Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece contributes dynamically to consolidation of Europe's energy security, PM Karamanlis says

[02] Greece, Bulgaria sign memorandum on energy

[03] Defence Minister Meimarakis visits the United States

[04] Supreme Court's Sanidas on Vatopedi; PASOK criticism

[05] PASOK: Sanidas undermining democratic institutions, Parliament

[06] Sioufas refuses PASOK call for action over Vatopedi case

[07] PASOK leader says Socialists struggle for different growth model

[08] Papandreou addresses PES rally in Toulouse

[09] Deputy FM Kassimis in Syria

[10] Markoyiannakis, Pakistani envoy discuss illegal immigrants

[11] French envoy to visit Syros next week

[12] Farm minister urges EU support for livestock breeders

[13] PASOK economic spokeswoman on state loan needs

[14] ROM TELECOM buyout investigation being extended

[15] Greek mutual funds' assets down 10.36 pct in 2009

[16] Greek trade deficit down 41.9 pct in February

[17] Greek stocks end 1.08 pct higher

[18] ADEX closing report

[19] Greek bond market closing report

[20] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

[21] Deputy Interior Minister in New York for the 5th Avenue parade

[22] Armenians organise rally and march

[23] Observational astronomy event in Piraeus

[24] Armed robbery against security van

[25] Police dismantle gang behind burglaries, robberies

[26] Thessaloniki bus targeted by unknown shooter

[27] Youth encourages group suicide through Internet

[28] Flower show in Thessaloniki

[29] U.S. consulate closed on April 29

[30] Cloudy, rainy on Saturday

[31] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[32] Spokesman: no decision taken on unhindered EU course for Turkey

[33] Swedish Foreign Minister sees unique opportunity for Cyprus settlement Politics

[01] Greece contributes dynamically to consolidation of Europe's energy security, PM Karamanlis says

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, addressing the energy forum "Natural gas for Europe:Security and Partnership" here on Friday, said that managing energy security has developed "undoubtedly into one of the main challenges of our times, while the term "Energy Security" can be interpreted in a different way by the various nations, common understanding and consensus already exists, that recognises the mutual dependence of all the sides concerned."

Leading political figures from the wider region, the European Union, the United States, the countries of Central Asia, the Near and Far East, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and other representatives of international institutions discussed in the forum's framework the crucial issue of guaranteeing united Europe's supply with natural gas and other energy resources.

Karamanlis added that the duty of governments to secure the longterm and unimpeded supply of their countries with energy to consolidate energy security and to reduce dependence on imported energy was of crucial importance.

He added that the main axes of government policy in this sector are the development and exploitation of local liquid fuel sources, active participation in the European policy of exploiting renewable energy sources and the widening of the development of advanced energy productivity technologies.

"However, in the visible future, Europe will continue to import from third countries a considerable part of its energy resources and, consequently, the security of energy supply has been recognised as a main priority of European energy security policy," he said.

"Greece is willing but also more than ready to assume its role in the consolidation and implementation of the principles of this policy, capitalising fully on its geostrategic position in Southeastern Europe," the premier added.

Karamanlis termed the Turkey-Greece-Italy pipeline "a priority plan for the EU and a considerable means for further diversification," while expressing satisfaction over the start of the operation of the pipeline's section between Turkey and Greece since the end of 2007.

"I am pleased because Greece and Bulgaria are signing a Mutual Understanding Memorandum today on the widening of their cooperation in the energy sector, including the Greece-Bulgaria pipeline. Recognising the importance of this plan, the European Union supported it recently in the framework of the European Economic Reconstruction Plan," Karamanlis went on to say.

The new pipeline will have a length of 120-125 kilometres and will link Komotini (in northern Greece) with Dimitrograd in Bulgaria. The project will be carried out with European funding amounting to 45 million euros. The immediate results of the pipeline will be the upgrading of Greece's role in transferring gas and of the importance of the Turkey-Greece-Italy pipeline in the emerging regional energy market, as well as Greece's importance in consolidating Europe's energy security. The pipeline will have a "double flow" and will be able to both give and receive gas.

After reminding that implementing the same principle of diversification, Greece signed the agreement with Russia on the "South Stream" pipeline a year ago, the Greek prime minister stated that "I wish to stress explicitly, that the "South Stream" and "Nabucco" plans and the Transit Turkey-Greece-Italy one supplement each other. Given the expected increase in the demand for natural gas, each one and all these new infrastructures are particularly necessary and useful."

Statement

Speaking at the end of the summit, Karamanlis also said that Greece supports the promotion of a balanced energy mixture of procurements, sources and outlets as a basic element, as a basic factor for a successful energy policy.

"In parallel, utilising our geostrategic position we are playing a considerable role in the implementation of these principles and we are proceeding with the implementation of very important energy infrastructures that make our country a decisive factor for the implementation of European energy policy and a hub of strategic importance in the wider region," the prime minister added.

Karamanlis also said that the summit held in Sofia provided the opportunity of further promoting intensive dialogue on security and cooperation regarding natural gas supply in Europe, adding that the dialogue was held with the participation of all the interested sides, meaning the countries of the European Union, the Caspian, the Black Sea, Central Asia, Russia and the United States.

"Energy security now constitutes one of the most important challenges of our time and it has been recognised as a priority of European energy policy. The basic parameters of this policy is the promotion of investments for the necessary energy infrastructures, the diversification of sources and outlets, as well as the strengthening of energy cooperation and dialogue with the neighbouring countries and the energy producing and transit countries," he further said.

"Our overall initiatives in this framework are known. I would like, however, to stress in particular, on the occasion of the participation today in this summit in Sofia, that we are cooperating closely with the neighbouring country Bulgaria for the promotion of our common energy projects. In the sector of electricity, we are building a new, a second connecting Electric Energy Transport Line. We are working together for the successful completion of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, while we are constructing a new natural gas pipeline from Komotini to Haskovo in Bulgaria," Karamanlis also said.

"Lastly, I must say that on the sidelines of the summit I held bilateral meetings with the President of Serbia, Mr. Boris Tadic, and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Mr. Sergei Stanishev," the prime minister disclosed, adding that "with Mr. Tadic we were preoccupied with developments in the Western Balkans, and the European course of Serbia in particular. We examined bilateral issues in the meeting I had with Mr. Stanishev, with emphasis mainly on our energy cooperation."

[02] Greece, Bulgaria sign memorandum on energy

Greek Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis and his Bulgarian counterpart Petar Dimitrov signed here on Friday a Memorandum on Mutual Understanding in the energy sector in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev.

"We are cooperating closely with the neighbouring country Bulgaria for the promotion of our common energy projects. In the sector of electricity, we are building a new, a second connecting Electric Energy Transport Line. We are working together for the successful completion of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, while we are constructing a new natural gas pipeline from Komotini to Haskovo in Bulgaria," Karamanlis said after the signing of the memorandum.

[03] Defence Minister Meimarakis visits the United States

Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis attended a meeting of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York held here prior to the March 25 Greek Independence Day Parade to take place on Manhattan's 5th Avenue on Sunday, April 26.

The scheduled events will also be attended by Deputy Interior Minister Christos Zois, Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and a large parliamentary delegation.

Meimarakis, who will represent the Greek government in the Greek-American community celebrations marking the March 25 national anniversary, arrived in the United States on Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of his American counterpart, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

During his visit to New York and Washington, Meimarakis will meet with members of the US Congress, local authorities and representatives of the Greek-American community. A meeting with Archbishop Demetrios of America was held on Friday.

Meimarakis will also address a conference hosted in Washington by the Foundation of Constantine Karamanlis, the Foreign Policy Institute and the Defense Analysis Institute.

In an interview with the Greek-American newspaper "Ethnikos Kirikas" (National Herald), Meimarakis underlined the great contribution of the Greek-American community to the promotion of the Greek national interests.

Referring to the Turkish provocations in the Aegean, he stated that "Greece is a member of the Euro-Atlantic structures and a factor of peace and stability in the greater SE European region," underlining that its "strong armed forces serve as a deterrent and protect its territorial integrity, rightfully enjoying the confidence of the Greek people."

"Provocations targeting our territorial integrity and national sovereignty are not left unanswered. All necessary moves are being made on all levels and those who undermine security and stability in the wider region get their answers when and when this is necessary. Have no doubt about this," he stressed.

[04] Supreme Court's Sanidas on Vatopedi; PASOK criticism

"The obligation to send a case file to parliament is created when there is evidence against government ministers for offences they have committed while exercising their duties," he stressed.

He pointed out that in the Vatopedi case, as confirmed by a thorough investigation conducted by a Parliamentary investigation committee, there was no incriminating evidence against government ministers. "Furthermore, no new evidence arose during the preliminary investigation by two prosecutors that would have justified the case file being sent to Parliament," Sanidas stressed.

He also maintained that it would be "against his conscience and in violation of the law" if he had decided to send the case to Parliament "alleging ministerial accountability when there is no incriminating evidence, thus submitting to pressures coming from political parties or certain sections of the media".

[05] PASOK: Sanidas undermining democratic institutions, Parliament

"Through his actions, the Supreme Court attorney general is directly undermining democratic institutions and attacking Parliament, which he is preventing from exercising its powers under the Constitution," Papaconstantinou told reporters. He was commenting on Sanidas' decision to not refer the case file on the Vatopedi land exchanges to Parliament.

"It is clear that here there is someone taking orders from the government," he added at another point, while noting that "the entire legal body considers Sanidas' behaviour strange".

Regarding Friday's request by PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos for intervention in the affair by Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, Papaconstantinou said that PASOK wanted the institutions to function and that the crisis could not be overcome "by a government of corruption and cover-ups".

[06] Sioufas refuses PASOK call for action over Vatopedi case

Regarding Venizelos' request that a vote on PASOK's proposal for a special Parliamentary inquiry into the Vatopedi affair be included in Parliament's daily agenda, Sioufas said he would give his answer when the issue was put to Parliament, noting that the proposal had already been discussed twice by the body.

Venizelos said that PASOK intended to re-submit its proposal, while noting that MPs should have all the additional evidence that arose from the judicial investigation at their disposal.

PASOK's MP also launched a scathing attack on Supreme Court Attorney General George Sanidas for his second refusal to send the file to Parliament, against the recommendations of the judicial officials that had carried out the investigation.

"Mr. Sanidas obstinately insists on violating the Constitution and the law. Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas told him that he could not personally address justice because he is simply a recipient of its initiatives. PASOK will raise the issue before the plenum at the first opportunity. I call on the Supreme Court attorney general to comply with the Constitution and Parliament regulations," the MP said after meeting Sioufas, noting that Sanidas' handling of the case undermined both the Constitution and common sense.

Stressed that the vote on a formal Parliamentary inquiry must take place, he emphasised that MPs should first be allowed to study the additional evidence uncovered by the judicial investigation, saying that he had asked Sioufas to take PASOK's proposal into account when he drew up the daily agenda in the next few days.

In a document to the Appeals Court chief prosecutor Kyriakos Karoutsos, Sanidas said that he had rejected a request by two appeals prosecutors investigating the case to refer it to Parliament, saying that no new evidence implicating MPs or ministers had arisen since the file the case was last sent to Parliament in November.

[07] PASOK leader says Socialists struggle for different growth model

Main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) President George Papandreou said here on Friday that Europe's socialists were "struggling for a different model of growth, that of 'green development', which quarantees jobs for young people, prosperity and social justice for all."

Papandreou arrived in the French city on Friday to take part in the Party of European Socialists (PES) meeting that officially launches the PES campaign for the European Parliament elections.

"We are struggling for a different state, a different political system, of Democracy and transparency, which is not hemmed in, which is not the hostage of big interests and of corruption, but combats corruption and serves only the public interest," Papandreou added.

He also said that European Socialists quaranteed a "well governed state which will put the state and the market in the service of man and man alone."

Also taking part in the meeting are the candidates heading the PES member parties' ballots and the heads of the European Parliament groups.

The main goal of the European Socialists as decided in the Summit of Madrid last December is to create 20 million new jobs in the EU within the next ten years and to ensure that this objective will be met they will seek to increase their representation in the European Parliament.

The emphasis will be on social policy to counteract the decline of the welfare state, while the fundamental Socialist principles focusing on banking system control and the support of low and middle incomes will be highlighted.

The socialist agenda for 2010 includes three major issues that will be under discussion in the European Union next year namely, the revision of the Lisbon strategy, the Constitutional Treaty and the Bologna Treaty. In addition, the European Socialists will also focus on "green development".

[08] Papandreou addresses PES rally in Toulouse

Greek main opposition PASOK party leader and Socialist International (SI) President George Papandreou said here on Friday night that socialists "have an historic task to respond to the current (world economic) crisis' challenges." He was addressing an open meeting organised by the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the French Socialist Party.

He also expressed optimism that in June's Euroelections the "peoples of Europe will turn the wheel to the left" because, as he said, Europe "needs a change now" for a social Europe, a "socialist Europe".

He added that progressive forces all over the world trust European socialists "because they believe that European socialists can take initiatives so that the road for a new democratic organisation of our societies opens."

[09] Deputy FM Kassimis in Syria

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis began a four-day official visit to Syria on Friday in the framework of supporting and enhancing Greek-Syrian relations and links between Greece and Greek expatriates in the Middle East country.

Kassimis is due to hold talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Moallem and Deputy Foreign Minister Abdel Fattah Amoura and meet Greek expatriate organisations in Syrian cities.

On Friday, the Greek deputy minister met with Antioch Patriarch Ignatios at the Patriarchate Mansion in the old city of Damascus.

[10] Markoyiannakis, Pakistani envoy discuss illegal immigrants

They discussed issues of bilateral interest, focusing particularly on illegal immigration by Pakistani nationals to Greece and the problems that arise from this. Markoyiannakis noted the contribution of economic migrants to growth but stressed that only those who had the required residence permit should be allowed to stay and work in the country.

He underlined the need for a deportation process, in accordance with the law, for those who entered and stayed in Greece illegally, in order to send a 'message' to immigrant traffickers and those exploiting immigrant labour, as well as to the immigrants themselves to avoid exploitation.

[11] French envoy to visit Syros next week

Farnaud will hold talks with the General Secretary of the Region of South Aegean Charalambos Kokkinos, Cyclades Prefect Dimitris Bailas and Ermoupolis (Syros) Mayor Yiannis Dekavallas.

The French envoy is also scheduled to visit both the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Archdioceses.

Financial News

[12] Farm minister urges EU support for livestock breeders

Among these, he listed measures to boost competitiveness of dairy farms, measures to support the entry of young farmers into the livestock sector, measures to promote quality dairy products and protect them from imitations and also support for disadvantaged farming regions, with access to this category for all farming regions with low soil productivity and unfavourable climate conditions.

[13] PASOK economic spokeswoman on state loan needs

"The Hellenic state has already covered until today 90 percent of the revised target for its net loan needs, which are 43.7 billion euros for 2009 in its entirety," she said.

"Unfortunately, concerns we had expressed from the very beginning are being confirmed, that loan needs in 2009 will exceed 50 billion euros by far, an amount that may increase even more in accordance with the course of receiving revenues, as well as the paying off of debts amounting to 12 billion euros by the state to various suppliers and firms," Katseli added.

[14] ROM TELECOM buyout investigation being extended

The investigating office has received, through Eurojustice, remittances related to contracts signed by Siemens and the Hellenic state, resulting from the buyout of ROM TELECOM.

For this reason, the case of these contracts will also be subject to investigation to determine if and by whom offences have been perpetrated.

Zagorianos has received new remittances from Luxembourg and Switzerland that are related to the case of the procurement of the C41 security system.

They include a remittance reaching an account bearing the code name "Rozos", that has not been identified so far.

[15] Greek mutual funds' assets down 10.36 pct in 2009

[16] Greek trade deficit down 41.9 pct in February

The trade deficit in the January-February period totaled 4.045 billion euros this year, from 6.575 billion euros in the corresponding period in 2008, a decline of 38.5 pct.

[17] Greek stocks end 1.08 pct higher

The FTSE 20 index rose 1.31 pct, the FTSE 40 index was up 1.77 pct and the FTSE 80 index ended 1.70 pct higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 166 to 51 with another 44 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +5.10%

Industrials: +2.97%

Commercial: +0.69%

Construction: +4.92%

Media: -2.17%

Oil & Gas: +0.73%

Personal & Household: +2.21%

Raw Materials: -0.49%

Travel & Leisure: +1.39%

Technology: +5.43%

Telecoms: -0.93%

Banks: +2.21%

Food & Beverages: -2.13%

Health: +3.61%

Utilities: -1.52%

Chemicals: +6.68%

Financial Services: +0.43%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Vovos, Public Power Corporation (DEH)and Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE).

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

Alpha Bank: 6.55

ATEbank: 1.21

Public Power Corp (PPC): 13.92

HBC Coca Cola: 11.53

Hellenic Petroleum: 6.92

National Bank of Greece: 14.45

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 5.62

Intralot: 4.36

OPAP: 21.83

OTE: 11.72

Bank of Piraeus: 6.16

Titan Cement Company: 17.60

[18] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 17,443 contracts worth 15.291 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (6,340), followed by OTE (1,099), PPC (621), Piraeus Bank (886), Alpha Bank (1,090), Intracom (778), Mytilineos (790) and GEK (563).

[19] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates were largely unchanged. The 12-month Euribor rate was 1.76 pct, the six-month rate 1.60 pct, the three-month rate 1.40 pct and the one-month rate fell below the 1.0 pct barrier to 0.999 pct.

[20] Foreign Exchange rates - Saturday/Monday

U.S. dollar 1.333

Pound sterling 0.913

Danish kroner 7.508

Swedish kroner 10.917

Japanese yen 129.33

Swiss franc 1.522

Norwegian kroner 8.759

Canadian dollar 1.625

Australian dollar 1.854

General News

[21] Deputy Interior Minister in New York for the 5th Avenue parade

Zois will be the honorary Grand Marshall in the parade, following an invitation by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.

During his stay in New York, the deputy minister will meet with representatives of the Greek-American community.

The annual Greek Independence Day Parade is held in New York since 1938.

[22] Armenians organise rally and march

The participants, who responded to the call by the Armenian National Committee of Greece, called on the Turkiush government with banners and slogans "to change its negative stance and to recognise the genocide, as is necessitated by moral order and international justice."

A resolution stressed that the Armenians are seeking the return to the Armenian people of their "illegally occupied" historic territory and the lifting of the blockade imposed by Turkey on Armenia's territory, as well as the finding of a fair and viable solution to the issue of Nagorno Karabakh.

The events include a photo and book exhibition by the Armenian Youth of Greece at Syntagma Square (23-26/4), while the main event will be taking place at the "Attikon" theatre on Sunday.

A te deum ceremony was also held at the Armenian genocide victims monument in Chrysostomou Smyrnis Square in the Athens district of Nea Smyrni, in the presence of the Armenian Ambassador to Greece Vahram Kazoyian.

[23] Observational astronomy event in Piraeus

The event, featuring screenings of video footage with astronomical content and observation of celestial bodies through telescopes, will be held within the framework of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and will be open to the general public.

[24] Armed robbery against security van

Four unknown individuals armed with Kalashnikov machine guns and other weapons blocked the van's way with an excavator and hit the vehicle with the excavator's tilting bucket, forcing the driver and the female guard to open the doors.

The culprits collected an unknown sum of money and escaped in a jeep.

The security van was transferring money from Agriculture Bank of Greece central offices to the bank's branches and it is estimated that the money taken was considerable, though the exact amount is unknown.

Police have launched a manhunt to find the robbers, while police officers on the scene have begun an investigation.

Another attempted robbery with the use of an small excavator against a security van was reported 20 days ago in the nearby Athens district of Argyroupoli. The attempt failed because the guards did not open the doors when they were attacked and the perpetrators gave up.

[25] Police dismantle gang behind burglaries, robberies

The two men in custody were led before a public prosecutor and charged on Thursday.

Police also announced the arrest of a 30-year-old Greek man as a suspect in the armed robbery against a Millenium Bank branch in the Athens district of Iraklio three days ago, in which 14,650 euros were stolen.

[26] Thessaloniki bus targeted by unknown shooter

The incident occurred 10 minutes before 1:00 am on Friday on Polyvios St. in Kalamaria, alarming local residents.

A police investigation is underway.

[27] Youth encourages group suicide through Internet

Thessaloniki Electronic Crime Squad police detected the electronic traces of the Cypriot user, as well as the messages with which he announced his intention to end his life, calling at the same time on other website "visitors" to do likewise.

Relevant police and judicial authorities in Cyprus were duly notified, as well as the family of the young man, who is in good health.

[28] Flower show in Thessaloniki

The show will be open for the public every day between 9:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 22:00 on weekdays and 9:00 - 22:00 on weekends, until May 9.

[29] U.S. consulate closed on April 29

The departments issuing non-immigration visas (meaning, tourist, student ones, etc), immigration visas, pensions and services for American citizens and American passports and citizenship, will be closed.

In cases of real emergencies on this day, those interested can call: From 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 210-7212951 and after 5:00 210-7202490 or 210-7202491.

Weather Forecast

[30] Cloudy, rainy on Saturday

[31] The Friday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "3.2-billion-euro programme for creation of 235,796 new jobs in municipalities, private and public sector".

APOGEVMATINI: "Employment Minister presents government's plan: Employment the antidote to economic crisis ".

AVGHI: "Unemployment benefit to employers".

CHORA: "Shield for 1.3 million workers".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Greek Standardisation Organisation (ELOT) listed fYRoM as Macedonia ".

ELEFTHEROS: "Scandals for three parties".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Political life in scandals' vortex - Vatopedi, Siemens, Pavlidis cases bring rapid developments".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Prosecutor acts as politician - Outrage over Sanidas decision not to send Vatopedi file to Parliament".

ESTIA: "Ministers' immunity - Constitution's scandalous clauses".

ETHNOS: "Government sinks despite Supreme Court's prosecutor George Sanidas' decision not to deliver Vatopedi case file to Parliament - Opposition charges judicial coup".

KATHIMERINI: "Karamanlis charges Turkey of arrogance and detrimental policy on Cyprus issue".

LOGOS: "Vatopedi thriller - Sanidas decision raises storm of political reactions".

NIKI: "Judicial coup - Main opposition PASOK charges government intervention in justice".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Government offers 'cheap' workers without supporting unemployed".

TA NEA: "Ruling New Democracy rapidly covering up scandals - Vatopedi case closed; pressure to close Pavlidis case".

VIMA: "Unknown scenario for elections in September - Ballots before announcement of 2010 austerity budget".

VRADYNI: "Siemens scandal opens new front: Who received bribe for acquisition of Patriot anti-missile systems?"

Cyprus Affairs

[32] Spokesman: no decision taken on unhindered EU course for Turkey

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou stressed Friday that no decision has been taken and nothing has been announced with regard to Turkey's unhindered EU course, in view of the assessment Brussels will make later this year about Ankara's compliance with its EU obligations.

The spokesman dismissed criticism that the government has given the green light to Turkey for an obstacle-free European accession course, noting that some of the interpretations of government policy on the matter are not correct and can only be understood as a pre-electioneering tactics.

Stephanou, who was referring to statements on Turkish EU accession course made on Wednesday by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Cypriot President Demetris Christofias said that the support which Cyprus expresses for Turkey's full accession to the EU is not a blank cheque.

"We support Turkey's full accession to the EU, on condition that Turkey meets its obligations which derive from the Copenhagen criteria. As far as the Cyprus question is concerned, we say that we back Turkey's membership on condition that it ends its occupation of Cyprus' northern part and respect the independence, the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus," the spokesman added.

He added that if Turkey does not terminate the occupation of Cyprus and does not fulfill the Copenhagen criteria, then it will not be possible for Ankara to join the EU.

Stephanou noted that for the time being, Turkey, on the basis of the 2006 European Council conclusions and the joint declaration of the EU member states in 2005, the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Protocol must be implemented in practice and not just in words.

Turkey, he pointed out, must cooperate to achieve progress and a settlement of the Cyprus question, on the basis of the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements, the relevant UN resolutions and international and European law principles.

"We want Turkey to help itself, to take all the necessary decisions and initiatives to implement its obligations and contribute to efforts to reach a settlement," he stressed and explained that any references to the right of veto relate to the overall accession course of Turkey to the EU and the strategy which Cyprus and Greece develop to help efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement.

Stephanou said that in view of the assessment of Turkey's progress in December, Greece and Cyprus have decided to continue coordination and consultation between them and with their European partners, so as to take the necessary decisions at the right time, noting that "surely the right time to take these decisions is not the current period".

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied one third of its territory. Turkey which aspires to become an EU member state does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in direct negotiations since September last year, with a view to solve the question of Cyprus.

[33] Swedish Foreign Minister sees unique opportunity for Cyprus settlement

Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt said on Friday that there was now a unique window of opportunity for settling the Cyprus issue, noting that Turkey's evaluation by the EU will happen at the end of the year and that failure to meet the criteria could not be seen in separation from all the other issues, including the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after talks in Nicosia with Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou, Bildt said that a solution to the Cyprus problem would result in positive economic dynamics for both sides on the island, as well as positive dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, between the EU and NATO, and other international issues.

Kyprianou said Turkey had obligations towards the EU and that the Republic of Cyprus agreed with Turkey's EU accession course, as long as Turkey meets its obligations towards the EU, including the solution of the Cyprus problem.

He added that if by the end of the year Turkey had not met its obligations, there would unavoidably be consequences, and noted that no one has raised the issue of postponing Turkey's evaluation at the end of 2009.

Bildt said that he has a hectic programme in view of the Swedish presidency of the EU in the second half of 2009 but noted that ''it is important to come here,'' adding that over lunch they would be discussing ''a lot of the issues that we have spent time together on in the EU, the development of the external policy of the EU, we have some complicated internal issues coming up on the Treaty side, and then of course we have the entire situation in this part of the world.''

''We have now a unique window of opportunity for settling the Cyprus issue. Twenty years after the fall of the wall in Berlin we still have a divided capital in Europe and that should not be acceptable to anyone. The effort now underway in order to overcome this is of course of profound importance for Cyprus, for the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean but has European and, as I would even say, global significance,'' he said.

Bildt added that ''we very much appreciate the efforts that go into these talks,'' noting that ''it is not easy but a solution is distinctly better long term than a non solution,'' because a solution brings positive dynamics while a non solution brings negative dynamics for Cyprus and the region.

Referring to Turkey's EU accession course, Bildt said this would be ''very important for the EU, Turkey and the region, but of course any accession process depends on fulfilling the criteria of the EU.''

Asked if, during its EU presidency, Sweden would be undertaking an initiative to convince Turkey to open its ports and airports to the Republic of Cyprus, Bildt said ''the review of the Ankara Protocol is one of the things that are going to happen under the Swedish presidency and there is an obligation to do that.''

''We will review the way in which these obligations are met towards the end of the year. There is a number of other issues that are complicated and my hope would be of course that we will be in a different political situation both on that issue and on other issues by the end of the year. It is not really in my hands,'' he added.

Asked what would happen if Turkey refuses to meet the criteria, Bildt said he did not think one could see that issue ''in separation from all the other issues,'' adding that ''we have a number of issues on the table, the Cyprus talks and others.''

''At some point in time we will know whether Cyprus or the region will go into negative dynamics or positive dynamics. Things are not going to be the same,'' he added.

Bildt noted that ''if you compare the situation now and the situation a couple of years ago, of course it is far more positive today than it was at that time, so we are expecting that positive developments will turn into truly positive dynamics on the island and in the region.''

To questions regarding the positive dynamics, Bildt said that ''if we get a peace agreement to reunify the island it would have vastly positive economic dynamics for both sides'' and that there would be positive dynamics in the entire Eastern Mediterranean, between the EU and NATO, and international issues.

''On the other side, if that does not happen in some point in time, then there will be negative dynamics,'' he added.

To questions regarding the review of the Ankara Protocol at the end of the year, Bildt said ''the review will happen'' and that ''there is no question about that.''

Kyprianou said their meeting was ''very useful'' and that they would be continuing contacts in the framework of the EU and on a bilateral level, adding that he had the opportunity to reiterate Cyprus' positions regarding the process for a settlement of the island's political problem and Turkey's EU accession course.

On the Cyprus problem, he said the process for a solution belonged to the Cypriots, without that meaning that Turkey, which caused the problem in the first place, was relieved of its responsibilities.

''Turkey must actively and positively contribute to a solution. This is our position and we reiterated it today,'' Kyprianou said.

Regarding Turkey's EU accession course, Kyprianou said ''Turkey has responsibilities, the Republic of Cyprus agrees with Turkey's European course and its right to join the EU, however without derogations, as long as it fully meets its obligations towards the EU and especially those concerning Cyprus,'' noting that ''this includes the solution of the Cyprus problem.''

Kyprianou added that if by the end of the year Turkey has not fulfilled its obligations, then ''there will unavoidably be consequences.''

Asked if he was satisfied with Bildt's position concerning the Ankara Protocol, Kyprianou said ''Sweden is taking over the presidency and its positions and remarks must be reserved,'' adding that ''we are taking our measures and are preparing for all eventualities.''

Regarding Turkey's evaluation at the end of the year, Kyprianou said that ''no one has raised the possibility of postponing it.''

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

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