Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-07-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM to reply to Gruevski letter, goverment stresses

[02] Nimetz meets with Greek negotiator on FYROM name issue

[03] Inner cabinet discusses bill for franchise colleges

[04] FM chairs meeting on expatriates vote

[05] Deputy FM holds talks with U.S. senators

[06] Deputy FM in Washington

[07] Government: promises to fire victims fulfilled

[08] Culture Minister Liapis holds talks in Rome

[09] SYN leader to visit Kalamata on Wednesday

[10] Credit conditions worsened in H1

[11] Home demand slows, report

[12] Absorption rate of EU funds at 85 pct

[13] Greek-Chinese Chamber holds general assembly

[14] Greek investments in FYROM at 1 bil. Euros

[15] Greek stocks plunged 4.15 pct on Tuesday

[16] ADEX closing report

[17] Greek bond market closing report

[18] Foreign Exchange rates: Wednesday

[19] President Papoulias receives actors' foundation chairwoman

[20] Greece's UNESCO ambassador awarded medal by France

[21] Homes burnt as Viotia wildfire spreads

[22] Strong 6.3R earthquake rocks Rhodes, one casualty

[23] 15 Athens schools to operate on photovoltaic power

[24] 99 kilos of smuggled heroin intercepted on Hios

[25] Large group illegals nabbed after entering from Turkey

[26] Cooler on Wednesday

[27] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[28] President Christofias satisfied with meeting with UNSG

[29] UN chief discusses Cyprus in Paris

[30] Belgian Senate calls on the leaders of Cyprus to reunify the island

[01] PM to reply to Gruevski letter, goverment stresses

"I believe we have powerful arguments to reply with, both for the present and the historic future," he added.

The spokesman also announced that the United Nations, which was in any case kept informed of all developments regarding the dispute over the name with FYROM, would be informed of the letter.

Roussopoulos stressed, meanwhile, that an answer to Gruevski's claims of a 'Macedonian' minority in Greece would be given by the government "in the manner and time necessary," using all the elements that needed to be used.

"What matters is the way and the means and the place where one expresses his opinions and replies to issues that are raised. Some issues were raised by FYROM's prime minister. They will be answered. At the same time, there will be a briefing in the framework of the United Nations," he said.

In response to other questions, he called on all sides to have faith in the government's ability to handle the negotiations and defend Greece's interests, noting that conducting such negotiations publicly had historically proved to be the least successful way.

Asked whether the government was concerned that members of the Muslim minority, citizens of FYROM and Cams in Albania were filing legal suits to claim property in Greece, Roussopoulos stressed that Greece has "absolutely nothing to fear from anyone on issues where it knows it is absolutely in the right".

He also pointed out that the Gruevski letter "is the latest in a series of statements by FYROM officials that are unacceptable in their tone and content," adding that each such statement had been answered and that the Greek government protected the interests of the country in every case.

Bakoyannis: Gruevski deliberately undermining talks

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday accused the prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Nikola Gruevski of deliberately trying to undermine the negotiating process underway at the United Nations for a solution to the dispute between Greece and FYROM over the name issue.

"Today, the entire international community now knows that Mr. Gruevski is trying to deliberately undermine the foundations of the negotiation that are being carried out on very specific terms," Bakoyannis said as she emerged from an inner cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

She was commenting on a letter sent by FYROM's premier to Karamanlis the day before, in which Gruevski attempted to insert into the agenda of the talks demands relating to an alleged 'Macedonian minority' whose existence is not acknowledged by the Greek side.

The Greek foreign minister warned Skopje against pursuing this provocative attitude any further, noting that "such extreme nationalism sows wind and reaps a whirlwind".

Papandreou says 'no need to answer" to FYROM PM

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou said on Tuesday that there was no need to give an answer to a letter sent by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) leadership to Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Commenting on a letter sent by FYROM prime minister designate Nikola Gruevski to the Greek premier the day before, in which he attempted to insert into the agenda of the talks demands relating to an alleged 'Macedonian minority' whose existence is not acknowledged by the Greek side, Papandreou, who speking in an interview with the ET3 TV station, Papandreou said:

"I consider that such kind of letters need no answer and, in essence, are letters (sent) in order to create impressions, negative impressions, to provoke a nationalism on both sides of the border, without offering a way out, which exists. There is a way out and we want a way out, we want the solution on concrete bases. A red line which is one, composite, name, with a geographical qualifier for all uses."

The main opposition leader added that "on this basis, there is the United Nations Organisation, there is the possibility of cooperating, something which is in the benefit of both countries. Because I believe that Mr. Gruevski is offering bad services to his country and his people."

Papandreou also referred, in his interview, to current internal political developments.

PASOK rapporteur

Main opposition PASOK foreign affairs rapporteur Andreas Loverdos on Tuesday accused recently re-elected prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Nikola Gruevski of trying to derail on-going UN-sponsored talks between Greece and its northern neighbour on its "name issue", calling at the same time on the Greek government not to answer to a FYROM leadership letter.

Commenting on a letter sent by Gruevski to Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis the day before, in which he attempted to insert into the agenda of the talks demands relating to an alleged 'Macedonian minority' whose existence is not acknowledged by the Greek side, Loverdos said:

"Mr. Gruevski's letter to prime minister Mr. Karamanlis is an attempt to derail the dialogue for the resolution of the name issue, in the framework of the United Nations. At the same time, the provocative style, the inclusion of its content in what he (Gruevski) has supported lately as an eventual representative of so-called minorities in Greece, as well as the action of sending the letter, which in itself creates a problem in the two countries' relations, impose that no answer be sent by our country's prime minister to the FYROM premier and a message be sent to the Skopje leadership, through a letter by the (Greek) prime minister to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon."

"Greece's answer to the provocative move by the FYROM leadership, a move that leads to an impasse, must not contain the slightest element of acceptance of any relevant dialogue," Loverdos added.

[02] Nimetz meets with Greek negotiator on FYROM name issue

The UN Secretary General's special envoy on the FYROM name issue, Matthew Nimetz, met on Monday evening (early Tuesday, Greek time) with Greece's negotiator in the name talks, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis.

No statements were made after the two-hour meeting,w hich took place at Nimetz's office in Manhattan.

In the framework of the ongoing efforts for a name solution, Nimetz met last Thursday with Skopje chief negotiator Nikola Dimitrov and the head of FYROM prime minister Nikola Gruevski's political office Martin Protugier.

[03] Inner cabinet discusses bill for franchise colleges

In statements after the cabinet meeting, Education Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said the government's bill is an attempt to impose order on a previously chaotic sector made up of post-secondary school courses, liberal studies centres and colleges.

He pointed out that this was among the government's pre-election pledges and that it intended to set down strict guidelines and rules for businesses operating in the particular sector.

"Our central goal is a high standard of post-secondary school studies in informal education and a continual monitoring of standards, in order to serve the interests of all students," he stressed.

Announcing that the draft bill would be unveiled in detail on Tuesday afternoon, he said that it was ready to be tabled in Parliament by the end of the week. According to Stylianidis, the draft law took into account both national and European factors, while equally abiding by Community legislation and the Greek Constitution.

He explained that the proposed measures did not contravene article 16 of the Constitution because the "structures" being regulated were not considered to belong to formal education but "informal" education, thereby allowing Greece to harmonize with European legislation and to protect all forms of studies in the country.

The minister further stressed that the new status of liberal studies colleges would not devalue Greece's universities and technological education institutes (TEI) because they were not offering comparable degrees. He pointed out that universities and TEI belonged to higher education, that their role was protected by the Constitution and that they formed a part of the formal education system of the country, unlike the liberal studies centres and colleges.

[04] FM chairs meeting on expatriates vote

"The Greek government has committed itself. We will make every effort in order to have the agreement of all political parties and give the right of vote to a very dynamic part of Hellenism which is entitled to," Bakoyannis said after the meeting, expressing hope that a relevant bill will be tabled in September.

[05] Deputy FM holds talks with U.S. senators

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis held talks here on Tuesday with leading members of the U.S. Congress on issues of Greek interest.

Kassimis, who is currently in Washington to attend the 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress organised by the Archbishopric of America, met with Senator Robert Menendez and House of Representives members Gus Bilirakis and John Sarbanes.

Senator Menendez noted, during the talks, that the understanding for Greece's positions regarding the FYROM "name issue" has increased, following the NATO Bucharest Summit last April and the Greek veto to FYROM's entry into the Alliance, resulting in an increase of the number of senators who co-sponsor a draft resolution in favour of Greece on this thorny issue. The draft resolution was introduced by Menendez and Senators Barack Obama and Olympia Snowe as well.

[06] Deputy FM in Washington

Messages to the congress were sent by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, while Kassimis addressed the opening session.

[07] Government: promises to fire victims fulfilled

He had been asked to comment on protests held in the prefecture of Ileia, one the hardest-hit by the 2007 mega-fires, concerning delays and failure to carry out the measures announced.

Roussopoulos denied that the government had delayed in carrying out the measures, noting that the mayors and prefects of the stricken areas had just the previous week agreed with the measures taken so far. He also pointed out that more than one billion euros was being given for the restoration and improvement of the farm sector in these regions.

[08] Culture Minister Liapis holds talks in Rome

Greek Culture Minister Mihalis Liapis arrived here for talks on combatting antiquities smuggling and closer cooperation between Greece and Italy on cultural issues.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting on Tuesday with Italian counterpart Sandro Bondi, Liapis said they agreed to reinforce bilateral relations in the cultural sector through exchanges and common actions, an agreement sealed by the signing of a relevant cooperation memorandum.

"We will coordinate our efforts in a common front aiming at the protection of our cultural heritage and the return to their country of origin of all antiquities that have been stolen by antiquity smugglers," Liapis also noted.

The two ministers also agreed on reinforcing cooperation regarding theatre, art and cinema.

Liapis announced, on the occasion, the upcoming establishment of a Greek Archeological School in Rome, supported by the Greek government, "which will proceed with excavations and support the joint effort for protection of antiquities."

Italian Culture Minister Bondi will visit Athens in September, while accompanying Italian President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano, and visit the new Acropolis Museum.

The Italian side also expressed its intention to return to Greece the "Palermo fragment", belonging to the Temple of Poseidon, and currently stored in Sicily.

"Our cooperation will cover both the sector of maintenance and fighting against the smuggling of antiquities and other sectors such as fashion and projection of all modern artists," Bondi said.

Earlier, Liapis visited the headquarters of the special Italian police unit for the combatting of antiquities smuggling and was briefed on its scope and mission.

Liapis announced that Greek experts will soon tour the Italian unit.

The Greek minister is due to attend later in the evening an event during which Greek actress Irene Papas will be awarded the "Rome" Prize, at the ancient theatre of Ostia Antica, the first harbour city of ancient Rome.

[09] SYN leader to visit Kalamata on Wednesday

Financial News

[10] Credit conditions worsened in H1

Bounced cheques totaled 47,625, worth 511.1 million euros in the six month period, despite declines of 12.02 pct and 14.99 pct, respectively, in the month of June.

Unpaid bills totaled 9,273 in June, worth 13.6 million euros, for a decline of 7.45 pct and 3.73 pct compared with the same month last year, while unpaid bills fell 6.79 pct and 6.62 pct, respectively, in the first six months of the year.

[11] Home demand slows, report

Addressing a seminar on the outlook of the local real estate market, Mihalos said that according to a recent survey by Deloitte, housing value accounted for 78 percent of Greek households' total portfolio, followed by savings deposits (16 pct) and stock shares (6.0 pct). He noted, however, that despite a government decision to offer significant tax cuts, housing demand has fallen significantly over the last few months, affecting investment activity in the country.

Mihalos said this trend necessitated constant alertness to achieve needed stabilization of the market as soon as possible. He stressed that other real estate sectors, such as commercial property, logistics and holiday homes, enjoyed more favourable prospects.

Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Antonis Bezas said the real estate sector was a significant factor of Greek economic growth, contributing around 23-25 pct of GDP, while A. Karytinos, National Bank's real estate director, said housing prices rose by 5.4 pct last year, compared with a 16.3-pct rise in 2006, while he added that forecasts for the current year are difficult to make because of high uncertainty due to a current international credit crisis.

[12] Absorption rate of EU funds at 85 pct

The European Commission approved -two weeks ago- a Greek demand to extend a deadline of absorbing EU funds from the Third Community Support Framework program until December 31, 2009 -worth 2.0 billion euros- to facilitate programs related with projects to restoring damages from last year's devastating wildfires.

The inter-ministerial commission reaffirmed the consistency of an action plan, approved by the commission on January 17, 2008, covering the Fourth Community Support Framework program (2007-2013) and agreed the need to speed up procedures for the specialization of Business Programs.

The inter-ministerial commission was chaired by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

[13] Greek-Chinese Chamber holds general assembly

"The chamber considers as a positive development activities by a Chinese company in Greece's biggest commercial port, that of Piraeus," Giannidis also noted, adding that prospects for future cooperation between Greece and China "are enormous and yield mutual benefits".

Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas referred to a recent official visit to China by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and the "particularly successful business trip to Beijing and Shanghai, during which all entrepreneurs accompanying the president were enthousiastic on prospects of cooperation."

"We are all good customers of Chinese products, while Greek shipowners have placed commands at Chinese shipyards amounting to 20 billion dollars. Therefore, relations are very strong," he added.

The chamber's board hosted a dinner, at the end of sessions, in honour of Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan and other embassy officials.

[14] Greek investments in FYROM at 1 bil. Euros

The two-day symposium-partenariat, which began the same day, falls within the framework of the Community Initiative Iterreg III.

Around 280 Greek businesses are active in FYROM, while more than seven of the 20 biggest compnies in the country are Greek, Makrandreou added. 28 per cent of these are active in the banking sector, 25 per cent in the energy sector, 17 per cent in telecoms, 15 per cent in the idustrial sector, 10 per cent in the food industry and 5 per cent in other sectors.

[15] Greek stocks plunged 4.15 pct on Tuesday

All sectors moved lower with the Banks (5.49 pct), Food/Be-verage (5.23 pct), Technology (4.99 pct), Telecommunications (3.80 pct) and Personal/Home Products (3.76 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The FTSE 20 index for blue chip stocks dropped 4.68 pct, the FTSE 40 index fell 2.36 pct and the FTSE 80 index ended 2.38 percent down. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 228 to 30 with another 26 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -1.60%

Industrials: -2.46%

Commercial: -1.62%

Construction: -3.08%

Media: -1.60%

Oil & Gas: -3.33%

Personal & Household: -3.76%

Raw Materials: -2.85%

Travel & Leisure: -1.67%

Technology: -4.99%

Telecoms: -3.80%

Banks: -5.49%

Food & Beverages: -5.23%

Health: -3.22%

Utilities: -1.80%

Chemicals: -2.80%

Financial Services: -2.85%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 17.42

ATEbank: 2.07

Public Power Corp (PPC): 19.94

HBC Coca Cola: 16.26

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.26

National Bank of Greece: 25.60

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 13.70

Intralot: 8.86

OPAP: 22.60

OTE: 14.68

Piraeus Bank: 16.80

Titan Cement Company: 21.26

[16] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 12,171 contracts worth 105.093 million euros, with 33,619 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was 42 contracts worth 838,258 euros with 122 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 8,676 contracts worth 9.814 million euros with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (1,192) followed by Marfin Investment Group (369), OTE (1,069), Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (439), Piraeus Bank (670), National Bank (570), Alpha Bank (691), Intracom (775) and ATEbank (341).

[17] Greek bond market closing report

In money markets, interest rates were unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 5.38 pct, the six-month rate was 5.14 pct, the three-month rate 4.96 pct and the one-month rate 4.46 pct.

[18] Foreign Exchange rates: Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.611

Pound sterling 0.801

Danish kroner 7.519

Swedish kroner 9.569

Japanese yen 168.82

Swiss franc 1.619

Norwegian kroner 8.101

Canadian dollar 1.610

Australian dollar 1.641

General News

[19] President Papoulias receives actors' foundation chairwoman

Fonsou briefed the president on the activities and plans of the foundation for actors.

[20] Greece's UNESCO ambassador awarded medal by France

Ambassador Anastassopoulos is the only Greek and the only Permanent Delegate to UNESCO to be included in the list of honorary distinctions awarded by the French State, in recognition of the services he has offered as president of the UNESCO General Conference.

[21] Homes burnt as Viotia wildfire spreads

The fire brigade said that the fire had spread toward the village, heading southwest, fanned by winds of medium intensity and burning through an expanse of scrub and pines.

Much of the fire-fighting force has been diverted to help save the village and is ranged between Panakton and the main front of the blaze.

Further reinforcements were sent in from Attica, with 11 aircraft, three helicopters, 51 fire-engines and 140 fire men, a 143-man force on foot now battling the flames, while further forces continued to arrive from other areas.

Also ablaze is the region of Koxare in the municipality of Finikas in Rethymno, Crete. Scattered blazes were burning through short vegetation along the road toward Koxare village, with one helicopter, 11 fire-engines and 30 firemen deployed to battle the flames.

[22] Strong 6.3R earthquake rocks Rhodes, one casualty

The earthquake was recorded at 6:26 a.m. in the sea area south of the Dodecanese island of Rhodes, 445 kilometers east of Athens.

The trembler, which was also felt on the eastern coast of Crete, on Santorini and Samos and other surrounding islands, sent local residents fleeing to the streets.

There were no initial reports of damage, apart from a minor landslide on the Lardou-Pylonas provincial road on Rhodes, which was immediately cleared by municipal crews. Several power cuts that also ensued after the quake were also immediately restored.

Dodecanese Prefect Yiannis Machairas said the quake had been strongly felt, and had duration, while Rhodes Mayor K. Hatziefthimiou said it had been strongly felt.

A woman in the town of Massares, Archangelos municipality, on Rhodes was killed when she struck her head on the stairs as she was fleeing her home after the quake.

The woman was rushed immediately to the Archangelos Health Center after the accident, but was reported dead on arrival (DOA).

[23] 15 Athens schools to operate on photovoltaic power

Kaklamanis commended Development minister Christos Folias, Mousouroulis and their associates for their efforts to create a cleaner, more citizen-friendly environment.

The mayor referred to the protocol of cooperation signed by the Ministry of Development and the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) concerning the "iSave" programme, the aim of which is to encourage municipal organizations to conserve energy.

He noted that, with the support of the Centre for Renewable Energy Resources, 15 City of Athens schools will operate on photovoltaic power starting this school year, as part of the municipality's endeavour to make Athens greener, more environmentally-friendly and pleasanter for citizens and visitors alike.

[24] 99 kilos of smuggled heroin intercepted on Hios

Both of the vehicles had arrived on the islands via ferry boat from the opposite Turkish coast.

[25] Large group illegals nabbed after entering from Turkey

The large group of illegals was initially detected in a remote region near the Turkish border in the early morning hours, with border guards tracking the group with night-vision scopes. The illegals boarded the truck in the early afternoon on Tuesday, without detecting nearby authorities.

According to statements by the illegals, they were ferried across the Evros River onto Greek territory from Turkey by two migrant smugglers, at a cost of 3,000 to 5,000 US dollars a piece.

The 28-year-old truck driver was arrested on migrant smuggling charges, as well as charges linked to the possession of 3.5 grams of heroin.

The driver and the illegal immigrants are due to face a local prosecutor in the city of Alexandroupolis.

Weather Forecast

[26] Cooler on Wednesday

[27] The Tuesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "The crisis bringing down the prices - Discounts of up to 70 percent on the market in staple goods", in the sales period that opened on Tuesday and will run through August 31.

APOGEVMATINI: "Shameless provocation by Gruevski - Effort to disengage FYROM from the impasse it has entered into over the name issue", adding that Gruevski attempted to raise a 'Macedonian minority in Greece' issue and called for return of property to individuals who after the civil war in Greece moved to the area that is now FYROM, in an underground effort to divert the name issue talks to other matters, and noting that the Greek side returned a harsh response.

AVGHI: "Unemployment among youth a 'black hole' - Running at 20.4 percent in April".

AVRIANI: "Outburst by judges over the political parties attempting to manipulate and terrorize Justice in order to avert the prosecutions".

CHORA: "You took the money, but nothing works - Letter/document by (deputy public order minister under the first New Democracy government, which took over the government just five months ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens) Markoyiannakis to SAIC, 1 1/5 years after the Games", noting that this revealing document proving the inefficiency of the (PASOK) Simitis government is brought to light by Chora, adding that the Markoyiannakis letter to SAIC-Siemens demanded, in an austere tone, the immediate delivery of the C4I security system (which had been ordered and paid for, for the Athens Games).

ELEFTHEROS: "Antio-Greek manifesto by Gruevski - The entire provocative letter of the FYROM prime minister to Karamanlis".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Provocative Gruevski letter to Karamanlis - Skopje undermining the name dialogue".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "OTE vulnerable to phone tapping - Explosive report by the Organization's internal control service".

ESTIA: "Miserable picture of politics - Citizens manifest their aversion".

ETHNOS: "Unprecedented demands in Gruevski letter to Karamanlis".

KATHIMERINI: "Skopje dynamiting relations with Greece".

LOGOS: "Letter/provocation from Gruevski - Bomb on the (UN-brokered FYROM name) negotiations".

NIKI: "The trains, too, will go to private concerns - They (government) dissolving the Hellenic Railways (OSE)".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Cosmote acquisition of Germanos scandal - No tolerance for the system and the graft-takers".

TA NEA: "Vourloumis (OTE managing director) wants to come out on top - Not a word about the overpricing".

TO VIMA: "Gruevski provokes - Puts forward 'Macedonian minority' issue - Brazen letter by FYROM prime minister to Greek premier - Tough reply by Karamanlis".

VRADYNI: "OTE, everyone against everyone - The political clash hits 'red' over the Germanos buyout".

Cyprus Affairs

[28] President Christofias satisfied with meeting with UNSG

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his readiness to set under the UN auspices the new process aiming to the solution of the Cyprus problem, and to create the preconditions for its success without arbitrations and strict time frames, President of the Republic Demetris Christofias stressed.

Speaking Monday night at Larnaca airport, on his arrival from Paris, where he participated at the EU Summit for the Mediterranean, President Christofias said that the UN role in the process for a solution of the Cyprus problem will be auxiliary, and that the solution will come from the Cypriots and not from outsiders.

"The European leaders and heads of states and governments in our region have expectations," regarding the new process aiming to the solution of the Cyprus issue, he added.

Referring to the meeting, he held in Paris with the UNSG, President Christofias assured that Ban has highly appreciated the effort being made right after Christofias election to the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus.

President Christofias also pointed out there was a common understanding with the UNSG, that this time, considering the bitter experiences of the recent past, the solution must come from the Cypriots and not from outside.

"This is something very important, which I believe the Secretariat and the Secretary General will observe until the end", President Christofias stressed, adding that he was very satisfied with the meeting with the UNSG.

Replying to a question, President Christofias said that the National Council would convene before his meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on 25 July 2008.

Christofias and Talat will meet for the fourth time since Christofias' election to the presidency in February 2008, to review the progress achieved by the working groups and technical committees on various aspects of the Cyprus question, including territory, governance, the economy and property. The leaders will decide whether to start direct negotiations.

President Christofias also referred to the meetings he held in Paris with the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad and the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

He noted that he has been invited by the Syrian President to pay an official visit to Syria, in order to discuss and solve some problems created between the two countries, and to further strengthen their relations.

Referring to the EU Summit for the Mediterranean, President Christofias pointed out that the Summit was successful since the Union for the Mediterranean, aiming to the promotion of peace and cooperation, was established.

"This cooperation can be achieved by joint programmes relating with projects for the climate changes, and the production of energy," the president said, and concluded: It is an effort "to bring people closer, in order to solve the problems that afflict the region for a long time, like the Palestinian and the Cyprus problem".

Euro- Mediterranean Heads of States and Government decided to launch last Sunday "The Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean" with a view to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an enhanced framework of multilateral cooperation.

[29] UN chief discusses Cyprus in Paris

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who attended the Paris summit for the Mediterranean, met on Monday with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner, with whom he discussed various issues, including the Cyprus problem.

Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary General Farhan Haq said on Monday, during a briefing in New York that on the sidelines of the summit the UN Secretary General met with a number of heads of state and government, including President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem.

''The Secretary General discussed Cyprus in his meeting with Demetris Christofias, and noted that he would meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, in Berlin'' on Tuesday, Haq said.

Haq added that, in closing remarks at the summit, the Secretary General spoke of the need for common solutions to political issues in the Mediterranean basin, and ''noted encouraging signs in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, in Gaza, in Lebanon and in Cyprus.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[30] Belgian Senate calls on the leaders of Cyprus to reunify the island

The Belgian Senate plenary approved Monday a resolution, calling the two communities in Cyprus to reunify the island.

The resolution tabled by Senator Phillipe Monfils and approved by an overwhelming majority (54 in favour, 4 against, 4 abstentions) requests the Belgian Government to encourage the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus to implement the July 8 2006 agreement, urging the parties and countries involved to contribute to the developments and maintain the climate of reconciliation, trust and mutual respect and to avoid any statement which could harm the on going constructive dialogue.

It also encourages the international organizations to be vigilant so no foreign power could affect the ongoing negotiating process and calls on these organisations to take the necessary sanctions if necessary.

The Belgian Senate also notes with satisfaction UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's appointment of Alexander Downer as his Special Adviser on Cyprus, recalling that in his report dated December 3 2007 Ban stated that ''I'm convinced that the responsibility for finding a settlement lies on the Cypriot themselves.''

The draft resolution was tabled by Monfils on July 2007 and was debated by the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, which had separate briefings by Cyprus Ambassador to Belgium Constandinos Eliades and Turkish Ambassador F. Tanley. The draft resolution was tabled to the Senate plenary on July 1.

An amendment proposed by Ceder Jurgen calling the EU to suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey until Ankara withdraws its occupying forces from Cyprus was rejected with 52 votes against and 4 in favour.

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