project includes the construction of network servicing the Avanta industrial zone, several smaller plants, a major hospital, the local university and several hotels.

[12] Greek budget revenues up 14.8 pct in June, yr/yr

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said a 14.8 pct increase in budget revenues in June reflected an 8.8 pct rise in tax agency revenues, a 34.3 pct jump in custom revenues and a 11.3 pct increase in other categories of revenues.

VAT revenues jumped 22 pct in June compared with the same period last year.

[13] No change to retirement age, labor minister says

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking during a press conference to present the results of the Organization for Worker Homes (OEE), the minister nevertheless noted that all political forces should back an extension of working life by limiting early retirement.

He called on all the social partners - trade unions and employers - to take part in dialogue on social insurance reforms and stressed that the government intends to keep to deadlines and present specific figures, while the government arising from the next elections will be called on to make major decisions regarding the pension system.

The minister also praised the performance of the OEE over the past year, while stressing the government's goal for continued improvement to its services.

Deputy employment minister Gerassimos Giakoumatos presented figures concerning the OEE's state-subsidized social tourism program, saying that this would be extended to single mothers and seasonal workers during 2006.

He also noted that the tourism program had been extended throughout the year and new destinations had been added, such as Cyprus and the Saronic Gulf islands.

[14] Development ministry calls on regional services to implement law on third country citizens

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The articles in question refer to the exercising of independent economic activity, the carrying out of investments, providing residence permits for financially independent people and providing residence for the preparation of research programs and to the strict sanctions imposed.

[15] Gov't declines comment on central bank chief's statements

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros merely noted that the government is responsible for planning, ratifying and implementing economic policy.

[16] Banks and employee unions on collision course

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Bank representatives failed to turn up at Tuesday's second consecutive meeting with the directorate of OTOE to negotiate the agreement. OTOE unionists stressed that their intention is to enter a brief and effective negotiation with emphasis being placed on the bank employees' economic claims.

The unionists spoke of "mockery" and attributed the absence of bankers' representatives to "disagreements between banks".

[17] Greece reports steady inflow of foreign direct investments

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The report is based on figures released by the Bank of Greece and follows data published by international organizations.

ELKE said its analysis fully coincided with a recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, although an accurate examination of capital inflows and outflows showed that inflows of foreign direct investments totaled 3.149 billion euros in 2005 after inflows of 3.430 billion euros in 2004.

On the other hand, capital outflows by foreign investors totaled 2.661 billion euros in 2005, from 1.74 billion euros in 2004, reflecting higher repayment of loans to parent enterprises.

Yiannis Anastasopoulos, ELKE's president, said foreign direct investments' inflows continued strong in 2005 with a slight divergence from 2004 reflecting a huge volume of takeovers of Greek enterprises in 2004. Anastasopoulos forecast strong interest this year and a significant inflow of foreign direct investments in the country this year.

[18] European Parliament plenum ratifies 4th CSF operational framework

STRASBOURG, 5/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/O. Tsipira)

The main negotiator on behalf of the European Parliament was Greek Eurodeputy Kostis Hatjidakis, who was also the rapporteur for the "General Regulation of the 2007-2013 Structural Funds."

Out of the total amount, about 20 billion euros will be provided for Greece. 18,270 million from the structural funds and 1,750 through the "Agricultural Orientation Fund."

The report on the General Regulation for the 2007-2013 Structural Funds was ratified with an impressive majority with 533 in favor, 41 against and 53 abstentions.

"Today's vote is only a beginning. We must respond in a positive way to the challenges of the future which are linked to the absorption of funds and the best possible implementation of the budget," Hadjidakis said.

"I believe that the new member-states, as well as the old ones, must avoid the mistakes of the past so as to secure the best possible utilization of available funds. We did not succeed in including a provision on the recycling of funds which are not spent in the budget but we achieved the agreement with the European Commission on submitting the report in 2010, which constitutes an acceptable basis. The substantive challenge for the future is the timely implementation of the new programs," he added.

[19] J&P AVAX SA Company announces contract for energy plant in Cyprus

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The project concerns the construction of a plant of a total capacity of 220 MW in two stages. The first stage will be completed 22 months after the signing of the contract and the second after an additional eight months.

[20] Mobile Information Unit on broadband services

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

It concerns the "OTE on the Broadband" program, whose main message is "make your life easier" and is aimed at training and familiarizing the public with the Internet, particularly with broadband services.

The event on the commencement of the program was attended by Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis, who was given a guided tour of the facility by OTE's President and Managing Director Panagis Vourloumis.

Broadband services are attached to the country's economic and social development, Liapis said, inaugurating the program in question and referring to the infinite possibilities they provide for their user, both in seeking information and in communicating with sound and picture.

However, he admitted that for the public in general broadband services are completely unknown adding that the initiative by OTE "will convey the message of broadband services all over Greece and will highlight the advantages of the speedy Internet that has made our world a neighborhood."

[21] Greek stocks end flat for second day running

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

[22] Fatality caused by ditch in road leads to conviction of ex-mayor, municipal employees

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The victim, 48-year-old Mihalis Korres, was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle after falling into an unmarked ditch on the Vari-Koropi highway in eastern Attica prefecture, east of Athens.

Korres was thrown into the opposite traffic lane, where he collided with an ongoing vehicle.

According to court records, a construction crew sent by the Koropi municipality had dug a ditch in the roadway to repair a water line, leaving it open, however, and unmarked.

A two-year jail sentence was handed down against former Koropi mayor Petros Papagiannnopoulos and municipal employees Ioannis Romas and Panayiotis Grigorakis.

All three defendants, who claimed that they did not know a construction crew had made repairs at the specific site, were allowed to remain free pending appeal. The driver of the other vehicle was acquitted.

[23] 60th Nat'l Convention of Pan-Macedonian Association ends in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

The Pan-Macedonia Association, formed by expatriate Greeks from the northern Greek province of Macedonia, expressed disappointment and opposition to what they said was an "unfortunate" decision by the U.S. government, pointing out that FYROM was attempting to usurp Greek cultural heritage of Macedonia.

FYROM's efforts to become a member of the EU and NATO will be supported only if the term Macedonia or any of its derivatives are not included in the country's official name, according to the US Pan-Macedonian Association declaration.

The association condemns the human rights violations in Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate religious freedom violation while it also calls for the recognition of the genocide of the Greeks from Pontos.

The association also elected its new presiding board made up of reelected supreme president Panos Spiliakos, vice-president Nina Gatzouli, secretary Theodoros Tsokos and treasurer Costas Hatzigeorgiou.

The convention proceedings were attended by Greek parliament deputy and ruling party New Democracy secretary for Greeks abroad Vasilis Pappas, who conveyed a message to participants from Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

[24] Greek football federation appeals for reversal of FIFA suspension

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

In an emergency press conference, EPO president Vassilis Gagatsis stressed that everything now depended on deputy sports minister George Orfanos and estimated that Greece had time, if only marginally, to meet FIFA's final deadline for resolving the problem.

A letter sent by FIFA on Monday and signed by its president Sepp Blatter announced the suspension of Greece's football federation for not meeting "the principles of the FIFA Statutes regarding the independence of member associations and the independence of the decision-making process of the football-governing body in each country".

FIFA's decision was taken after it came to believe that the Greek government would not take action to amend current laws that allow third-party intervention in 'football matters', such as by Greek courts, within a July 15, 2006 deadline.

The international football body also warned that all Greek clubs and officials are now covered by the suspension until the law is amended.

In a statement on Monday night on television, Orfanos pledged that the government will bring an amendment to Parliament that honors an agreement with FIFA to take EPO "outside the state's umbrella" - including a suspension of state funding - but did not disclose the precise wording.

[25] PASOK spokesman criticizes government over European Soccer Federation's decision

ATHENS, 5/7/2006 (ANA)

Athanassakis added that the government "should have taken all necessary measures so that the country would not be ridiculed all over the world," attributing this development to the government's "effort to manipulate all sectors and the soccer sector as well."

Referring to the bill being discussed in Parliament, the spokesman claimed that it has the approval of the prime minister, placing responsibilities on Costas Karamanlis and adding that "it does not solve any problem and discredits the country abroad."

[26] Cyprus satisfied with Papadopoulos - Talat meeting on missing persons

NICOSIA, 5/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

The statement was made Tuesday by Deputy Minister to the President and Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis who noted that a meeting of the two leaders in Cyprus, with the arrival on the island of UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Imbrahim Gambari is not an end in itself and for it to be productive it would have to be scheduled and appropriately prepared.

He said that Monday's meeting between President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat was "surely a positive development which concerns solely the humanitarian issue of the missing".

"We express our satisfaction over this development, which, even with a delay of many years due to the Turkish side's unwillingness to cooperate, now creates credible hopes for a final solution of an issue which its abeyance prolongs the torturous agony of the relatives of the missing persons", the spokesman noted.

Our position is and remains that "exhumations and identifications of remains should be accompanied by sufficient and convincing evidence concerning the fate of every missing person".

"We believe that Monday's meeting, with the anticipated substantial progress on the issue of the missing persons, could possibly help efforts for talks on a technical level", the spokesman underlined, adding that "such a development would contribute not only to creating the necessary good climate but also to prepare the ground for the resumption of substantial negotiations for an overall Cyprus settlement".

Invited to comment on reports that during his talks with President Papadopoulos, Talat accepted the view that an investigation into the fate of the missing should take place and that apart from the exhumations, all evidence on the course which every single missing person has taken should be presented, Pashiardis said that "this was our firm view and also the view of the UN and I hope and believe that the Turkish side will adopt and respond to this position".

Pashiardis also expressed the hope that Talat "apart from verbal declarations will also respond practically".

Asked to comment on reports that during the discussion on the technical committees' issue there was a confirmation of the conflict on the issue between the two sides, Pashiardis said that what is valid is what was agreed in Paris.

He said that if Talat is ready to proceed with what was agreed, this would be an encouraging development, and pointed out that if readiness is interpreted as readiness to discuss only everyday issues, then "Mr. Talat is in conflict with the UN Secretary-General's position who agreed to a simultaneous discussion on issues of substance".

To a remark that the Turkish side claims that it has consented to the UN position, the spokesman pointed out that the "UN position is the one agreed with the President of the Republic during his meeting in Paris with the Secretary General and Talat should respond to this position".

Invited to comment on Foreign Minister Yiorgos Lillikas' view that "we are at point zero", Pashiardis replied that "we are at point zero if we begin from the fact that at this point the Turkish side accepts the view that the technical committees should only examine everyday issues, while our side insists on the simultaneous discussion of issues of substance that concern Cyprus".

To a question that during his stay on the island, Gambari might propose a meeting of the two sides, Pashiardis quoted President Papadopoulos' comments Monday that there is no dogmatic reason for not meeting Talat in Gambari's presence.

"You realize, however, that such a meeting cannot be an end in itself nor can it be pursued to create impressions", Pashiardis underlined, adding that "if such a meeting is substantial and productive, it must be scheduled and appropriately prepared in order to secure some necessary preconditions to prove effective, otherwise it will be a meeting for the sake of meeting and not for the sake of substance".

He reiterated that no such meeting has been scheduled.

[27] Borrell welcomes Papadopoulos-Talat meeting

BRUSSELS, 5/7/2006(CNA/ANA-MPA)

In a statement, Borrell expresses hope that this meeting will signal the start of the process for the resumption of dialogue between the island's two communities.

''This first meeting between the two leaders since the rejection of the UN plan for reunification by the Greek Cypriot community, in April 2004, constitutes an important sign,'' the statement said.

Borrell recalls that during his official visit to the island, last October, he made it clear to the authorities that it was essential that contacts at the highest level were quickly resumed.

''I hope that today's (Monday's) meeting will constitute a first stage in the process of resumption of the dialogue between the two sides. The fact that Mr Papadopoulos and Mr Talat implied that they were ready to meet again in this context is good news,'' he concludes.

Monday's meeting, which lasted over an hour, was the first encounter between the two men since UN-led talks on a UN proposed plan for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus collapsed in March 2004.

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

[28] Cyprus problem cannot be associated with Turkey's EU obligations, says Spokesman

NICOSIA, 5/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Asked about the deadlock on Cyprus, he said that if Turkey is not willing to consent, then the deadlock will continue. He said that bearing in mind that any progress on Cyprus depends on the good will and political will of the two sides, if one of the sides appears unwilling to cooperate, then the deadlock remains, and the Turkish side will be wholly to blame.

Invited to comment on statements by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn that the two leaders of the two communities in Cyprus should use some "sauna diplomacy" to move forward the Cyprus issue, Pashiardes said if such a statement is valid, "then the only thing I can think of is that the leaders of the two communities should intensify their efforts to the point of sweating in order to achieve progress on Cyprus".

"Our side has no problem sweating during such procedure, bearing in mind the high temperatures prevailing in Cyprus. Perhaps the Turkish side has a problem, since all efforts for a Cyprus settlement are based on the rejection of the Annan Plan", he added.

To a remark that what is derived from statements made by Rehn and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is that there is an association of Turkey's EU obligations with some progress on the Cyprus problem, Pashiardes said "for us the two issues are not associated".

"There is no relation between the Cyprus problem and Turkey's European obligations", Pashiardes stated, adding that it is Turkey's obligation to fully implement all the obligations it has undertaken towards the EU, including its commitments towards the Republic of Cyprus".

Pashiardes repeated the Greek Cypriot side's readiness for substantial dialogue on Cyprus, with the precondition that such dialogue will be properly and sufficiently prepared so it will not fail, in order to prove effective and productive".

"This is not just our position, it is the position of the Secretary General himself, who clearly stated that he will be unwilling to undertake any initiative on Cyprus if the necessary preconditions do not exist to prove that any talks on Cyprus will be effective", Pashiardes concluded.

[29] Spokesman: Ankara is undermining efforts to create climate for Cyprus talks

NICOSIA, 5/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

The spokesman said that if this was the view conveyed to Gambari, then the UN official left Ankara disappointed.

"Turkey has every reason to insist on this view. It has however no reason to insist if it really wants and is pursuing a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem", said Pashiades, adding that it seems Ankara "neither wants, nor is pursuing such a solution and the only thing it is achieving with this extreme and intransigent position is to undermine every effort to create a good climate and to prepare the ground for negotiations on Cyprus".

This might not interest Ankara, he said, however it must interest all those who are concerned over Turkey's European course and to open the road that will lead to a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Satisfaction over Monday's developments concerning the missing persons is being overshadowed by statements concerning the Annan Plan that seem to have been conveyed to Gambari, Pashiardes added.

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