Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Stephanopoulos meets with Belgium's PM, comments on Cyprus and European Constitution

[02] Videotape footage used to ID 14 alleged hooligans in Panionios-Olympiakos soccer stadium violence

[03] Jazz concert to kick off events in Alexandria organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture

[01] President Stephanopoulos meets with Belgium's PM, comments on Cyprus and European Constitution

The two leaders discussed the Cyprus issue as well as the ratification of the European Constitution.

In comments Stephanopoulos made to Greek reporters after the meeting, he said that Verhofstadt asked how an initiative resulting in the resolution to the Cyprus problem can start. Stephanopoulos replied that, "all initiatives are welcome." He said that Cypriots know what they wish to see changed in the Annan plan, but are worried that Turkey may prove inflexible in negotiations.

Verhofstadt said that after speaking with Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan twice on the phone, he understood that Turkey is anxious to solve the issue. "We too know that Mr. Erdogan is anxious for a solution to be found before October 3," Stephanopoulos said.

The Greek president also told Verhofstadt that "the Annan plan needs changes." According to Stephanopoulos, Verhofstadt agreed to this as well as to Stephanopoulos' suggestion that the EU needs to play a more important role in the matter.

In reply to questions, Stephanopoulos said that "the Annan Plan could not be approved because it contained certain imbalances that need to be corrected....I hope that there will be a chance for this in the future, although there is no specific initiative under way at present."

As for the European Constitution, Stephanopoulos said that Belgium will soon begin the parliamentary procedure for its ratification, adding that Verhofstadt "is not concerned" about the outcome.

Asked about how he feels now that his second term as president is coming to an end, Stephanopoulos replied that 10 years in office were plenty and said he was "very happy" that he will be succeeded by Carolos Papoulias, who he described as "an exceptional politician, with skills and experience that will contribute to democracy."

Asked whether he would continue to be actively involved in politics, Stephanopoulos replied that "a former president's involvement is probably annoying."

Stephanopoulos' visit to Brussels, at the invitation of Belgium's King Albert II, was in reciprocation of a visit to Greece by King Albert and Queen Paola.

The Greek President was met on arrival at Brussels airport on Tuesday by Belgium's Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde, and Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt.

Immediately afterwards, Stephanopoulos was accompanied to the Royal Palace where he was greeted with all due ceremony by the King and Queen, followed by a visit to the Monument of the Unknown Solder, where Stephanopoulos laid a wreath before returning to the palace for an official dinner in his honour hosted by the royal couple.

[02] Videotape footage used to ID 14 alleged hooligans in Panionios-Olympiakos soccer stadium violence

All 14 were interviewed by authorities, with an indictment compiled and an appearance before a relevant prosecutor now pending, according to reports.

The clashes on the pitch of the Nea Smyrmi stadium, in south Athens, and in the stands between fans and riot police eventually led to the first division championship game's suspension.

An initial decision handed down against the two pro teams called for a deduction of three points, the cancellation of the suspended match and four home games to be played before empty stands. On appeal, the first two reprimands -- the ones affecting the standings -- were repealed and the points returned.

The two clubs will make up the match on Saturday, without fans.

[03] Jazz concert to kick off events in Alexandria organised by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture

Another 15 events organised by the HFC are scheduled to take place in Egypt over the next two months, including screenings of Greek films, a Euro Film Festival in collaboration with the Alexandrian Library, cultural forums, seminars, a tribute to cartoons and others.

Among these are a series of events dubbed "Cavafya" from March 9-11 organised by the HFC in collaboration with the Greek Embassy in Cairo and the Cairo Cultural Centre. These will include lectures, music and film screenings dedicated to Greek author Nikoz Kazantzakis and Egyptian Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz.

There will also be an art exhibition featuring paintings by Kyriakos Theofanous on the theme of Mount Sinai on March 17.

The programme ends with a rock concert to be held at the HFC Alexandria branch on March 31 by the six-member band Nadim Group.

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