Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-12-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM announces measures for riot-stricken businesses

[02] Chamber: 50 mln euros in damages

[03] PASOK development rapporteur on government market measures

[04] Premier Karamanlis meets with Athens mayor to discuss relief measures

[05] Sixteen arrests in Athens on Tuesday, 25 foreign nationals arrested for possession of looted items

[06] Eight charged for rioting, looting in Thessaloniki

[07] Officers that shot teen testify before magistrate

[08] Two special guards involved in pupil killing remanded in custody

[09] Thessaloniki Univ. faculty to consider extensive damage to campus

[10] Police union refers to 'negative climate' for force

[11] Papandreou addresses int'l media forum

[12] PASOK spokesman on latest developments in country

[13] PASOK leader postpones visit to Serres

[14] Papariga addresses KKE-affiliated union gathering

[15] Interview with SYRIZA parliamentary spokesman Yannis Dragassakis

[16] Parliament's findings in Vatopedi probe on Monday

[17] Justice minister, FinMin discuss justice issues

[18] Greece donates one million dollars for refugees

[19] Unions hold rally, 24-hour strike

[20] EU action to protect savings deposits

[21] EU Commission to probe Cassandra mines sale in 2003

[22] Greek exports up in Oct., imports slide

[23] Statistics released on wholesale, industrial production, vehicle trade turnover

[24] Coca Cola Greek Bottling Company announces bond issuing

[25] Greek stocks end slightly lower

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond market closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange rates: Thursday

[29] Human Rights Day message by Interior Minister Pavlopoulos

[30] Greek frigate sets sail for EU's Somalia mission

[31] Illegals intercepted aboard Italy-bound lorries

[32] Rain on Thursday

[33] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[34] President: EU experts team on Cyprus under Barroso's responsibility

[35] Christofias: Talat's stance does not promote a Cyprus settlement Politics

[01] PM announces measures for riot-stricken businesses

"The rioters, through their actions, have once again proved that their only inspiration is destruction; that their target has always been social tranquillity, legality and Democracy itself. For this reason they are isolated," the prime minister said.

He underlined the government's determination to assist the victims of the violence, for the most part small and medium-sized enterprises that were already reeling from the impact of the global economic slowdown.

"We will not only entrench a feeling of security for all citizens but help all businesses that have suffered damages. Help them stand on their feet. Keep their staff. Work without problems during the upcoming holiday season," Karamanlis said.

The measures announced by the prime minister included an immediate relief payment of 10,000 euros for SMEs, a state grant of 50 percent of certified damages between 10,000 and 200,000 euros and subsidised 15-year loans for the remaining 50 percent of certified damage that will be guaranteed by the state and will also be available to firms that do not belong to the above two categories.

In addition to the above, he said that the government would arrange for 15-year loans on favourable terms to restore damaged buildings, five-year loans on favourable terms for working capital, a three-month suspension for stricken businesses of their outstanding debts to tax offices, social insurance funds and banks, in addition to other tax relief measures, and the payment of salaries, Christmas bonus payments and social insurance contributions for the employees of all businesses unable to operate until Dec. 20.

Karamanlis said that red tape for those seeking compensation would be kept to a bare minimum, while the applications would involve few supporting documents and have to go through a three-member committee made up of a member of the local chamber of commerce, the local merchants' association and the economy and finance ministry.

The prime minister stressed that the government was responding to the challenges of the times and the "cries and whispers of demagogues and populism" with acts of "responsibility and real substance" producing tangible results.

"We walk the path of national responsibility. We call all the political forces of the country to walk alongside us, all social bodies, all citizens," he said, concluding his statement.

On his part, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis later chaired a meeting of other relevant ministers to focus on implementation of the premier's announced measures, with representatives of chamber and professional groups also in attendance.

Labour Minister Fani Palli-Petralia said the annual holiday bonus and monthly salary will be paid directly to employees via the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED).

In also announcing tax breaks, Alogoskoufis promised a minimum of bureaucratic procedures for the affected business owners.

[02] Chamber: 50 mln euros in damages

Some 37 businesses were completely destroyed, with owners individually reporting damages ranging from 5.5 million euros to 500 euros.

Specifically, extensive damage was caused to 16 banks, two supermarkets, 40 large stores and department stores, along with 374 medium and small-sized stores, three movie cinemas and theatres.

Looters mostly targeted mobile phone shops, computer stores, and stores selling clothing and footwear, electronic products, jewelry, eyewear, etc.

Conclusions of the damage assessment conducted by the chamber were delivered to Economy & Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis for immediate compensation towards the businesses, something the chamber said will ensure that the 2,500 employees of the ransacked stores do not join the unemployment rolls.

[03] PASOK development rapporteur on government market measures

"However, what even the last Greek citizen realises is that it is a question of a government that is completely irresponsible, incompetent and dangerous to be holding the country's helm in its hands," he said.

"Unfortunately, however, not even these (measures) will restore the huge economic blow received by the commercial world of the capital and of other urban centres of the country in the past days. And this is so because the government may have done the self-evident regarding those businesses that experienced small or great damage due to the vandalisms but it is not saying a word, however, about the incalculable damage sustained by the commercial world in its entirety only a few days before the Christmas period," Chrysohoidis added.

[04] Premier Karamanlis meets with Athens mayor to discuss relief measures

In statements to the press after the meeting, Kaklamanis explained that the wounds were two-fold. The first category concerned the material damages in the streets of Athens and building facilities, while the second cateogry was the financial devastation of the merchants of Athens' historical center but also its environs.

Regarding the city's infrastructures, Kaklamanis said that he was already in contact with interior minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, adding that the problems would be solved so as to make the city accessible once again.

Concerning the Athens merchant community, Kaklamanis said he requested of the prime minister the announcement, "as early as today, if possible", of economic relief measures and proposed "a substantial relief loan, interest-free, with a grace period of at least two years and a repayment period of at least 10 to 15 years, that would be comensurate with the destruction they have suffered" in the riots.

Asked whether the merchants would take judicial recourse against the State over the devastation, Kaklamanis said that this was a matter that concerned the merchants themselves and their unions, adding that "we, as the Municipality, have from the very first moment stood at their side and will continue to do so until all the shops reopen".

He appealed to all Athens residents, as well as the residents of the entire Attica prefecture, to help in this effort.

Kaklamanis further announced that the Municipality's holiday program would commence on Wednesday night with the lighting of the Runner sculpture in front of the Athens Hilton, while early next week Syntagma Square would be ready to begin its holiday events.

The holiday program, which was due to be launched last Sunday, was suspended by the municipality after the teen's shooting to after the funeral, which took place on Tuesday, but four consecutive nights of violence and vandalism by hooded troublemakers, including the burning of the city's traditional Christmas tree in Syntagma Square, caused a delay in the commencement of the events.

"Often, from such disasters, a flower of hope springs up. This city needs a smile, it wants hope. We will give it that, because that is the fate that Athens must have. We will safeguard its history, its cultural heritage, the properties of our fellow-citizens and, above all, the human lives," Kaklamanis said.

[05] Sixteen arrests in Athens on Tuesday, 25 foreign nationals arrested for possession of looted items

Four of the detainees are charged with violence against police officers -- in which seven policemen were injured, and the other 12 are charged with looting damaged shops.

Further, 25 foreign nationals were arrested earlier Tuesday in police raids after quantities of items looted from shops in central Athens during Monday night's rioting were found in their possession.

[06] Eight charged for rioting, looting in Thessaloniki

One of those standing trial in the police court is a Greek accused of throwing stones at police, who was charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and insurrection, while a 20-year-old Georgian national was accused of attempted theft, in addition to resisting arrest and disturbing the peace. The remaining three adults, one of them a woman, were also charged with attempted theft after they tried to remove mobile phones and accessories from a shop they had broken into.

The three minors, aged 12, 14 and 15, were also charged with theft for attempting to take phones from the same mobile phone shop.

Another 13 individuals arrested for looting during Monday's rioting in the city will be tried by a police court on Thursday afternoon.

[07] Officers that shot teen testify before magistrate

One of the two 'special guards' involved in the incident, a 37-year-old father of three, faces charges of murder and illegal weapons use, while his 32-year-old partner has been charged as his accomplice.

Shortly before they began to give their testimony, their lawyer Alexis Kouyias leaked information to the press regarding the as-yet incomplete ballistics report on the bullet that killed the unlucky teen, claiming that this pointed to the shooting being accidental.

The lawyer said the initial findings of the ballistics examination showed the event was a "misunderstanding" and that "the tragedy was the result of the officer's action to shoot in the air". Kouyias told reporters that the bullet appeared to have ricocheted before hitting the highschool student.

"The bullet is flattened on one side and the point of entry into the student's body is from above going down," he said.

[08] Two special guards involved in pupil killing remanded in custody

The 37-year-old accused of homicide claimed in his testimony that he "fired two warning shots in the air, being together with his colleague in a state of fear since they had been attacked with stones, pieces of wood and other items by a group of 30 anarchists."

[09] Thessaloniki Univ. faculty to consider extensive damage to campus

The university's campus and buildings have over the past few decades been used as a "sanctuary" and "assembly point" by self-styled anarchists and "anti-state" activists engaged in pitch battles with riot police.

The meeting will seek ways to protect the institution's facilities after the latest damages caused aby vandals targeting the buildings housing the law school and the philosophy and mathematics departments.

Other buildings also suffered extensive damage following an arson attack at daybreak.

[10] Police union refers to 'negative climate' for force

In an announcement, the police union stressed that it had taken part in Wednesday's protest march and rally organised by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the civil servants' union ADEDY, saying it took part in all struggles by working people in support of greater labour rights and better living standards.

"For years we have also fought, often with painful repercussions for ourselves, to make the police force democratic and oust attitudes and beliefs reminiscent of other eras," the announcement added.

"Despite the disastrous blow that we also have suffered, as we also try to now pick up the pieces caused by the horrendous criminal action and the unjust loss of a 15-year-old student, we are obliged to continue our struggle for the democratisation, modernisation and re-orientation of Greek Police, as society itself demands with our youth at the forefront," the announcement concludes.

POASY is one of several unions representing police officers and law enforcement in the country.

[11] Papandreou addresses int'l media forum

Speaking before an audience of 150 foreign media representatives, Papandreou said the country was going through difficult times, in reference to the police shooting death of a 15-year-old that sparked urban riots.

Papandreou told delegates that they should convey to their countries the will of the Greek people for democracy, justice, humanity and prosperity and not only the images of death and unacceptable violence.

He also stressed that Greece is ready for a developmental model based on the so-called "green economy" as well as the introduction of reforms in governance, adding that "we are ready to guarantee media independence and the separation of powers."

[12] PASOK spokesman on latest developments in country

Papaconstantinou also placed responsibility on the government "for the murder of the 15-year-old pupil, the indignation of citizens that has spilled over, its inability to protect them, the policies that have led to desperation and marginalisation and for policies that have fostered violence."

The spokesman also said that the measures announced by the prime minister to relieve businessmen harmed were the self-evident obligation of a law-abiding state, but noted that "the blow for the economy had already been great and it has become even bigger with the destruction in question."

[13] PASOK leader postpones visit to Serres

[14] Papariga addresses KKE-affiliated union gathering

"These mass mobilisations, ones that are decisive and guarded, with a heightened neo-popular presence, show the path and content of the popular counter-attack for the rights of the working class, the popular strata and youth, against the attack by big capital, the EU and its political parties," she said.

[15] Interview with SYRIZA parliamentary spokesman Yannis Dragassakis

Referring to the State budget, he stressed that the economic crisis will be more intense next year, underlining that the budget that has been drafted for 2009 is not dealing with the problems. He highlighted the absence of public investments and the unemployment risk and suggested the adoption of a new developmental model..

As regards the political developments, Dragassakis underlined that the rising popularity of main opposition PASOK party is due mostly to the damage suffered by the government, but added that PASOK is not regarded as trustworthy.

Commenting on the way police operates, he questioned the adequacy of the training of special guards.

He compared the recent rioting in Greece to similar phenomena witnessed a short while ago in Paris, pointing out that an entire generation was expressing its anger because it feels marginalized, with no future or employment opportunities.

"The global crisis has accelerated developments in Greece due to the existence of an already problematic economic model," Dragassakis said, adding that the state budget proposed will deepen and speed up the crisis because it does not include measures aimed at boosting investments and limiting layoffs and unemployment. He stressed that low incomes have to be supported and suggested the introduction of a special allowance in view of the Christmas holidays.

On the Vatopedi Monastery-state land swap scandal, Dragassakis stated that he had tabled the first relevant question in Parliament back in 2003 and stressed that the State does not protect state property. He said that institutions, rationale and mentality have to change, adding that SYRIZA, after evaluating all facts, will decide whether it will support a likely proposal by PASOK to set up a parliamentary preliminary examination committee on the case.

[16] Parliament's findings in Vatopedi probe on Monday

The announcement said that the final text would also list the views of any party taking a different position from that reached by the majority.

During Wednesday's session, MPs discussed proposals by the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) to open the accounts of former minister George Voulgarakis and his wife Aikaterini Peleki - the notary that drew up the contracts for the land swap deals - to investigate rumoured transactions involving some 5.5 million euros during the time that the land swaps were taking place.

LAOS MP Athanassios Plevris specified, however, that he had no information that the transactions were linked to the affair.

The proposal was accepted by representatives of the other opposition parties, while the spokesman for ND Fevronia Patrianakou said that the former minister and his wife should be asked to clarify whether the monastery deposited sums in their accounts but disagreed with the proposal for an official request to open the accounts, saying that this would be "criminalising the political life of the country".

MPs also decided to send the Bank of Greece report on the movements of bank accounts belonging to the monastery and its companies to the authority against money-laundering.

[17] Justice minister, FinMin discuss justice issues

The two ministers agreed on the opening of the drug addict inmates rehabilitation centre in Kassandra, in Halkidiki, that had been founded in 1999 but had not yet opened due to the lack of staff.

The inclusion of all the medical and treatment staff of hospitals of the Justice ministry in the National Health System (ESY) for the upgrading of medical treatment for all inmates, with the provision of necessary credits.

The increase of necessary organic posts for judicial functionaries and posts of justices of the peace. The increase in the above posts can take place gradually and over a period of two years.

[18] Greece donates one million dollars for refugees

Greece has donated one million US dollars as a contribution to the work carried out by the UN's High Commission on Refugees.

This was announced Tuesday by Greece's permanent representative at the UN, Amb. Frangiskos Verros, while addressing a special conference of donors to the High Commission.

Verros also underlined Greece's "particular sensitivity regarding the drama of refugees" expressing at the same time the country's full support to their relief and rehabilitation.

Financial News

[19] Unions hold rally, 24-hour strike

Addressing protesters, union leaders stressed that the government policy has to change, inviting wage-earners and civil servants to hold a rally outside Parliament on the day the state budget will be voted on.

The shooting death by police of the teenage boy in central Athens last Saturday was also roundly condemned.

[20] EU action to protect savings deposits

Savings deposits in European banks are guaranteed by Directive 94/19/EC, which is aimed at ensuring banking sector stability by introducing a harmonised 20,000-euro minimum pan-European deposit guarantee.

The EU Council also referred to coordinated efforts made to restore confidence in Europe's banking sector and to ensure the smooth operation of the financial sector to avoid a more widespread crisis.

[21] EU Commission to probe Cassandra mines sale in 2003

The European Commission on Wednesday said that it has opened an in-depth inquiry into the sale of the state-owned Cassandra Mines to the company Ellinikos Xrysos in 2003 for the sum of 11 million euros.

The investigation into the terms of the sale was begun under EC Treaty state aid rules, namely to decide whether the sale constitutes illegal state aid, after an international minerals industry consultant estimated the market value of the mines at 408 million euros, or 35 times the price of the sale, in June 2004.

"We have to make sure that no hidden advantage was granted to Ellinikos Xrysos at the expense of Greek taxpayers and that Greece acted like any private vendor would have when selling these public assets," said Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes regarding the investigation.

The Commission is acting on a complaint that the sale of the mines amounted to illegal state aid, received in July 2007.

An announcement by the Commission said that it had reached a preliminary conclusion that Greece sold the Cassandra mines, which quarry gold and copper, without an open, transparent and unconditional tender for a price far below its market value. There are also questions regarding a tax waiver involved in the sales contract and a reduction of applicable legal fees in favour of Ellinikos Xrysos.

The Commission notes that EU state aid rules require that interventions by public authorities in companies carrying out economic activities can be considered free of aid if they are made on terms that a private player operating under market conditions would have accepted (the market economy investor principle). It adds that its investigation will seek to check whether the state acted as a market economy vendor when selling the mines.

[22] Greek exports up in Oct., imports slide

According to figures released by the National Statistical Service (NSS) on Wednesday, total exports in the 12-month period between November 2007 and October 2008 increased by 2.6 percent, in comparison with the corresponding period between November 2006 and October 2007.

In terms of imports, the figures for the same time period showed a 1.9-percent decrease.

[23] Statistics released on wholesale, industrial production, vehicle trade turnover

ESYE said that the turnover index for wholesale in the third quarter of 2008 against the second quarter of 2008 declined by 8.4 percent, compared with a 9.3 percent reduction in the third quarter of 2007 over the second quarter of 2007.

Also, the car and motorcycle trade, maintenance and repair turnover index and retail trade of fuels and lubricants fell by 1,8 percent in the third quarter of 2008 over the correspnding quarter of 2007.

Further, the general industrial production index posted a 4.5 percent decline in October 2008 against the corresponding month in 2007, compared with a 0.3 percent increase in October 2007 against October 2006.

[24] Coca Cola Greek Bottling Company announces bond issuing

The bond, that offers a 7.875 percent performance bond, has attracted about two billion euros in bids by interested investors and has been distributed among an extensive and differentiated span of them.

The bond will be issued by Coca Cola HBC Finance BV and Coca Cola Tria Epsilon and Coca Cola HBC Finance plc will be placed as guarantors. The bond will be submitted for negotiating at the London Stock Exchange.

[25] Greek stocks end slightly lower

Most sectors moved lower, with Mass Media (2.80 pct), Utilities (2.57 pct) and Constructions (2.26 pct) posting the biggest gains of the day, while Chemicals (4.39 pct), Banks (3.82 pct) and Healthcare (2.87 pct) recording losses.

The FTSE 20 index fell 1.43 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.55 pct higher and the FTSE 80 index rose 1.09 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 120 to 81 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -1.94%

Industrials: +0.26%

Commercial: -1.24%

Construction: +2.26%

Media: +2.80%

Oil & Gas: -1.84%

Personal & Household: -0.80%

Raw Materials: +0.90%

Travel & Leisure: +0.76%

Technology: -2.31%

Telecoms: +2.08%

Banks: -3.82%

Food & Beverages: +1.67%

Health: -2.87%

Utilities: +2.57%

Chemicals: -4.39%

Financial Services: -2.14%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OPAP, OTE and PPC.

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

Alpha Bank: 6.28

ATEbank: 1.49

Public Power Corp (PPC): 12.50

HBC Coca Cola: 11.42

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.48

National Bank of Greece: 13.40

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 5.70

Intralot: 3.12

OPAP: 21.20

OTE: 12.76

Bank of Piraeus: 6.40

Titan Cement Company: 13.08

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved lower. The 12-month Euribor rate was 3.56 pct, the six-month rate 3.46 pct, the three-month rate 3.37 pct and the one-month rate 3.06 pct.

[28] Foreign Exchange rates: Thursday

U.S. dollar 1.302

Pound sterling 0.880

Danish kroner 7.509

Swedish kroner 10.651

Japanese yen 120.73

Swiss franc 1.571

Norwegian kroner 9.201

Canadian dollar 1.642

Australian dollar 1.982

General News

[29] Human Rights Day message by Interior Minister Pavlopoulos

"True democracy can face its enemies only by guaranteeing human rights and not through the imposition of restrictions," he stressed.

[30] Greek frigate sets sail for EU's Somalia mission

The Greek warship will be accompanied by three naval support aircraft.

The Hellenic Navy will assume command of the Euro force on Dec. 13, following the frigate's expected arrival in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Hellenic Navy Cmd. Antonios Papaioannou, who held a press conference aboard the frigate on Wednesday morning in the port of Piraeus, is the EU Force commander. The operation is commanded by British Navy Rear Adm. Phillip Jones. The mission's operations command centre is located in northern London.

[31] Illegals intercepted aboard Italy-bound lorries

Coast guard and harbour corps officials are continuing investigations.

Weather Forecast

[32] Rain on Thursday

[33] The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Hard-core hooded troublemakers executing orders - Explosive statement by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga" after being briefed by prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday on the situation prevailing.

APOGEVMATINI: "Enemies of democracy - Prime minister directly accuses those causing violence and vandalism".

AVGHI: "Radical change, with the youths and the working people - Alavanos (SYRIZA Coalition of the Radical Left parliamentary alliance leader, after being briefed on the situation by Karamanlis) intervention on the political impasse".

AVRIANI: "Citizens take matters into their own hands in Patras and Larissa - They chased off the hooded troublemakers and saved their properties, taking the place of the police".

CHORA: "Burnt souls - Unprecedented lack of authority in Greece".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Terror hits maximum - Dark present, black future for the country".

ELEFTHEROS: "SYRIA 'caressing the hooded indivudials' - KKE leader openly 'fingers' Alavanos".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Our democracy is self-destructing, because it abused the right of freedom and equality, because it taught the citizens to see audacity as a right, illegality as a freedom, the people's audacity of speech as equality, and anarchy as bliss (Isocrates, 436-338 BC)".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Karamanlis called for consensus from the political leaders but...they pointed him to early general elections".

ESTIA: "Political irresponsibility - Everyone looking to party benefit".

ETHNOS: "Resignation (of the government) and solution with (early general) elections - PASOK, SYRIZA point the way, with elections".

KATHIMERINI: "The country at an impasse - Disagreements inside the government as well".

NIKI: "Greece hits rock bottom - Prime minister and government are non-existent".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Intensification of the popular action, through organization and safeguarding of the struggles - Militant call to people and youth".

TA NEA: "Government and ELAS (Greek Police) on verge of collapse - Fourth night of molotov cocktails (home-made fire bombs) and destruction".

TO VIMA: "The 36 critical hours - Clashes and destruction continued for fourth day throughout the country - Defusion (of the tension), or extreme police measures".

VRADYNI: "They are enemies of democracy - Message of national unity and isolation of the hooded troublemakers, from the prime minister".

Cyprus Affairs

[34] President: EU experts team on Cyprus under Barroso's responsibility

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said on Wednesday that the EU team which will be created to give its expertise on issues of a Cyprus solution concerning the EU acquis communautaire will be under EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's responsibility.

President Christofias and Barosso agreed, during a meeting they had in Brussels last September, that before the talks on a Cyprus solution enter discussions on EU issues concerning the implementation of the EU acquis communautaire in the area which is now occupied by Turkish troops, EU expertise will be requested.

Replying to a question, before his departure for Brussels, whether there is a possibility for Commissioner Rehn to be appointed as an EU Coordinator on the Cyprus problem, Christofias said that no such reference was made in a letter he received from Barroso.

''The letter I received after my request to the Commission President Barroso does not say such a thing,'' the President said.

He noted that ''Barroso required Rehn's assistance to create a team which, when necessary, will give its expertise on EU issues relating to the solution of the Cyprus problem,'' adding that "the team will be under Barroso's responsibility and none other.''

Cyprus, an EU member-state since 1974, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks between President Christofias and Talat started on September 3 with a view to find a mutually agreed settlement of the problem.

[35] Christofias: Talat's stance does not promote a Cyprus settlement

Cyprus President Demetris Christoifas has said that as long as Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat is handling issues concerning the Cyprus question awkwardly, without respecting the Republic of Cyprus and the basis on which the Cyprus question can and should be solved, he does not gain anything.

He added that it is Talat's right to be tough and intransigent, adding however, that Talat's stance does not promote a settlement of the Cyprus question.

In statements Wednesday at Larnaca airport, before leaving for Brussels where he will attend the European Council meeting, and invited to comment on the meetings Talat had in Brussels with EU officials, Christofias said he had no information about what issues Talat might have raised during his meetings.

He added that "as long as Talat handles things awkwardly, without respecting the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, without respecting the basis on which the Cyprus problem can and must be solved, he does not gain anything."

He said that the only thing, which Talat has gained from European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and his other EU interlocutors, is their reserved stance towards him and their positive feelings towards the Republic of Cyprus. He added that Talat does not create positive impressions about himself or his community.

Recalling a speech, which Talat delivered on October 1 before the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Christofias said that Talat referred to the past and what he said was unacceptable.

He added that "we on our part want to look ahead. I called on Talat to look ahead, to be constructive as we are, because I don't consider him as an enemy or as an opponent with whom we will fight," he added.

He noted that "as compatriots we represent the two communities of our country", adding that the expectation, wish and will of every decent

Cypriot who lives on the island and abroad, either Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot is the settlement of the Cyprus question.

Referring to his visit to Brussels, Christofias said that among the issues to be discussed are the issue of energy, the ongoing financial crisis and the measures, which the Commission has promoted, as well as issues of defence and security.

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