Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Turkish-Cypriots reach 5-point agreement in talks with top UN diplomat

[02] Papoulias returns from Iceland visit, satisfied with outcome

[03] Valinakis meets with Ukrainian counterpart Veselovskyi on Rhodes

[04] Dep. FM Stylianidis in Argentina, Brazil this week

[05] PASOK leader criticizes gov't policies at Black Sea Greeks' conference

[06] ND secretary addresses party event on local government elections

[07] Thessaly group backs Souflias amendment over decades-old Acheloos River diversion

[08] Road Safety Week exhibition opens Monday in Thessaloniki

[09] Orfanos: PASOK supported 'smear campaign' in relation to FIFA decision

[10] Papadopoulos says UN chief to help towards settlement

[01] Greek, Turkish-Cypriots reach 5-point agreement in talks with top UN diplomat

NICOSIA, 10/7/2006 (ANA-MPA)

Papadopoulos and Talat agreed during the meeting with Gambari that the technical committees should begin work by the end of July and that the leaders themselves would meet from time to time to review the process.

Gambari told reporters that a number of very important issues were discussed and that the two leaders expressed their commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation solution and on the basis of political equality.

He added that there was recognition of the fact that the status quo on the divided island republic is unacceptable and its prolongation will have negative consequences, whereas a comprehensive settlement is desirable and should not be further delayed.

Gambari said there was agreement that the process should begin immediately involving bi-communal discussions on issues affecting everyday life and comparatively substantive issues.

He noted that there was commitment to ensure that the right atmosphere prevails for this process to be successful.

Gambari, flanked by the two leaders, read out a joint statement to reporters, elaborating the "Set of Principles" agreed upon.

The full text of the joint statement follows below:

'Set of Principles'

1. Commitment to the unification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions.

2. Recognition of the fact that the status quo is unacceptable and that its prolongation would have negative consequences for the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

3. Commitment to the proposition that a comprehensive settlement is both desirable and possible, and should not be further delayed.

4. Agreement to begin a process immediately, involving bi-communal discussion of issues that affect the day to day life of the people and concurrently those that concern substantive issues, both of which will contribute to a comprehensive settlement.

5. Commitment to ensure that the 'right atmosphere' prevails for this process to be successful. In that connection, confidence building measures are essential, both in terms of improving the atmosphere and improving the life of all Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Also in that connection, an end must be put to the so-called 'blame game'.

Decisions:

The Technical Committees on issues that affect the day to day life of people will commence by the end of July provided that, at the same time, the two Leaders will also have exchanged a list of issues of substance and its contents to be studied by expert bi-communal working groups and finalized by the Leaders.

The two Leaders will meet further, from time to time as appropriate, to give directions to the expert bi-communal working groups as well as to review the work of the Technical Committees.'

Greek response

In a later response from Athens, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis called the development very positive and in the direction of implementing the initiatives discussed in Paris between UN chief Kofi Annan and Papadopoulos.

"The full exploitation of new information is now the key, so that negotiations between the two technical committees produce specific results on day-to-day issues, and especially on issue of political significance," she said.

Bakoyannis said the latest development will allow the creation of conditions and prospects for a resumption of "well-prepared" effort under the UN's auspices for a Cyprus solution based on a just, viable and functional manner, "and for the reunification of the Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation".

PASOK

Top main opposition PASOK cadre Christos Papoutsis, meanwhile emphasized UN resolutions, the European Union Treaty and the acquis communautaire.

"The technical committees can develop their own momentum and contribute to a new approach to a solution to the issue of Cyprus on condition that the framework is clear: the UN's resolutions, the European Union Treaty and the acquis communautaire," Papoutsis, who heads the party's foreign policy, security and defense sectors, said.

In a press release, the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) referred to a "positive development", adding that the UN's role is once again proved invaluable.

"We express the hope that negotiations begin as soon as possible and bear results so that the path leading to a solution of the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions opens," the announcement read.

[02] Papoulias returns from Iceland visit, satisfied with outcome

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias returned to Athens Saturday afternoon from an official visit to Iceland, and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the visit.

In his talks with the Icelandic leadership, a further expansion and development of bilateral relations was agreed in the commercial and economic sectors, while an agreement was also signed for the avoidance of double taxation.

"It went very well," Papoulias told reporters who had accompanied him to Reykjavik on the return flight, adding that there was "warm" understanding with Iceland and consequently, good, practical results could result.

The President further said that Iceland was interested in Greece serving as a springboard for the Balkans.

"It is a good thing to have good relations with small countries that are technologically advanced in the field of research," Papoulias said, adding that "Iceland knows what it wants and what it seeks from cooperation with Greece".

Replying to a question on the Cyprus issue and the meeting he is due to have in Athens with Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos, who is due to arrive in Athens on Sunday, Papoulias said "we'll discuss this after the talks".

Papoulias further announced that he would pay an official visit to Germany in September and, later in the autumn, he would continue his series of visits to the Arab amd Mideast countries.

[03] Valinakis meets with Ukrainian counterpart Veselovskyi on Rhodes

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis met here on Saturday with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Veselovskyi on the sidelines of a conference sponsored by the International Centre for Black Sea Studies, which began on the Dodecanese holiday island a day earlier.

Among others, both deputy FMs discussed the ongoing negotiations between the EU and Ukraine over simplifying visa procedures, while Valinakis referred to the significant increase in the numbers of visas issued by the Greek consulate in Kiev, especially in the first six months of 2006.

Ukraine's relations with the Union also dominated talks, whereas both sides referred to the excellent level of bilateral relations.

[04] Dep. FM Stylianidis in Argentina, Brazil this week

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Evripides Stylianidis departed on Sunday for a week-long working visit to Argentina and Brazil, where he will also participate in the 6th environmental symposium in the northwest Brazilian city of Manaus.

The event is held under the auspices of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and supported by the foreign ministry's Hellenic AID program.

Stylianidis scheduled to hold talks with high-ranking government and business leaders in both major South American countries.

[05] PASOK leader criticizes gov't policies at Black Sea Greeks' conference

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Saturday addressed the 6th conference of Black Sea (Pontian) Greeks, taking place in Athens.

Whatever was gained by the Black Sea Greeks who decided to return to the land of their forefathers, they gained due to the policy of the preceding PASOK governments, despite whatever mistakes or omissions made, Papandreou said.

PASOK, he added, had changed the philosophy and policy of restoration, listening to the expectations of the returning Greeks and approving millions of euros in relevant expenditures.

Making a lengthy reference to the policy followed by his party regarding the returning Greeks, Papandreou pledged that PASOK would work decisively with them to resolve matters of concern to them, and accused the New Democracy government of not having taken even one measure to assist the Pontian Greeks, although promising "the moon and the stars".

He accused the government of having halted the housing program for the returning Black Sea Greeks and a number of other "creative efforts" that had commenced under the PASOK governments.

Turning to the national issues, Papandreou said there was a visible lack of strategy on the part of the government, which was leading to serious mistakes and missed opportunities.

Particularly regarding Turkey, the main opposition leader said that initiatives, vigilance and dynamic proposals were necessary, and accused the government of missing two great, historical opportunities: in December 2004, when the EU was deciding if and when it would set a date for commencement of accession negotiations with Turkey, and in 2005, shortly before those negotiations began.

For PASOK, he continued, the Cyprus issue remained an international problem and a problem of occupation, adding that his party would not abandon the efforts for reunification of the island, so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike could fully enjoy the benefits of Cyprus' EU accession.

Papandreou added that all the UN efforts for new initiatives should be encouraged, provided, however, that it was apparent that Turkey also desired a solution of substance.

The PASOK leader also recalled that he had recently undertaken an initiative for the formulation of a new national strategy, on which he briefed the prime minister and the other political parties, as well as President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and former President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The goal, he said, was to formulate a national strategy so that no more opportunities would be lost, and so as to enable the formulation of a region of peace, respect of human rights, and respect of international law.

Commenting on Papandreou's address later, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that the Greek people realized that the PASOK leader "has selected the barren road of popularism", adding that "when he follows this path even on the sensitive national issues, then he himself reveals to all the breadth of the irresponsibility that unwaveringly characterizes PASOK's political word".

[06] ND secretary addresses party event on local government elections

Ruling New Democracy (ND) secretary Lefteris Zagoritis on Saturday said that the party was obliged to wage the upcoming (local government) election battle with the new political ethos and culture established by ND leader and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who clearly outlined the framework of the party's principles.

Addressing an event in Thessaloniki organized by the Constantine Karamanlis Institute of Democracy, in conjunction with the ND policy planning secretariat and local government secretariat, Zagoritis said that the needs of the local societies "have no color", adding that ND would not sacrifice the benefit of the citizens "on the altar of manufactured polarization".

He said that the polarization aspired to by PASOK, through the creation of manufactured tension, "does not concern us, does not touch us, and we do not respond to tactics that are alien to our ethos and political perception".

"We do not respond to PASOK's tactics, which are tactics of defeat".

Zagoritis outlined the work accomplished by the interior ministry with respect to local government, which he said ND "actively supported by eliminating the local governments' debts and creating a modern framework for their operation".

He added that ND dared to make deep changes, such as setting a 42 percent minimum for election of mayors from the first Sunday of local government elections, so as to better express the people's desire in the local societies.

Addressing the same event, Deputy Interior Minister Athanasios Nakos noted that the ministry had settled the local governments' debts, written off the fines and surcharges inherited from the PASOK governments, and 'gave the local governments the opportunity to take out new loans under auspicious terms".

[07] Thessaly group backs Souflias amendment over decades-old Acheloos River diversion

The Thessaly Acheloos Coordinating Committee (PASE) on Saturday said it was totally satisfied with an amendment tabled by environment town planning and public works minister George Souflias regarding the decades-touted and long-delayed diversion of the Acheloos River.

During an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Friday, it was assessed that the move institutionally shielded the project, and that it constituted major progress in the long course of the project.

PASE, which is expected to fully back the Souflias measures for the project, said it would call on political parties and MPs to ask them to vote in favor of the Souflias amendment.

The Acheloos amendment will be followed by the earmarking of 50 million euros in credits for the Gyftoni dam on the Pinios River in Larissa prefecture, which is considered the country's second largest irrigation project, after the Acheloos diversion, according to agricultural trade unions, who welcomed the minister's decision.

Conversely, local officials, MPs and residents of Aetoloakarnania prefecture, to the west, have sharply criticized the planned diversions, charging that water resources will be shifted from their prefecture to Thessaly.

[08] Road Safety Week exhibition opens Monday in Thessaloniki

A Road Safety Week exhibition opens Monday in Thessaloniki, organized by the city's traffic police, in the framework of its efforts to reduce traffic accidents, ease traffic conditions and improve the quality of life of the citizens.

The exhibition, which will run through July 16 at the Traffic Circulation Education Park in Asprovalta, will be inaugurated on Monday evening, and will be open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

The purpose of the exhibition is to inform the public and increase public awareness on road attitude and safety, the smooth circulation of pedestrians and vehicles, correct traffic regulation, prevention of road accidents, and teaching traffic education and safety to pedestrians and drivers, and particularly youngsters.

[09] Orfanos: PASOK supported 'smear campaign' in relation to FIFA decision

Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, the government official at the centre of a mini-furor involving a FIFA decision last week to suspend Greek football teams and interests, on Sunday criticized main opposition PASOK as supporting what he called a "smear campaign" aimed at national interests.

He also maintained that the government's handling of the overall issue which brought it on a momentary collision course with the world football authority, namely, legislation regarding sports federations, was essentially correct.

Orfanos referred to "outside elements" as persuading FIFA leadership to take measures against Greek football interests and the local football federation, EPO or HFF, even though a deadline agreed to by the latter and FIFA had not passed, as he said.

"What is well known and clear is a statement by the president of EPO Vassilis Gagatsis that he himself gave the information to FIFA. Everyone is free to make their own conclusions," he said in reference to the head of the Greek football federation.

[10] Papadopoulos says UN chief to help towards settlement

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Sunday that Cyprus can count on the good intentions and will of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to assist in paving the way for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot president said his meeting yesterday with UN Undersecretary General for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat was a significant step, adding that things will get tougher later on.

He expressed hope that the new opening will have a positive outcome and confirmed that discussions on matters of substance and day-to-day issues would be concurrent.

Referring to his telephone conversation with Annan after Saturday's meeting, Papadopoulos said the UN chief was very satisfied with the result and congratulated both sides.

Papadopoulos expressed certainty that Cyprus could count "on the good intentions and will of the Secretary General to help towards at least paving the way for a solution of the Cyprus problem," adding that it was only natural that Annan would want to leave behind a process that gives hope for a settlement.

Replying to questions, President Papadopoulos said "the tough part is yet to come and the difficulty is focused of course on achieving common positions on issues of substance."

"However, this difficulty and the uncertain result coexist in all talks of this kind and always existed. It is positive that the procedure to prepare for substantive talks has been decided and let us hope that this new opening will have a positive outcome," he added.

Asked about Turkey's EU accession course in relation with the developments in the Cyprus problem, Papadopoulos said they were two separate issues, and pointed out that irrespective of developments, Ankara still had to meet its obligations towards the EU.

Papadopoulos was speaking at Larnaca Airport before departing for Athens, where he will meet with Greek leadership.

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