Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 10-06-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM receives Belgian counterpart Leterme

[02] President Papoulias meets Serb counterpart in Athens

[03] President Papoulias hosts official dinner for Serb counterpart

[04] First 6 Greeks from Freedom Flotilla return home

[05] Press conference

[06] Petalotis: government has systematic approach to Israeli raid

[07] President Papoulias: Israeli action 'illegal'

[08] PAME holds rally and march to Israeli embassy

[09] EP president in Athens on Wed.

[10] Alt. FM Droutsas responds to LAOS' question on foreign policy developments

[11] President Papoulias addresses letter to FYROM president

[12] SYN to hold 6th party congress

[13] AHI directorate briefs Parliament's committee

[14] Gov't: pension reforms not 'on hold'

[15] Meeting between employers groups and labour unions fruitless

[16] Russian websites urge travelers to choose destinations in Greece

[17] Tourism federation complains to PM over seamen's strike

[18] Gov't unveils tender for logistics centre in Thriasio Pedio district

[19] Eurobank Securities busiest firm in May

[20] Arab-Hellenic Chamber president visits Tunisia

[21] Olympic Air adds three new domestic flights

[22] Greek PMI fell to 41.8 in May

[23] ASE suspends trading in Emporikos Desmos

[24] Stocks end 1.49% down

[25] Greek bond market closing report

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

[28] President of Republic to inaugurate Stymphalia museum

[29] Greek man missing in Himalayas avalache

[30] Cap gun hidden in school bag of 5-year-old boy by his father

[31] Albanian inmate escapes during magistrate's examination

[32] Detainee escapes while in police custody

[33] Rainy on Wednesday

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

[35] Foreign Minister: Humanitarian aid must not be blocked

[36] UN SG recommends renewal of UNFICYPÔs mandate

[37] President: Pope's visit a turning point in Cypriot-Italian relations Politics

[01] PM receives Belgian counterpart Leterme

Leterme visited Athens in the framework of a "round of capitals" tour ahead of the EU presidency that Belgium will assume on July 1, and shortly before the June 13 elections.

Thanking his Belgian counterpart "for his undivided support of Greece," the Greek prime minister noted that developments in the European monetary sector "vindicated the positions that we had supported since the first days after the elections." He also underlined that the country will proceed with the necessary reforms to face the crisis.

On his part, Leterme pointed out that bilateral relations are at a very good level, and he stressed that there is absolute consensus regarding the "future of Europe", he noted that the Belgian presidency will deal with the implementation of the Lisbon treaty, climate change and monetary affairs, while agreeing with the Greek prime minister that the EU's negotiations with Turkey on the issue of illegal immigration must also be promoted.

Leterme stressed that the top priority during the Belgian presidency will be the issue of economic governance and mentioned that the issue of supplementary investments in joint infrastructures will be discussed at the upcoming summit.

[02] President Papoulias meets Serb counterpart in Athens

During their meeting they discussed Serbia's European prospects, Kosovo, the dispute over the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and bilateral economic and cultural relations.

In statements afterward, the two leaders reaffirmed the excellent relations between the two peoples and their leadership and said they had a shared outlook regarding the future of the region.

On Kosovo, Papoulias repeated Greece's position in favour of "finding a mutually acceptable solution based on international law, the principle of territorial integrity, and which is the result of dialogue and negotiations".

Tadic thanked Greece for its stance and said his country would continue to have a policy that was friendly toward Kosovo but would in no way recognise Kosovo's independence. Once the international court had issued its verdict, Serbia was ready to negotiate again on Kosovo's future, he added.

"With is policy on Kosovo, Serbia confirms a policy based on peace, development and European prospects. A condition for such development is economic and political stability in the region," Tadic said.

Papoulias also repeated Greece's warm and unflagging support for Serbia's accession to the EU, stressing that Serbia should be made a member of the European family "as soon as possible".

On the issue of FYROM's name, Papoulias stressed Athens' sincere intention to find a mutually acceptable solution as quickly as possible.

Papoulias also commented on Israel's blood-drenched raid on a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, in which at least 10 peace activists were killed, describing it as an action that was "illegal and outside the bounds of international law".

He stressed that the raid had "overturned the peace process and created conditions of exceptional tension in the region".

Neighbouring Turkey, many of whose nationals fell victim to the raid, has condemned the action as a "bloody massacre".

[03] President Papoulias hosts official dinner for Serb counterpart

President Papoulias added that this target is a common one and Greece has been serving it faithfully and systematically since the difficult decade of the '90s.

He further said that Greece and Serbia "are united by historical ties that were built with common struggles for the defending of ideals and just causes, struggles for freedom, independence and national sovereignty."

President Papoulias also reiterated that Greece supports in practice Serbia's European course and its accession to the European Union and stressed the importance of the "strategic target", of the accession of the countries in the region to the EU in the year 2014.

[04] First 6 Greeks from Freedom Flotilla return home

They were greeted at the airport by foreign ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras, who stressed that every possible effort was being made for the immediate repatriation of all the Greek citizens and reiterated a relevant statement made Monday night by prime minister and foreign minister George Papandreou.

Delavekouras said that the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv was working with the Israeli authorities to gain access to the other Greek citizens, permission for which has yet to be given.

"Israel is responsible for the protection and safety of the Greek citizens," Delavekouras stressed.

It is noted that the Israeli authorities officially informed Greece that there were no Greeks among the casualties from Israel on Tuesday jailed or deported hundreds of activists aboard the six-ship flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which was raided by Israeli commandos in the pre-dawn hours of Monday, resulting in at least nine deaths.

Two Greek ships were participating in the flotilla.

The six returning Greeks were reported to be well in health.

A total of 610 people, including 31 Greeks, have been remanded in custody in Bier Shiva prison until their cases are tried by an Israeli court, it was made known on Tuesday.

Greek ambassador in Tel Aviv Kyriakos Loukakis is trying to visit the Greek nationals, while the Israeli authorities insist that they are not prisoners but detainees in a specially set up area in the prison.

The legal status of the detention has not, at this time, been clearly stated. Israel has not clarified whether they are being held for refusing to accept deportation and signing a document asked by the Israeli authorities or because they have decided to take legal action against the Israeli military operation resulting in their arrest in international waters.

The Greek ambassador on Tuesday delivered a protest resolution to the Israeli authorities calling for the immediate release of the Greek citizens since, as stated in the resolution, they were arrested in international waters, which annuls Israel's claims that they attempted to illegally enter the country.

[05] Press conference

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, four of the passengers said the attack on the two Greek ships occured at 5 o'clock on Monday morning, shortly after the invasion on the Turkish "Mavi Marmara." As was explained by a Palestinian , who did not travel with the ship but who had worked hard to enable the humanitarian aid to be loaded, whatever had been loaded on the ships had passed from a strict control and not the slightest violation was made nor was there any illegality.

They also said that when the commandos boarded the ships they badly beat up anyone who tried to resist them. They took from the doctors the pharmaceuticals that they had with them and did not allow the detainees to move until they reached the port of Ashdod.

As one passenger said, "if one dared to get up the Israelis pounced on him. We raised our hands like children to be allowed to go to the toilet after some time." They confiscated everything from them: personal effects, mobile phones, laptops, all their clothes.

[06] Petalotis: government has systematic approach to Israeli raid

Replying to questions about the phone calls made by Prime Minister George Papandreou to other heads of state involved in the tragic event, Petalotis underlined that Papandreou had condemned Israel's action and "tried to achieve a coordination of actions, so that the situation can come to a close with the fewest repercussions in terms of the physical integrity of the members of the mission and in terms of the violation of human rights, which was flagrant, as was the violation of international law".

Concerning the prime minister's next moves, Petalotis stressed that the premier and the foreign ministry are carrying out specific actions in this direction.

Asked whether Greece intended to cancel a military cooperation agreement with Israel or recall Greece's ambassador in Israel, Petalotis said only that Israel has "a specific policy and tactics" and that the Greek government "has taken all action called for".

The concern of the Greek government was to contact the Greek members of the mission and their rescue, he added, pointing out that the Greek ambassador to Israel was now at the area where the members of the mission were being detained and that their repatriation had begun.

The spokesman announced that six members of the mission had returned so far and that the rest were expected to return as a result of the government's actions.

On the possibility of Papandreou contacting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and what Greece intends to do if members of the mission are convicted by Israeli authorities, Petalotis said only that there were "specific actions" that could be carried out in response to all these issues.

[07] President Papoulias: Israeli action 'illegal'

The Israeli action "upsets the peace process and creates conditions of exeptional tension in the region," Papoulias added, in statements to the press after a meeting with his visiting Serbian counterpart Boris Tadic.

[08] PAME holds rally and march to Israeli embassy

"The attack and its victims come to be added on to the innumerable list of imperialist crimes of the state of Israel which have been carried out with the support of the United States and the European Union and NATO," PAME stressed in an announcement.

The rally was attended by KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga.

[09] EP president in Athens on Wed.

The president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, will be on an official visit to Athens on Wednesday, at the invitation of Greek Parliament President Filippos Petsalnikos.

In a written statement issued on Tuesday, Buzek said that amid the current economic crisis, European Union member-states "have realised that they are linked by a common fate and they stood by the side of Greece ... Europe proved that it supports Greece with all its strength."

"In the 21st century, fate is not a matter of chance but a question of choice and Greece's future is now in its hands," Buzek noted, adding: "I am certain that the Greek government and people will act with determination and succeed in their efforts."

Buzek will be received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and hold talks with Prime Minister George Papandreou, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras and Petsalnikos.

[10] Alt. FM Droutsas responds to LAOS' question on foreign policy developments

"Greece has adequate power to protect its interests and play a decisive role in the region. It has been proven that each time the Greek people were united they were able to meet the greatest challenges," he said.

LAOS President George Karatzaferis and party MPs had maintained earlier that there is a risk for Greece to be led to major compromises as a result of its fiscal problems.

Responding to criticism launched by LAOS MPs concerning the Greek government's stance as regards the FYROM name issue, Droutsas reiterated that Greece supports a name that will include a geographic qualifier for all uses. He also admitted that the name "North Macedonia" can constitute a basis for discussion for Greece.

"The name 'North Macedonia' is among the ideas presented by (UN special envoy Matthew) Nimetz and is placed within the predetermined framework that can be a basis for discussion. Greece, however, cannot have its will for a solution on display. The other side should also prove its honest intention to negotiate," Droutsas stressed.

[11] President Papoulias addresses letter to FYROM president

Greek President Karolos Papoulias addressed a letter of thanks to Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) President Georgi Ivanov, in reply to the latter's letter of congratulations for Greece's National Holiday.

In his letter, President Papoulias underlines that the speedy solution to the issue of the neighbouring country's name will contribute positively to the promotion of bilateral relations.

Preliminary investigation on Tsohatzopoulos following press reports; PASOK Ethics Committee.

First Instance Court Chief Prosecutor Eleni Raikou ordered a preliminary investigation on Tuesday concerning former PASOK minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos' house in downtown Athens following relevant press reports.

The investigation was assigned to First Instance Court Economic Crime Prosecutor Paraskevas Adamis, who will determine if tax violations were committed and subsequently conclude if other crimes have also taken place.

Meanwhile, ruling PASOK party Ethics Committee is studying the relevant press reports and if necessary Tsohatzopoulos will be called to present his case.

[12] SYN to hold 6th party congress

The four-day congress will be completed on Sunday and will be attended by delegations of leftist parties from Spain, Germany, Portugal and Cyprus as well as the Philippines and Congo. Representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) as well as Latin American state embassy officials will also attend.

[13] AHI directorate briefs Parliament's committee

The AHI promotes Greek-US bonds, while it played a leading role in the expatriates' mobilisation and the briefing of Washington's centres of power after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974, that led to the imposition of an embargo on the sale of weapons to Ankara.

The AHI's directorate, that is currently on its regular visit to Athens as is the case every year, after meeting on Monday with Prime Minister George Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas, briefed the Special Permanent Committee of Diaspora Hellenism on Tuesday afternoon on the work and activities that it is promoting in the US.

Financial News

[14] Gov't: pension reforms not 'on hold'

"There are things agreed through the memorandum and we stick with the agreements," he stressed.

The spokesman also underlined that the changes were not imposed by the troika but by necessity:

"The social insurance issue is a major issue, which only this government has opened to such a degree. This government has diagnosed that if we do not solve it in a radical and final way, not only the pensions of the future generations but the next pensions will not be able to be paid," he said.

He denied that Labour Minister Andreas Loverdos was concerned about the political cost of the measures, stressing that the minister was continuing to work on the draft bill for the reforms.

Asked whether the government had any margin for refusing "instructions" given by the EU-IMF troika that it disagreed with, Petalotis said this was a matter of negotiation and the issue was not whether the government resisted but whether it had logical arguments.

"We want the social insurance system that will arise to be viable, to be as fair as possible and to guarantee the insurance rights of all employees," he expalined, adding that the government's margins were those imposed by reality.

On Loverdos' meeting with Prime Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday, the spokesman said that this was on the pension reforms bill and just another regular working meeting between a premier and a minister.

[15] Meeting between employers groups and labour unions fruitless

General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) president Yiannis Panagopoulos said that the policy of the government and of the memorandum signed with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund "is falling on the negotiations like a heavy shadow".

[16] Russian websites urge travelers to choose destinations in Greece

One of the oldest such sites, www.Greek.ru, which according to its creator Roman Simkin is the most popular Russian-language site on Greece, tallies some 5,000 visitors daily (according to Google Analytics).

"We are the most independent net portal on Greece -- without state support and sponsors," Simkin said in an interview with ANA-MPA.

Simkin decided, after a visit to Greece nine years ago, to create a "little Greece" on the internet, in the Russian language.

"When we started up the site 9 years ago, Russian tourism to Greece was still in its first stages. In Greece at the time, they didn't believe that the Russian tourist would be the most faithful and good-paying visitor. Today, I believe adamantly that Greek.ru has contributed to Russians seriously considering Greece for their holidays".

The website, apart from rich historical material from Ancient to Modern Greece, Greek news in Russian and a plethora of other informational elements, also contains a number of travel texts by Russian bloggers on their visits to Greece.

"These texts, on our blog, are the best advertisement of your country, because they are always real, truthful and also describe the sentimental relationship of the traveler with Greece -- his/her love affair with Greece. This is so because, usually, the travel texts are written by inspired people," Simkin added.

He also said that, together with the Greek-related news from the Russian media, the site also uploads exclusive news from Greek.ru's correspondents in many parts of Greece.

Among the most popular webpages of the portal is the "Learn Greek" section.

Two smaller but equally popular portals on Greece are www.lovegreece.ru and www.russiangreece.gr.

[17] Tourism federation complains to PM over seamen's strike

The total absence of the state, having as a result the damage of the country's image abroad, is underlined.

According to the letter, two cruise-ships, the "Aquamarine" and "Aegean Pearl", are on the Greek registry and their crews include Greek seamen but despite of this, both vessels and the 1,700 tourists on board, in essence, were kept hostage by the strikers.

"They were not allowed to set sail before the end of the strike at 06:00 on Tuesday, being punished for the fact that they chose Greece for their vacations," the group charged.

The letter was also forwarded to the ministers of finance, competitiveness and shipping, culture and tourism and citizen protection, the deputy minister of culture and tourism and the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

[18] Gov't unveils tender for logistics centre in Thriasio Pedio district

The logistics centre, an ambitious pioneer project for Greece, will be built on GAIAOSE property extending over 58.8 hectares.

Under the plan, the project will cover 23.5 hectares of building premises and will be accompanied by road and railway access to the national road and railway networks, while a rail connection with the Ikonio port in Piraeus is currently under construction.

The winner of the tender will take over the study, construction, funding, operation and maintenance of the logistics centre for a period of 40 years, while it will also pay a share of its turnover to GAIAOSE along with granting a 15-pct equity stake to GAIAOSE.

Construction periods are cut in three: the first period, with a duration of 18 months, envisages construction and operation of buildings representing 20 pct of total; the second period, with a duration of 60 months, envisages the construction and operation of buildings covering 90 pct of total, while the third period, with a duration of five years, envisages construction and operation of remaining logistics space.

Bids will be accepted by Sept. 20, 2010.

COSCO, the Chinese conglomerate has already expressed interest in the project, while Transport Minister Dimitris Reppas has said other business groups have expressed interest.

[19] Eurobank Securities busiest firm in May

It was followed by Investment Bank (12.61 pct), National Securities (12 pct), Alpha Finance (8.54 pct), Piraeus Securities (6.63 pct), Euroxx (4.64 pct), UBS (4.51 pct), HSBC (3.79 pct), Cheuvreux (3.65 pct) and Merrill Lynch (1.88 pct).

Eurobank topped the list for the five-month period from January to May as well with a 14.27 pct market share, followed by Investment Bank (13.03 pct), National Securities (12.75 pct), Alpha Finance (6.59 pct), Piraeus Bank (6.1 pct), Euroxx (5.32 pct), Cheuvreux (4.95 pct), HSBC (3.77 pct), UBS (3.63 pct) and Merrill Lynch (2.86 pct).

[20] Arab-Hellenic Chamber president visits Tunisia

[21] Olympic Air adds three new domestic flights

The airline company already services nine remote island destinations, from Athens to Astypalea, Leros, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Kalymnos, Kasos-Sitia, Kos-Leros-Astypalea and Rhodes-Kastelorizo-Rhodes.

[22] Greek PMI fell to 41.8 in May

A Markit announcement said Greek manufacturers rapidly cut their production in May, as the volume of incoming new orders fell further. New orders fell rapidly in May compared with April, remaining on a downward trend for nine months. Manufacturers also faced rising inflow prices in May, particularly for dairy products, plastics, aluminium and nylon.

Employment fall for the 25th consecutive month, while inventories fell significantly. Greek manufacturers reported extended delivery times of raw materials from suppliers.

The Purchasing Managers' Index measures business activity in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 indicate a growing economy, while readings below 50 a shrinking economy.

[23] ASE suspends trading in Emporikos Desmos

[24] Stocks end 1.49% down

The FTSE 20 index dropped 1.96 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 2.60 pct down and the FTSE 80 index fell 2.90 pct. The Food (1.90 pct) and Utilities (1.31 pct) scored gains, while Health (6.57 pct) and Oil (5.02 pct) suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 159 to 28 with another 40 issues. Klonatex (14.29 pct), Druckfarben (10 pct), Athina (7.89 pct) and Vell Group (7.35 pct) were top gainers, while Hellenic Fish Farming (12.50 pct), Moda Bagno (9.76 pct) and Epsilon Net (9.59 pct) were top losers.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -1.68%

Industrials: -0.35%

Commercial: -3.73%

Construction: -2.03%

Media: -4.90%

Oil & Gas: -5.02%

Personal & Household: -1.89%

Raw Materials: -5.03%

Travel & Leisure: -4.45%

Technology: -4.26%

Telecoms: -1.19%

Banks: -2.25%

Food & Beverages: +1.90%

Health: -6.62%

Utilities: +1.31%

Chemicals: -0.53%

Financial Services: -3.81%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, Alpha Bank, OPAP and DEH.

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

Alpha Bank: 4.43

ATEbank: 1.08

Public Power Corp (PPC): 12.90

HBC Coca Cola: 18.57

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.61

National Bank of Greece: 9.95

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 3.89

OPAP: 12.30

OTE: 6.67

Bank of Piraeus: 4.00

Titan: 14.00

[25] Greek bond market closing report

In interbank markets, interest rates moved higher. The 12-month rate was 1.06 pct, the six-month rate 1.10 pct, the three-month rate 1.10 pct and the one-month rate 1.05 pct.

[26] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 10,749 contracts worth 6.453 million euros, with investment interest focusing on National Bank's contracts (2,952), followed by Eurobank (1,426), MIG (692), OTE (769), Piraeus Bank (1,008), Alpha Bank (912) and Cyprus Bank (449).

[27] Foreign Exchange rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.225

Pound sterling 0.841

Danish kroner 7.498

Swedish kroner 9.693

Japanese yen 111.54

Swiss franc 1.429

Norwegian kroner 8.005

Canadian dollar 1.286

Australian dollar 1.471

General News

[28] President of Republic to inaugurate Stymphalia museum

[29] Greek man missing in Himalayas avalache

Search and rescue operations are continuing.

[30] Cap gun hidden in school bag of 5-year-old boy by his father

The cap gun, 100 cap gun cartridges and 3 cartridges used for hunting rifles were found inside the boy's school bag by the Zefiri day nursery director when she opened it because it was too heavy for the boy and had a hard time carrying it.

The objects were handed over to the authorities and the 26-year-old was arrested. A police search in his house revealed an air gun, 600 pellets and a wooden bat.

The girl, who is the suspect's next-door neighbor, was injured in the head by a bullet while playing outside her house in Zefiri and is currently hospitalized.

[31] Albanian inmate escapes during magistrate's examination

The incident occurred at 10:20 on Tuesday morning and concerned an inmate from Korydallos prison. The police escorting the prisoner had not entered the magistrate's office because the investigation was considered confidential.

The officers were alerted by the examining magistrate and immediately gave chase in order to find and arrest the fugitive but he had not yet been found.

[32] Detainee escapes while in police custody

The detainee escaped by opening the back door of a police SUV, while the vehicle was in motion. Another Albanian national, who was being transferred as well, did not escape.

A manhunt is underway for his arrest, while a special inquiry has been ordered on the incident. The three police officers assigned to escort the suspects have been suspended.

Weather Forecast

[33] Rainy on Wednesday

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

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: 'Inhuman response to humanitarian aid! - Nine (officially confirmed) victims the result of Israel's barbarous attack against the ships of peace".

APOGEVMATINI: "Murder in cold blood - 19 (unconfirmed estimations) dead and over 60 injured the result of the unprecedented Israeli operation against international humanitarian aid flotilla heading to Gaza".

AVGHI: "Crime against humanity".

AVRIANI: "The country's salvation and the honour of the political world in justice's hands".

ELEFTHEROS: "Judges' clash saves Mantelis? (former PASOK government Transport Minister who has admitted to have received money from SIEMENS and is facing charges on the issue)".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Hawks and islamists behind the activists' massacre - 19 dead, 60 injured".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "State 'piracy' - Israeli commandos' murderous attack against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla@.

ESTIA: "Vicious cycle of taxes and loans - The state lends its debtors".

ETHNOS: "Outcry over the bloody raid".

IMERISSIA: "Finance Ministry will not return VAT - Extraordinary measures in order to rescue the revenues".

KATHIMERINI: "International outcry over Israel's extreme violence".

LOGOS: "They painted with blood the Freedom Flotilla - Rage in Athens over the bloody attack".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "ASE stock revenues drop to record lowest level".

NIKI: "Catharsis in political life with three new (parliamentary) fact-finding commissions".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Israel is a murderer-country - Escalation of imperialistic aggression in Eastern Mediterranean".

TA NEA: "International outcry - Goliath smashed David".

TO VIMA: "We cannot bear this social security system - Extraordinary meeting at Maximos mansion (government headquarters)".

VRADYNI: "Massacre in international waters - International outcry against the Israeli attack".

Cyprus Affairs

[35] Foreign Minister: Humanitarian aid must not be blocked

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcos Kyprianou said on Tuesday that Cyprus recognises the right of Israel and its people to live in conditions of security, condemns the launching of missiles from the area of Gaza against Israeli citizens, but considers that the blockade on Gaza is not the solution and that the flow of humanitarian aid should not be obstructed.

Kyprianou contacted Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman on Monday, and on Tuesday met the Head of the General Delegation of Palestine in Cyprus Khalid Najjar, expressing sorrow over the loss of human lives in the Israeli assault against the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He said Cyprus supported the termination of the blockade on Gaza, especially concerning humanitarian aid, adding that the Republic was awaiting an in depth, objective investigation into the assault.

Kyprianou expressed hope that the incident would not affect proximity talks, noting that the successful outcome of the talks would contribute towards stability.

Replying to questions, Kyprianou said ''we are in the region and thus we have a more immediate involvement,'' adding that ''our position is based on principles and our decisions are determined by objective criteria.''

[36] UN SG recommends renewal of UNFICYPÔs mandate

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has recommended the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate (UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus) for another six months, saying it plays an essential role on the island of Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Ban's report on the UN operation in Cyprus will be issued as a document of the Security Council.

In part six of the report (Observations ), Ban noted that during the reporting period, the situation in the buffer zone has remained calm.

"Restrictions on the movement of locally employed United Nations civilian personnel regrettably continue. The freedom of movement for all United Nations personnel is a matter of principle to the Organization and an operational requirement for UNFICYP and I call on the Turkish Cypriot authorities to respect this principle," he says.

Both communities have continued to rely on UNFICYP's assistance in areas ranging from humanitarian and economic matters to a variety of bicommunal issues affecting the lives of Cypriots, he adds, noting that UNFICYP worked closely with both communities on solving practical day-to-day issues, particularly in the buffer zone.

"UNDP, assisted by UNFICYP, is leading efforts to realize the leaders' agreement to open a seventh crossing in the area of Limnitis/Yesilirmak. Its swift opening, without further delays, would improve the daily lives of all Cypriots by enhancing the freedom of movement throughout the island and would serve to build trust and confidence between the sides. In the same vein, I also hope that the stabilization and restoration of buildings at the Ledra Street/Lokmaci crossing will advance in a timely manner," he points out.

Ban notes that further progress has been achieved on the clearing of minefields in the buffer zone. "I note with satisfaction the commitment of the Turkish Forces to release a further 13 minefields for clearance, four of which are located north of the buffer zone, which is a welcome widening of the scope of mine clearance beyond the original demining agreement."

He urged both opposing forces to cooperate with the United Nations to realize the goal of a mine freebuffer zone for all Cypriots by April 2011.

"I am pleased to report that the humanitarian work of the Committee on Missing Persons continues unhindered. I urge all parties concerned to take every possible action to support this work, including by preventing the important work of the Committee from being politicized. I am encouraged by the recent widening of the geographical scope of exhumation to military areas, and strongly hope that this trend will continue in the coming period," the SG says.

The SG believes that "the establishment of economic, social, cultural, sporting or similar ties and contacts will have a positive impact on the on-going negotiations. Such contacts would nurture a sentiment of trust between the communities and help ease the sense of isolation felt by the Turkish Cypriots. Further, greater economic and social parity between the sides will make the eventual reunification not only easier, but also more likely. In the context of an internationally sanctioned peace process, efforts in the opposite direction can only be counterproductive," the report adds.

UNFICYP, Ban stresses, "continues to play an essential role on the island, including in support of my good offices mission. I recommend, therefore, that the Security Council extend the mandate of UNFICYP for six months, until 15 December 2010."

"At the same time, mindful of the Security Council's previous calls and my stated intention to keep all peacekeeping operations under review, I shall continually keep the operations of UNFICYP under close review, taking into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and shall revert to the Council with recommendations, as appropriate, for further adjustments to the UNFICYP mandate, force levels and concept of operations as soon as warranted," the report concludes.

UNFICYP is made up of 859 military personnel and 68 UN police officers. It arrived in Cyprus in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out between the island's two communities.

[37] President: Pope's visit a turning point in Cypriot-Italian relations

President Demetris Christofias said Tuesday that the forthcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Cyprus is a turning point in relations between the peoples of Cyprus and Italy.

The visit, the president pointed out, will enhance the already close relations with the Holy See.

Inaugurating the exhibition "Cyprus and Italy in the Age of Byzantium", President Christofias referred to the long-standing contacts between Cyprus and Italy, which began in the 11th century BC, influencing Italian and Cypriot art as well as the culture of the two countries in various aspects of everyday life.

He underlined that the excellent relations between the two peoples continue to date in the framework of a united Europe, since the two countries share many common attributes, historical, geographical and cultural. There is also close cooperation in political, financial and cultural issues, he added.

Écons, sacred relics and other items of byzantine art from the collections of the Byzantine Museum, as well as from other ecclesiastical and private collections from Cyprus are exhibited to demonstrate the influence of Italian art and the contacts of Cypriot artists with Italy.

The chronological range of the exhibits covers the period between 1191 up to the end of the 16th century, the period of western domination of Cyprus (English (1191), Templars (1191) French Lusignans (1192-1489) and Venetians (1189-1571). The exhibition aims at presenting the interaction in art and the channels of spreading this art from the West to Cyprus and vice versa.

Pope Benedict XVI will pay an official visit to Cyprus on June 4-6 .

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