Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-04-30

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis, President Putin on signing of South Stream agreement

[02] Karamanlis and Putin discuss energy cooperation

[03] Development minister on Greek-Russian talks

[04] PASOK spokesman on Greece-Russia energy agreement

[05] EU FMs sign Stability, Association accord with Serbia

[06] UN mediator Nimetz to hold separate meetings with Greek and FYROM representatives

[07] Greece, Bulgaria sign cross-border agreements

[08] KKE delegation visits Cuba

[09] Agriculture minister to tour northern Greece

[10] Ecumenical Patriarch sees 'hope' in Turkey's European prospects

[11] New fares on public transport from next month

[12] PASOK spokesman comments on European Commission report

[13] Minister announces improvements to Kalamata harbour

[14] Eurobank Properties reports 23 pct increase in Q1 net profit

[15] OA flights cut back to one per destination on May day

[16] Greek stocks end 1.5 pct higher

[17] ADEX closing report

[18] Greek bond market closing report

[19] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[20] Composer Tokas to be buried on Wednesday

[21] Eurobank branch in Kifissia robbed over Easter

[22] Ring of bank robbers busted

[23] Police break up card-cloning ring

[24] Horse racing marathon to save Lake Koronia

[25] Greece submits candidacy to host 2014 World Basketball Championship

[26] Greek Cypriot side patient with Turkish positions, says President

[27] Socialist International welcomes new Cyprus process

[01] PM Karamanlis, President Putin on signing of South Stream agreement

The visit to Moscow by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the signing of the agreement on the South Stream natural gas pipeline confirms the strategic relation between Greece and Russia, according to statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Karamanlis after their meeting and their working luncheon on Tuesday.

"Greece's options in the sector of energy have as their exclusive criterion the energy security of our country and of our European partners, through the mutually beneficial cooperation between suppliers, transporters and energy consumers," the prime minister said.

Referring to the agreement on the South Stream natural gas pipeline, he said that "it is one of the most important projects for the countries of southern and central Europe and it is part of the strategy of diversifying the course of natural gas. With these facts, Greece considers the construction of infrastructures based on conditions of increasing demand for gas as being very positive."

Focusing on Greece in particular, Karamanlis said that the South Stream is of vital importance for the Greek energy market, given that high growth rates and the need to end dependence on oil create a greater need for gas.

Asked to comment on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the prime minister said that "the issue of the name of FYROM is not a psychological or a sentimental one. It is an exclusively political problem and the pending issue deals a blow at relations of good neighborliness and conditions of stability in the wider Balkan region. Greece is pursuing a solution that will be mutually acceptable, viable, comprehensive and workable and which will apply to all and will bear the seal of the UN Security Council. We hope that the political leadership of Skopje will respond to our sincere desire for a compromise, brushing aside nationalist logics and conceptions of the past."

He further expressed his conviction that Russia, in its capacity of a UN Security Council permanent member, will make every possible effort to secure the full implementation of UN resolutions and values.

On the question of Kosovo, the prime minister said that Greece's position had always been achieving agreed solutions and not the creation of faits accomplis. As regards recognition of the new situation, Greece will be taking its decisions after a detailed examination of all the developments.

Referring to his Moscow visit and talks Tuesday, Karamanlis said that "the meeting (with President Putin) has a very symbolic significance and confirms the excellent personal relation between us, the strategic nature of the relations of the two countries and our commitment to strengthen these relations even more in the future."

He spoke of his personal relation with President Putin, saying that "I acknowledge in his person a very reliable interlocutor and partner who has played a leading role in the strategic upgrading of the relations of the two countries."

He also stressed that the substantive foundations for the two countries' relations are close historic bonds, common interests and neighboring views on many issues.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ways of expanding cultural relations on the occasion of 2013 being proclaimed "Russia Year" for Greece and "Greece Year" for Russia. They also discussed ways of strengthening economic cooperation in the sectors of investments, tourism and construction.

On his part, President Putin said that the visit will contribute to the further development of the two countries' relations, adding that they held talks on a wide circle of issues of both bilateral and international concern.

The two leaders also paid special attention to energy plans that include the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline and the South Stream natural gas pipeline.

The Russian President said that the aim is for us to increase the energy security of the Balkans and of Europe and stressed that "we discussed specific ways of deepening the traditionally good relations of the two countries. We discussed Kosovo as well as the issue of Cyprus. The positions of the two countries are close and both favor the observance of principles of international law."

Speaking about energy policy, he said that "the implementation of the South Stream does not mean that Russia is opposed to other energy plans, if there are other options for energy resources we shall be pleased."

Commenting on the close relation between Greece and Russia, he said that "the energy plans that require considerable investments and have an economic result also have a political importance and lead to the upgrading of the role of the country participating. As regards its energy policy in Europe, Russia has various options, it chose, however, to promote the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline and the South Stream through Greece. We are aware that competing companies and countries will try to prevent and delay the project, presenting economic and political agruments. We shall work with seriousness to implement our plans."

Replying to a question on the United States, President Putin said that "if Greece wanted neckties or underwear it could purchase them from Italy or China. But when it is a question of energy resources the countries that can offer can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Russia's proposal is the most beneficial one, both from a qualitative and an economic point of view."

On the question of Kosovo, President Putin said that his position is known. He said he was against faits accomplis and in favour of agreed solutions. The unilateral declaration of independence "is not fair and it is not based on principles of international law."

Addressing western officials, President Putin said that he "cannot term some people freedom fighters an term others who do the same thing terrorists."

Karamanlis, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos and Development Minister Christos Folias, also met with newly-elected Russian Federation President Dmitri Medvedev.

[02] Karamanlis and Putin discuss energy cooperation

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was received by outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday for a meeting that highlighted strategic relations between Greece and Russia in energy cooperation. Karamanlis is currently in Moscow for a working visit.

"The invitation that you extended to me, at what is for you an emotionally charged time, underlines the strategic relations between our countries and the friendship that binds them," Karamanlis said in statements made after meeting Putin in the Kremlin, referring to the Russian president's imminent departure from the presidential office on May 7.

He said the talks with Putin had reviewed the very good cooperation between Greece and Russia in recent years, while adding that they would "lay the foundations for further dynamic cooperation in all areas".

In addition to bilateral issues, Karamanlis said that he and Putin had also exchanged views on international affairs.

According to the Greek premier, the Russian president had made an invaluable personal contribution to developing ties with

Greece and bilateral relations would continue to deepen at the same rate after Putin assumes his new position as Russia's prime minister.

Putin referred to the important energy projects being carried out in collaboration with Greece, noting that "this cooperation is very important and will contribute to the energy security of Europe and of Greece".

He commented on the economic ties between the two countries, saying that the overall turnover in trade transactions approached three billion dollars.

The Russian president added that the two countries placed special emphasis on environmental issues and were in constant contact over international affairs.

"We rely on the positive role that Greece has always played in relations between Russia and Europe," Putin said at one point.

The Russian leader stressed that Karamanlis will also be meeting his successor Dmitri Medvedev and emphasized that he was handing over the presidency against a background of major growth for the Russian economy and a stable political situation domestically.

"Our bilateral relations will continue to improve," Putin added, expressing certainty that the new Russian president would prove a "good and reliable partner".

"I know that you monitor relations between Greece and Russia very closely and you can be sure that these will continue along the same lines in the future," he concluded.

Medvedev will be assuming his duties officially on May 7, while the next day the State Duma (Lower House) will be expected to ratify the presidential proposal and elect Putin prime minister.

According to the Kremlin programme, the meeting with Karamanlis, who is expected back in Athens on Wednesday, was among Putin's last with foreign leaders in his presidential capacity.

[03] Development minister on Greek-Russian talks

The mutual desire for closer cooperation between Greece and Russia in the electric power sector was expressed by the two countries' delegations during the enlarged talks held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in the Kremlin on Tuesday.

This was stated to Greek reporters by Development Minister Christos Folias, who said that "all the energy issues are open" and that "on a short-term basis, we are also interested in the transportation of electric power from Russia to Greece and on a medium and longterm basis whatever other sector."

According to the Greek minister, the issue of cooperation in the electric power sector had been entered in the agenda of talks last December, during the Greek prime minister's previous visit to Moscow, and it was raised again during his talks in the Kremlin on Tuesday.

On the question of the progress regarding the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, Folias said that the aim of the Greek government is for "there to be something specific before 2008", meaning a specific timetable that will also allow the companies interested to see "their investment producing results as soon as possible."

As regards the inter-state agreement on the procurement of Russian natural gas, the development minister said that its validity will cover Greece until 2016, with the possibility of an extension until 2026, while the Greek side desires coverage until 2040 or even more.

[04] PASOK spokesman on Greece-Russia energy agreement

Papaconstantinou further said that "the overall text will show what the benefit expected for Greece will be" and stressed that "whatever policy diversifies energy supply sources and reduces the country's dependence on one source is welcome," while noting that this is the policy that "had been applied by PASOK and is the European Union's policy".

PASOK's spokesman also called on the government to state how it secures electric power adequacy "when for the fifth consecutive year not even one megawatt has been added to the country's energy capacity while, on the contrary, we are having rate increases of at least 25 percent."

[05] EU FMs sign Stability, Association accord with Serbia

European Union foreign ministers signed the Stability and Association accord with Serbia here on Tuesday, while Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis backed Greece's positions at the General Affairs Council.

Speaking after the Council's session, Valinakis said that with this decision "we are sending a positive message to the people of Serbia for their European future and Serbia is coming closer to Europe and to Greece today."

He further said that "our country played a leading role in promoting the European prospects of Serbia and it had submitted timely, months ago, specific proposals in this direction," adding that "we welcome, therefore, today's decision, since it undoubtedly constitutes a historic step in the country's course towards the EU."

Valinakis also said that he had the opportunity of speaking to the partners of the significance of further strengthening the EU's relations with Russia and of the need for a new reinforced agreement, on a wide framework of issues, including energy matters and the visa issue with the aim of further facilitating the tourist flow to the EU and to Greece in particular.

[06] UN mediator Nimetz to hold separate meetings with Greek and FYROM representatives

The UN mediator for the Greek-FYROM name talks, Matthew Nimetz, will have separate meetings in New York on the FYROM name dispute with the representatives of Greece and FYROM, ambassadors Adamantios Vassilakis and Nikola Dimitrov respectively.

According to a UN statement, Nimetz will hold informal consultations on Tuesday with ambassador Dimitrov to be followed by a meeting with ambassador Vasilakis on Friday.

[07] Greece, Bulgaria sign cross-border agreements

Greek Deputy Interior Minister Panagiotis Hinofotis and Bulgarian Interior Minister Mikhail Mikov signed two cross-border agreements in Sofia on Tuesday.

The first concerns the creation of a joint "Contact Centre" and the exchange of information and the second the making of joint cross-border inspections from joint installations on Greek territory.

The new Bulgarian interior minister stated that the agreements will strengthen cooperation between Greek and Bulgarian police and described as "significant" the fact that the first agreements of international cooperation, which he signed, are with Greece.

On his part, Hinofotis, in a press conference, referred to the importance of the two agreements saying that these "contribute to the fullest not only to the security of the borders but also of the broader region."

He further stressed that what prevails in the agreements "are the exchange of information, cooperation for the combating of organized crime and other forms of crime, the confrontation of human trafficking and illegal immigration."

[08] KKE delegation visits Cuba

Within the framework of the visit that will last until May 4, the Greek delegation will have meetings with Cuban government and Communist Party officials, visit educational institutions and research centers and meet with workers.

[09] Agriculture minister to tour northern Greece

The minister will represent the government at the 186th anniversary of the Naoussa Massacre on Sunday and then inaugurate a breeding centre for Greek sheep dogs at Agrapidia in Amyntaios in Florina prefecture on Monday.

[10] Ecumenical Patriarch sees 'hope' in Turkey's European prospects

Turkey's European prospects raised hopes for a better future, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said on Tuesday, while noting that "nothing specific" had been seen for the time being.

"Neither has [the Theological School on] Halki re-opened nor has there been any settlement of the problem with the property of our Communities, our Churches and our Foundations, despite the passing on a new law on vacouf properties," he pointed out.

At the same time, he added, "Europe always reminds [Turkey] of its obligation to respect minority rights, especially religious freedoms, to respect human rights in general."

Bartholomew was speaking to a group of pilgrims from the northern Greek prefecture of Kilkis, led by Kilkis Prefect Evangelos Balaskas.

Financial News

[11] New fares on public transport from next month

According to the Athens public transport organization OASA, all one-journey tickets will be abolished from May 1 and replaced by combined-transport tickets, whose cost will actually be reduced from 1.00 euro to 0.80 euros.

This extends to discount fares, which will be abolished and replaced by a discount 'combined-transport' ticket costing 0.50 euros that is valid for 90-minute journeys on all means of public transport.

The new fare system will be accompanied by a reduction in monthly travel cards of all types. The current 17.50-euros monthly card for buses, trolleys and tram will go down to 15.00 euros and the equivalent discount card will be reduced from 8.80 euros to 8,00 euros.

The monthly travel card that is valid on all means of public transport including the metro will be reduced from 38.00 euros currently to 35.00 euros, while the discount-fare card will be reduced from 19.00 euros to 18.00 euros.

From May 1, commuters will also be able to obtain the newly introduced monthly travel cards for use on the ISAP electric railway only, costing 25 euros (13 euros discount fare), as well as the metro-only monthly cards valid up to Koropi, costing 30.00 euros (15.00 euros discount fare).

Prices for yearly travel cards will not change until January 1, 2009.

Tickets bought at the old prices will continue to be valid until the end of August.

The OASA announcement also clarified that the new 90-minute tickets must be stamped by a ticket machine when a passenger begins the first stage of their journey in order to be valid. If the journey has not been completed before 90 minutes have expired, the holder must then stamp the ticket a second time, on the opposite end from the original stamp.

The fine for not having a valid ticket has been set at 60 times its original price.

[12] PASOK spokesman comments on European Commission report

Referring to the finance ministry's announcement, according to which "the predictions confirm the dynamism of the economy," he wondered which precisely was the report read by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and added that the truth in the report shows an "upsurge in high prices, a recession in competitiveness, record deficits in the balance in the region of 16 percent and the derailment of the budget."

The spokesman called on the government to back the purchasing power of households and to take action that will support real investments and an increase in productivity and "to stop accounting alchemies."

Referring to the issue of high prices, Papaconstantinou said that it is the dominant problem for the Greek family. He spoke of recent increases and made special reference to increases in public transport which, as he said, "will reach up to 150 percent".

[13] Minister announces improvements to Kalamata harbour

The minister said that 812,000 euros had been approved by the environment and public works ministry for improvements to the west quayside during a visit to Kalamata over Easter to brief the president of the Messinia Port Fund Nikolaos Tzannes, so that he might carried out the actions necessary for a tender on the project to begin in collaboration with Messinia prefecture, which has the oversight of the project.

[14] Eurobank Properties reports 23 pct increase in Q1 net profit

The company said pre-tax profits totaled 13.71 million euros, from 10.96 million in the corresponding period last year, for an increase of 25 percent, while leasing proceeds jumped 42 percent to 8.89 million euros over the same period.

Eurobank Properties said that after completion of a share capital increase plan, worth 323 million euros, it has invested 82.43 million euros in the Greek market and 43.57 million euros to repay its debt obligations.

[15] OA flights cut back to one per destination on May day

[16] Greek stocks end 1.5 pct higher

Most sectors moved higher with the Oil (4.60 pct), Financial Services (4.51 pct), Healthcare (2.43 pct) and Banks (2.17 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains, while Commerce (0.58 pct), Telecommunications (0.53 pct) and Technology (0.02 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE 20 index rose 1.99 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 1.30 pct higher and the FTSE 80 index ended 0.24 percent up. Progressive (17.39 pct), Maillis (11.24 pct) and Betanet (9.72 pct) were top gainers, while Nikas (8.07 pct), Informer (7.58 pct) and Levenderis (7.02 pct) were top losers. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 157 to 84 with another 40 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.08%

Industrials: +1.49%

Commercial: -0.58%

Construction: +2.09%

Media: +1.65%

Oil & Gas: +4.60%

Personal & Household: -0.85%

Raw Materials: +1.83%

Travel & Leisure: +1.18%

Technology: -0.02%

Telecoms: -0.53%

Banks: +2.17%

Food & Beverages: +0.74%

Health: +2.43%

Utilities: +0.34%

Chemicals: +0.35%

Financial Services: +4.51%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Bank of Cyprus and Alpha Bank.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 21.34

ATEbank: 2.76

Public Power Corp (PPC): 26.50

HBC Coca Cola: 29.00

Hellenic Petroleum: 9.98

National Bank of Greece: 33.86

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 19.40

Intralot: 12.76

OPAP: 24.70

OTE: 18.60

Titan Cement Company: 28.60

Marfin Popular Bank: 5.50

[17] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 5,523 contracts worth 57.932 million euros, with 30,047 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 60 contracts worth 1.467 million euros with 232 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 11,594 contracts worth 17.558 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's contracts (5,340) followed by Marfin Investment Group (833), OPAP (328), National Bank (571), Intracom (431), Marfin Popular Bank (598), Mytilineos (915), Hellenic Postbank (356).

[18] Greek bond market closing report

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates were mixed. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.10 pct, the two-day rate 4.22 pct, the one-week rate 4.27 pct, the one-month rate 4.42 pct, the three-month rate 4.90 pct, the six-month rate 4.91 pct and the 12-month rate 4.99 pct.

[19] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.569

Pound sterling 0.795

Danish kroner 7.521

Swedish kroner 9.432

Japanese yen 163.02

Swiss franc 1.628

Norwegian kroner 8.043

Canadian dollar 1.590

Australian dollar 1.684

General News

[20] Composer Tokas to be buried on Wednesday

The Cyprus Embassy in Athens announced that it had opened a book of condolences for Tokas at the 'House of Cyprus' at 10 Irakleitos Street in Kolonaki, central Athens, which will remain open until 20:00 on Tuesday and between 10:00 and 20:00 on Wednesday.

Tokas had an illustrious career in the Greek music scene that included several hits sung by Greece's most popular singers, but also symphonic works like "Theogennitor Maria" that was performed in Vienna in 2002 and the setting of poetry by several Greek authors to music, including original, previously unpublished poetry by Yiannis Ritsos. He also wrote music for children, theatrical performances and film scores, while in his early years he was very politically active and held benefit concerts to raise money for refugees in the wake of the invasion of northern Cyprus by Turkey.

His contribution was later given official recognition by the Cyprus state, which awarded him a medal for "exceptional contribution to the country", the highest medal awarded by Cyprus, while in 2002 he was awarded the Yiannos Kranidiotis prize.

The family has requested that, in lieu of wreaths, donations be given to the humanitarian organisation "Doctors Without Borders". This can be done viat credit card at the number 210 5200 500 (Donations Department) or by depositing sums in the following bank accounts:

Alpha Bank: 104-002786-014420

ATEBank: 435-01-001400-33

National Bank of Greece: 080/480847-95

Emporiki Bank: 83658835

Eurobank: 0026.0215.41.0100065050

Piraeus Bank: 5011-013626-464

PM Karamanlis on composer Tokas's death

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis made the following statement on the death of Greek Cypriot composer Marios Tokas:

"Marios Tokas left important legacies in the history of contemporary Greek music. His talent and the quality of his character established his reputation in Greece, Cyprus and the centres of World Hellenism. His untimely loss causes deep sorrow to all who loved his songs. I extend to his family my sincere condolences."

The funeral of Tokas, who died at dawn on Easter Sunday, will take place at the Athens 1st Cemetery on Wednesday at 15:30. The funeral will be held at the expense of the Cyprus Republic and will be attended by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.

Papandreou, Papariga

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga extended condolences on Tuesday to the family of Greek Cypriot composer Marios Tokas who passed away at dawn on Sunday at the age of 54.

Papandreou said in a statement, among other things, that "Marios Tokas was a consistent worker. A distinguished composer. An artist with character and civility. He is leaving considerable work behind which is acknowledged by all."

Papariga said in her message to Tokas's family "I extend my warm condolences to you on the premature death of Marios Tokas. The people of Greece, as well as of Cyprus, will remember his noble image and his inherent talent."

[21] Eurobank branch in Kifissia robbed over Easter

The robbers entered through a window at the back after first disabling the alarm and cracked the safe using a drill. They removed an as yet unspecified amount of money from the safe, as well as removing alot of valuables stored in safe deposit boxes.

An investigation is being carried out by Attica Police.

[22] Ring of bank robbers busted

The ring members are accused of robbing 26 banks, two Hellenic Post branches and an electronics store and also of being involved in 23 motorcycle thefts in the prefectures of Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, northern Greece, amounting to 678,913 euros.

Police arrested two of the ring members last February in a bank robbery attempt in Perea, Thessaloniki, while a third was identified and arrested after authorities viewed CCTV footage recorded by the bank security cameras.

Another gang member was shot dead last January when a special guard opened fire during a Hellenic Post branch robbery in Kolonos, Athens, while two individuals are still wanted.

An investigation is underway by Thessaloniki police to determine if more people are involved.

[23] Police break up card-cloning ring

A Central Macedonia Region police headquarters announcement said that the ring consisted of three people from FYROM aged 37, 36 and 28 years old. They were arrested as they attempted to cross the Greece-FYROM border in a private car after the 37-year-old was found hidden in the boot of the car.

It was later discovered that there were outstanding international warrants for the arrest of all three foreign nationals issued by Interpol in Germany and Italy, on charges of forming a criminal organisation and credit card fraud.

The Central Macedonia Police Inspector Stergios Apostolidis told the ANA-MPA that the three had operated in various European countries since 2005 but the exact amount that they succeeded in obtaining through fraud was unknown, nor whether they managed to fraudulently extract money while in Greece.

The group operated by placing scanners into the slots of bank ATMs, as well as second keyboards over the real ATM keyboards, which they used to create card clones.

Also found in the boot of the car were a portable PC, keyboards and various ATM components, as well as 11 credit cards, documents and other items.

[24] Horse racing marathon to save Lake Koronia

The event is held in order to raise public awareness about the ecological crisis at Lake Koronia and ways of alleviating its repercussions.

Roughly 100 horses will participate in the 28km-long horse endurance race on Sunday.

The initiative was undertaken six years ago when "pollution was so severe that our horses refused drinking water from the lake or even cross it," said a local resident and horse owner.

The event is seen as a last-ditch effort to sensitize people to the environmental crime being committed at Lake Koronia and is hosted by the Langada local authority, the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace and the Hellenic Equestrian Federation.

Lake Koronia is facing a serious ecological crisis due to pollution from agricultural and livestock run-off and from industrial effluents, which has resulted in a high concentration of toxins that is compounded by declining water levels due to inadequate rainfall and unseasonally high temperatures in recent years.

Sports

[25] Greece submits candidacy to host 2014 World Basketball Championship

Candidates for the same competition, which will be the 17th in a row in the history of the institution, are up to now seven countries and specifically Spain, France, Denmark, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Italy.

Cyprus Affairs

[26] Greek Cypriot side patient with Turkish positions, says President

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said on Tuesday that the Greek Cypriot side was being patient with the dogmatic positions of Ankara, repeated by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, on the Cyprus problem.

He added that such remarks do not contribute towards creating the necessary atmosphere for the successful outcome of work undertaken by working groups and technical committees, which have been set up to deal with various aspects of the Cyprus problem.

In statements on the sidelines of the 4th International Congress of Cypriot Studies, President Christofias said his upcoming encounter with Talat is not a formal meeting but would take place in the context of a social event organised by the Embassy of Slovakia in Nicosia.

Asked about his expectations regarding the working groups and technical committees, Christofias said their work had just begun and pointed out that Turkish remarks did not facilitate that work.

''We will support principles for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem,'' he said and pointed out that an agreement should be based on ''the high level agreements, agreements reached, UN resolutions and international law,'' which provide for a bizonal bicommunal federation.

President Christofias said although he could not predict anything, he was optimistic and hoped that Talat would work in the same way so that ''this optimism bears fruit.''

Replying to questions, President Christofias said ''the situation in Turkey and the forces that prevail regarding the Cyprus problem appear to be promoting dogmatic and unacceptable positions, which unfortunately are repeated by Mr. Talat.''

''We have a lot of patience but at the same time our patience is combined with the defense of principles for a Cyprus settlement,'' he concluded.

Since Christofias' elections to the presidency, in February this year, a fresh attempt has begun to help find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus. Joint bicommunal groups have been set up to deal with various aspects of the Cyprus question with a view to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations, leading to a solution that will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

[27] Socialist International welcomes new Cyprus process

The Socialist International has welcomed the renewed process for a Cyprus solution and expressed its commitment to contribute to efforts for reunifying the island, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The Mediterranean Committee of the Socialist International, which convened in Beirut 25 and 26 April, issued a declaration in which it "welcomes the renewed talks in Cyprus between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in the framework of the UN and its decisions, to prepare the future negotiations for a reunified island".

"We commit ourselves to contribute to that process", the declaration adds.

According to a press release by the Cypriot Social democrats Movement EDEK, the party was represented at the meeting by Marcia Alexaki, Vice Chair of the SI Committee and Lefteris Markides, member of the EDEK International Bureau.

The International Socialist meeting, presided by Alexaki, was attended by Lebanese party leaders, members of the Lebanese Council of Ministers, representatives of thirteen Mediterranean political parties, the Secretary of the European Socialist Party and a representative of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament.

On the sidelines of the meeting, General Secretary of the Socialist International Luis Ayala and Alexaki, heading a ten-member delegation, held a series of meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, the Patriarch of Lebanon and the President of the Lebanese Parliament.

36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE * TEL: 64.00.560-63 * FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr * e-mail: anabul@ana gr * GENERAL DIRECTOR: GEORGE TAMBAKOPOULOS

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