Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Defense minister comments on fight against terrorism, EU defense

[02] Papandreou, Powel discuss terrorism, regional issues in Washington talks

[03] FM meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America in New York

[04] Gov't spokesman on US briefing to Greek foreign ministry on terrorism attack

[05] Greek non-governmental organizations deplore terrorist attack in US

[06] Greek FM to meet British counterpart in London on Thursday

[07] Gov't spokesman confirms FYROM name issue discussed by Greek, German FMs

[08] Council of Europe secretary general meets Greek politicians

[09] Interior minister responds to question on intelligence record keeping

[10] Ruling PASOK to be stronger, more united after party congress, premier says

[11] No need for second candidacy in ruling PASOK congress, defense minister says

[12] Draft law presented on party financing and election costs

[13] New Democracy celebrates 27th anniversary of its founding

[14] Social Security Foundation to project new image by 2002

[15] PM Simitis meets with trade union leader

[16] Canada-Greece business awards given to 3 local firms

[17] Industrial output up 2.8 pct year on year in July

[18] Stocks nose down on profit-taking

[19] PM chairs Interministerial Committee meeting on Olympiad

[20] CoE conference on migration in the Mediterranean begins

[21] Promotion of Greek studies at universities abroad

[22] First ethnic Greek appointed to Albania's supreme court

[23] World collectors' exhibition in Thessaloniki at the weekend

[24] Kasoulides says US government assures Cyprus not on political list of countries harboring terrorism

[25] Cyprus freezes bank accounts and assets, suspected of being used by terrorists

[26] Kyrenia bishop protests proposed sale of Greek Orthodox monastery in Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

[01] Defense minister comments on fight against terrorism, EU defense

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

The promotion of a current defense and security policy, so as to confront terrorism, should go hand-in-hand with respect for international law and human rights, Tsohatzopoulos stressed.

"I am afraid that we will confront dilemmas. That is on whether respect for human rights or the obligation to contribute to this cause (the fight against terrorism) should take precedent," he noted.

He expressed the hope that at least in European countries the opinion that human rights take precedent would win out, adding that this is Greece's orientation.

He also said that the way each country will participate in this international effort to fight terrorism, remains open for discussion, as it is the obligation of all governments to respond to the will of their people to support international law.

Tsohatzopoulos reiterated that the activation of NATO's article five is not an unconditional authorization.

Speaking on the European defense and security policy, Tsohatzopoulos called unthinkable the possibility that it may not function because of Turkey's stance within NATO, which blocked the use of the alliance's infrastructures by the European forces.

He expressed the opinion that the operational capability of the European forces will be certified in December, according to the planned timetable.

Tsohatzopoulos also expressed the hope that Turkey would reevaluate its position on the issue and understand that its current position is mistaken and it works against its interests.

Commenting on Greek-Turkish relations and to reports that claimed that the United States applied pressure to achieve the cancellation of the Greece-Cyprus joint military exercise "Nikiforos-Toxotis", he said that there were no suggestions, ideas or proposals to cancel or alter the exercise to the defense ministry.

He clarified that there are thoughts and requests for arraignments of space and movements, due to the burdened regional environment, due to the international moves to confront terrorism, explaining, however, that these were issues concerning operations and will be dealt by the internal structures.

Speaking on Greek-Turkish affairs, Tsohatzopoulos noted that in the framework of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) a proposal was adopted, calling for the understanding of the defense ministries of the two countries in a stable way.

The Greek defense minister, however, called Turkey' stance on the Cyprus issue illogical.

[02] Papandreou, Powel discuss terrorism, regional issues in Washington talks

WASHINGTON, 04/10/2001 (ANA - A. Ellis)

The two officials made the following statements to reporters after the meeting:

POWELL: "...It has been my great pleasure to host for a meeting my Greek colleague, George Papandreou. We meet on a very regular basis and we have a strong and cordial relationship, which really reflects the relationship between America and Greece, and the strength of the relationship that exists between our two peoples.

I expressed my thanks to George for the support we have received during this time of crisis, for the condolences that have been extended to the American people by the Greek people. I thanked him especially for the support that has been provided to our military forces, and that is a source of great comfort to us, knowing that we can count on our Greek friends.

I made the point to the Minister that America has embarked upon this campaign by pulling together a coalition of like-minded nations who are coming together to condemn terrorism. We will pursue this campaign vigorously, with patience. We will use all the elements of national and international power. We will use financial instruments, intelligence, law enforcement, military as appropriate, diplomatic and political isolation.

And we are in it for the long haul.

In the first instance, we are interested in the al-Qaida organization and Usama bin Laden, currently headquartered in Afghanistan. We think they should be turned over. But the struggle is really against terrorism wherever it is throughout the world, and wherever it threatens civilized societies.

I know that Greece has had these sorts of problems in the past, and that is why we share such common views on what must be done. And so I thank the Minister and the Greek people for their support, and I thank George for having taken the time to visit with me this afternoon."

PAPANDREOU: "...I would like to thank Secretary Colin Powell for finding the time in these difficult hours.

First of all, I am here to pay my respects and bring our warmest of condolences from the Greek people and the Greek Government to the United States, and not only our sorrow but also our pledge to work together, not only strongly condemning terrorism, but in every practical way, to isolate and deal this terrible scourge a blow, so that it doesn't prevail and that our values of freedom and democracy do prevail in the world.

I also want to thank Colin because we were able to discuss some of the regional issues which are high on the agenda in Greece, issues such as the Balkans and the Middle East and Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations, but also our cooperation within NATO and the European Union.

We again pledge to work very closely with the United States and I would say that we very much appreciate the systematic and very careful and thought through work that Secretary Powell is doing in building this coalition, and the very effective way, so that we can make sure that this is a -- we will have results, results which have to do not with fighting civilizations; we are not fighting between civilizations. We are not fighting Islam or the Arab world; we are fighting terrorists. And they have no name, they are just terrorists. And I think this is very important."

POWELL: "Thank you, George. We will take a question or two, but let me just conclude by again thanking the Minister, as I did upstairs, for their support, and also to once again extend my condolences for those Greeks who lost their lives, and to their families as well as to the many Greek Americans who were caught up in this terrible tragedy."

QUESTION: "Mr. Secretary, can you please describe the information that the US is providing to Greece and other allies about who we feel is responsible for the September 11 bombings? And can you also say if you have gotten responses back from any of the embassies as to how people have accepted this information?"

POWELL: "As you know, we sent information out last night (Monday night) to a large number of nations that have the ability to receive the kind of information we sent, which I think powerfully made the case that the al-Qaida organization led by Usama bin Laden was responsible for what happened on the 11th of September. We traced the history of this organization, its recent activities and events, and events around the 11th, before and after.

I think it is a persuasive case. It was presented in a NATO meeting this morning by Ambassador Taylor from my Counter Terrorism Office. And it was very persuasive. And we have heard back not only from Lord Robertson, the Secretary General of NATO, who immediately came out and reported that NATO found it persuasive enough to lift the 'if' clause in the Article V invocation, and now NATO is poised to receive requests from the United States. But we have heard individually from several capitals already that they found the information very, very interesting, useful and persuasive."

QUESTION: "Mr. Secretary, did you have the time to discuss with Mr. Papandreou the Olympic Games issue in Greece for 2004?"

POWELL: "We discussed the Games and I was very reassured by the Minister about the efforts that are being made by the Greek Government to make sure that the Games go off smoothly, safely and in the truest Olympic spirit. And, of course, you know, we have games coming up in Salt Lake City, and I was very pleased to hear about the level of coordination and cooperation that already exists between the two organizing committees so that any lessons that are developed in Salt Lake City will be used in Athens."

QUESTION: "Mr. Secretary, do you foresee any role for Greece in the near future, given the fact that Greece traditionally has a very good relationship with the Arab world and the Palestinians?"

POWELL: "We did discuss the unique relations that Greece has with a number of nations in the Arab world, and my colleague offered his good offices to assist us if we needed any additional contacts or ways of communicating with other nations in the region that we don't normally have."

[03] FM meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America in New York

NEW YORK, 04/10/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Speaking to reporters later, Papandreou said he thanked Dimitrios for aid he offered to the Greek expatriate community in New York, particularly to those whose families were harmed by the terrorist attack on September 11, and to the Americans in general.

Papandreou said he is in New York to show solidarity to the American people "at this difficult moment" and praised the Archbishop's role as a representative of Orthodoxy in what he called his "historic" meetings with other religious leaders at the White House.

Archbishop Dimitrios thanked Papandreou for his visit and said there are great contributions on the part of Greece and the Greek government.

"The expatriate community and Orthodoxy here are on a mission and not in stagnation and we are obliged for every effort and contribution helping us in this," the Archbishop said.

Commenting in general on the terrorist attack, Papandreou said "it is absolutely certain that there is not a Greek in the world who does not condemn these unjustified acts of violence and terrorism in the most unequivocal and categorical manner", adding that "I also wish to convey to the expatriate community that the Greek people are showing solidarity. There is not a Greek who does not show solidarity with all his soul for the human drama of all these families in America."

Papandreou and the Archbishop traveled by road to the site of the disaster, in the southern part of the city of New York, where the Archbishop was due to hold a religious service next to the remains of the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas.

[04] Gov't spokesman on US briefing to Greek foreign ministry on terrorism attack

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

He added that during the meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, the American side did not present any documents on the issue.

Reppas also noted that the briefing of NATO member-state representatives on Tuesday was oral.

"The development of the issue (during the Papandreou-Powell meeting) was done in the framework of a political argumentation and not in a judicial way, as if some are accused and are considered guilty, following a judicial inquiry," Reppas said.

[05] Greek non-governmental organizations deplore terrorist attack in US

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

The statement said that while the international community is awaiting with anxiety and fear the "response" to the blow dealt at the U.S. their main concern could be none other than the prevention of further pain and loss of human lives.

"We should not forget that those who suffer most in every country involved in a global conflict are always the poor and marginalized people and, consequently, the next move should be selected with ample prudence, it should respect human rights and follow international rules," the statement said.

It further said that every reaction which would either indirectly or directly harm other people, create tensions and fanaticism, circumvent basic humanitarian values or infringe on human rights would, in the organizations' view, be included in the list of actions harming human dignity and perpetuating the vicious circle of violence.

"We realize and fully share the need to bring before justice all who are involved in the tragic attacks on September 11. However, the primary concern of all of us is the protection of non-combatants," it said, adding that the humanitarian tragedy already taking place on the borders of Afghanistan "fills us with anxiety for the future."

The statement underlined that "we condemn discriminations and racist attacks against members of minorities in the U.S. and Europe, pain should not turn into hatred and violence should not beget violence."

[06] Greek FM to meet British counterpart in London on Thursday

LONDON, 04/10/2001 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The Greek minister requested the meeting in order to discuss issues related to the role of Greece during the present crisis in Afghanistan as well as on the international community's effort to combat terrorism.

Papandreou will be on his way back from the U.S. where he held talks Tuesday with Secretary of State Colin Powell.

[07] Gov't spokesman confirms FYROM name issue discussed by Greek, German FMs

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Reppas, however, stressed that the confrontation and resolution of this issue concerns the government of Greece's neighboring republic, which should handle it with great responsibility, due to the crisis it is undergoing.

"We remain with the position we have had stated, nothing changes in regards to that position," Reppas said, denying claims that the German government applied pressure on Greece in regards to the name issue.

Responding to questions on Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Reppas said that the effort for the island republic's accession is on a good course and that Cyprus has all the preconditions to enter the Union during the first enlargement wave. "There can not be an EU enlargement without Cyprus," Reppas said.

[08] Council of Europe secretary general meets Greek politicians

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Schwimmer is visiting Athens as part of the effort to upgrade the role of this European body in the face of the new reality being shaped on the international scene.

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Schwimmer agreed with Papazoi that in the new era the European world should effectively promote its principles and values for the protection of human rights, the establishment and strengthening of democratic institutions and of a state of law.

"We should act jointly to enable security and confidence to be restored in open societies and avert phenomena of exclusion of people and groups seeking better living conditions in European societies," Papazoi said.

Schwimmer praised the Greek government's constructive stance and cooperation with the Council of Europe in the new conditions created in the wake of the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11.

Strengthening the effectiveness of European bodies, such as the European Human Rights Court, will contribute decisively and tangibly to the promotion of European values and principles, particularly in countries such as Turkey which have stated the will to follow the European orientation, the announcement said.

Schwimmer also met with Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos in the presence of the party's International Relations chief Panos Trigazis and Deputy Maria Damanaki.

During the meeting Constantopoulos praised the role of the Council of Europe in the issue of defending democracy and human rights, particularly in the shadow of new threats by terrorism and other forms of international crime, from racism to xenophobia and the undermining of the social state.

Constantopoulos also referred to the Cyprus issue and the need to have it resolved, in accordance with UN resolutions, for a bicommunal and bizonal federation having one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international status. Schwimmer agreed with this position.

ND leader discusses Balkans with Council of Europe secretary: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis and visiting Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer held talks on Wednesday on illegal immigration in the Mediterranean, in light of the recent terrorist attacks, the situation in the Balkans and the initiative of the European Peoples Party (EPP) to promote democracy in the western Balkans, spearheaded by ND.

The two men also discussed ways of strengthening the Council's role in international developments and the course of cooperation between its members.

[09] Interior minister responds to question on intelligence record keeping

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Responding to a question tabled in Parliament by the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), Papandreou noted that "the establishment of records regards persons for which there are founded suspicions that they may be involved or are preparing actions that threaten the security of the country".

The question was tabled in relation to the problems Greeks faced in their attempt to enter Italy to demonstrate against last summer's Genoa G8 summit.

In her letter to Parliament, Papandreou refuted claims that EYP officials went to Italy, adding, however, that "in efforts to secure the smooth holding of large events or official visits, the intelligence services of member-states cooperate and exchange information for the prevention of the manifestation of illegal activities".

A Synaspismos representative responded to the letter saying "how is it possible that in the year 2001 records are kept for citizens on simple 'suspicions' on possible actions which could threaten the national security?".

[10] Ruling PASOK to be stronger, more united after party congress, premier says

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Simitis added that the congress would inaugurate a new period for the party, with especially positive prospects and would become a new starting point for PASOK.

He noted that the Executive Bureau unanimously approved the end report of the Central Committee, which marked an especially successful and creative period for PASOK, with its pinnacle moment the victory in the 2000 elections and Greece's accession to the Economic Monetary Union of the European Union.

According to reports, the Executive Bureau discussed in detail the international crisis, and as the premier said after the meeting "Greece confronts this crisis from a better position, since the country's economy is stronger and Greece's prestige is higher".

The same reports noted that Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis briefed the members of the Executive Bureau on aspects of the issue that was raised with the national land registry and is said that he accused main opposition New Democracy that it controls the moves of the prosecutions.

[11] No need for second candidacy in ruling PASOK congress, defense minister says

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

"No one doubted the presidency and the post of the prime minister in PASOK," Tsohatzopoulos added.

He did not, however, consider it a given fact that Simitis would lead PASOK in the next election battle, saying, however that the wish of the premier to do so is respected.

He added that one more element should be considered in the decision of who should lead the party in the next elections, and that is the successful course of the party and the government until the end of its four-year term.

He also stressed that the role of the congress should be a political one and one reiterating that the party has the ability to support convincingly the course it promised the Greek people it would follow.

[12] Draft law presented on party financing and election costs

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

According to the draft law, the funding of parties is public on the one hand and private on the other. Meaning that both the state and private persons may fund them, while funding by any legal entity of public law is abolished.

In order to achieve control of party finances, the free broadcasting of their election messages by radio and television media is anticipated, while 80 percent of parties' income and expenditures will take place through bank accounts.

The abolition of candidates' election centers is a change in the situation prevailing at present, while only party election centers will be allowed and a Control Committee will be set up, in the framework of Parliament, for the finances of parties and candidates.

The draft law will be submitted for discussion to enable the finalized draft law on party finances to be created.

[13] New Democracy celebrates 27th anniversary of its founding

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

In a brief address, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said that music was an element of culture which can express spiritual concerns and offer hope and optimism.

Karamanlis also indirectly referred to the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, noting that the responsible political forces have a duty and obligation to help the people to confront with cool-headedness the crisis which has broken out throughout the world.

He added: "Serious political leaderships, leaderships with a vision at such moments give answers and pave with certainty the future of the country. We have done so in the past and are doing this at present."

Karamanlis also spoke cordially about all the party's previous leaders.

The events marking the 27th anniversary of the founding of the New Democracy party will be concluded on Thursday evening with a special event at the Zappeion Hall, in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[14] Social Security Foundation to project new image by 2002

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the conference of IKA's Confederation of Workers (POSE-IKA), Nektarios referred to the upcoming (as of November) abolition of the procedure of work stamps and to the passing of all enterprises' dealings with IKA into an electronic form through the institutionalization of "analytical periodical statements."

POSE-IKA president K. Kokkalis said that the evasion of paying contributions to IKA amounted to 500 billion drachmas annually and, combined with the fact that one in four working people remained uninsured, it was estimated that the foundation's loss of income exceeded five trillion drachmas in past years. Kokkalis added that only 25 per cent of companies were checked.

Deputy Labor Minister Christos Protopappas also addressed the conference.

[15] PM Simitis meets with trade union leader

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

According to sources, the social security issue and the prospects of the ruling PASOK congress on October 11-14 were discussed.

Later in the day PASOK's parliamentary labor sector met with Labor Minister Tasos Giannitsis.

[16] Canada-Greece business awards given to 3 local firms

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

In his opening remarks, Canadian ambassador to Athens W. David Hutton first cited the international response to the chilling Sept. 11 terrorist strikes against the United States, referring to a "collective response to cold-blooded terrorism" while adding that the emphasis is now on "building a safe and just society, away from hatred and fanaticism".

Intrasoft S.A., Optimum S.A., and TechnoPlus S.A. were the recipients of this year's awards.

Bourse-listed Intrasoft, a subsidiary of the Intracom group, was cited for its successful partnership with Canada Post International to modernize services and software for Greece's state-run Hellenic Post Offices (EL.TA).

Optimum, a subsidiary of the Logic DIS group, achieved recognition for investing in Canada, and specifically, in a new Toronto-based subsidiary active in the warehouse management software and solutions sector.

Finally, TechnoPlus, a subsidiary of Canada's TechnoKids company, has been active in the technological and computer skills training sector since 1997, with 21 locations now open throughout Greece.

According to the embassy's senior trade commissioner, Emmanuel Kamarianakis, Canadian exports to Greece reached the $198-million mark in 1999, before dropping in 2000, only to reach a record of $212 million in just the first seven months of 2001.

Conversely, Greek exports to the export-oriented North American country exceeded the $100 million level, he said.

Canadian officials said around 350 Canadian firms are active in the Greek market through agents, representatives, importers etc, whereas 10 Canadian companies field offices in the country.

[17] Industrial output up 2.8 pct year on year in July

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Contributing to the increase were printing, publishing, chemical products, radios, TV and communications, and transport materials.

In January-July, industrial output grew by 1.72 percent against the same period a year earlier, GNSS said in a statement.

The index for production in mines, industry, electricity, natural gas and water in July 2001 rose by 1.9 percent against the same month a year earlier.

In January-July the index marked an increase of 0.86 percent versus the same seven months of 2000, the statement said.

[18] Stocks nose down on profit-taking

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.29 percent to end at 2,223.59 points. Turnover was 116.33 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.34 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.16 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.49 percent up.

Advances led declines at 184 to 127 with 47 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Naoussa Textiles, Rilken, Alpha Bank and Sex Form.

Equity futures end at discount: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday finished at discount in low turnover.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips lost 0.34 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 0.16 percent down.

Changing hands were 5,406 contracts.

Bond prices mixed in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished mixed in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.12 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points. Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.2 billion euros. Buy orders accounted for around half of turnover.

[19] PM chairs Interministerial Committee meeting on Olympiad

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

Simitis, according to authoritative sources, requested from all "work, productivity and speedy results."

Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris said the government is aware of difficulties, but also has ways of overcoming them and completing projects on time.

He said the government has made all projects which had to be done so far to host the 2004 Olympiad, adding that the reservations of IOC Coordinating Committee President Denis Oswald are correct but only refer to a small part of the projects, while the great majority of projects are proceeding at a satisfactory pace.

A review was also made during the meeting of the course of projects and primarily of those showing a relevant delay. On the question of the tram and suburban railway projects, the two projects making Oswald skeptical, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said they will be ready on time, adding that awardings will take place at the end of November and that 33 percent of construction work at the Olympic Village will be ready on January 22.

A proposal by the municipality of Amarousion for the construction of the Journalists Village, in the event no legal problems exist, was also examined during the meeting.

[20] CoE conference on migration in the Mediterranean begins

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

In his address to the conference, Schwimmer said its aim was to initiate continuous cooperation and an open dialogue between the countries on the Mediterranean's southern and northern shores, which would seek out the causes of illegal immigration and ways to protect the human dignity of immigrants.

Greek Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, who outlined the government’s new policy on immigration into Greece, then addressed the conference.

She said the government aimed to allow temporary and conditional residence for those coming to Greece to study or work, while ensuring that Greeks and foreigners were on equal terms with respect to living conditions, work, access to education and social insurance.

Another aspect touched on by Papandreou was racism and violence, for which she said the government had enacted groundbreaking legislation allowing the automatic prosecution of racist acts.

The minister added that a center for immigration research would be open soon to help the government formulate and implement policies on immigration.

Greek Euro-MP: Athens needs EU aid to deal with migrants: A Greek Euro-MP has called for emergency European Union assistance to the Athens government in the face of what she termed a rising tide of illegal migration towards Greece, and especially the country's Aegean islands of late.

In addressing a Europarliament plenary session on Wednesday, Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou (PASOK) told colleagues that worries over military activity - following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States - have resulted in large numbers of would-be migrants from southeast Asia and the Middle East to attempt a crossing into Greece.

Speaking at session focusing on the Union's policy vis-a-vis migration and political asylum, Karamanou said Greece's Aegean islands are under "tremendous pressure", whereas the east Mediterranean country is shouldering a much larger burden of the problem in comparison to other EU member-states, and in terms of its own resources.

She also called for more initiatives by the 15-nation bloc towards working out a mutual and comprehensive immigration plan, as well as safeguarding the principle of asylum.

Thousands of mostly Third World nationals attempt to cross over to Greece's islands - the nearest EU territory in the eastern Mediterranean - every year from Turkey.

[21] Promotion of Greek studies at universities abroad

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

The aim of the meeting was to coordinate the activities of the Education, Foreign and Culture ministries as well as of other competent agencies to support Greek studies all over the world.

Speaking after the meeting, Education Minister Petros Efthymiou said that the objective was to register the needs and priorities for supporting Greek studies abroad.

He said that the aim was not to just back the teaching of the Greek language at foreign universities, but also the history, economy and in general contemporary Greece's society and culture.

[22] First ethnic Greek appointed to Albania's supreme court

TIRANA, 04/10/2001 (ANA - I. Patso)

Judge Spyros Spyrou, a professor of criminal law at Tirana University and until recently a justice in Durres, was elected to the post by a majority of the Albanian Parliament a week ago.

Spyrou originally hailed from Sarande, which has a large ethnic Greek community.

[23] World collectors' exhibition in Thessaloniki at the weekend

Athens, 04/10/2001 (ANA)

The exhibitors are tens of firms that sell collectors' items from Greece and abroad. Hellenic Telecommunications Organization will also be displaying its collection of phone cards.

The exhibition is to be held at the Mediterranean Pallas Hotel.

[24] Kasoulides says US government assures Cyprus not on political list of countries harboring terrorism

NICOSIA, 04/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press, Kasoulides said that the Cyprus government has protested Cyprus' inclusion in this "technical list" and that the possibility of excluding Cyprus from the list was "under investigation."

Invited to say whether any concerns have been voiced, that Cyprus and Greece's joint military exercise code-named "Nikiforos-Toxotis" and Turkey's maneuvers code-named "Taurus" would bear repercussions on UN Secretary General's efforts to resume talks on Cyprus, Kasoulides said a request had been made to the Greek government to degrade these military exercises due to the international situation after the US terrorist attacks.

He said this request could not be met since "these maneuvers are necessary", adding that Cyprus must have a reliable defense capability to deal with threats by Turkish occupation troops and terrorism. In the early 1990s Cyprus and Greece agreed on a pact providing Cyprus with air, sea and land coverage in the case of a new Turkish offensive against the island.

Kasoulides said Cyprus has a role to play in combating terrorism and more specifically in the fields of combating the financing of terrorism by increasing alert in the banking and business sectors, by reinforcing its airports' and ports' security and by securing safety on its territory.

Invited to comment on recent statements by Turkish officials that Cyprus is involved in money laundering and terrorism issues, Kasoulides said these statements aim at striking a blow against Cyprus, adding that no country has indicated any information or even a hint of suspicion that Cyprus is involved in such issues.

Commenting on allegations made recently by Turkish Premier Bulent Ecevit that Cyprus should not be accepted as a member by the EU, because it is "a center of money laundering and anti-Turkish terrorism", Kasoulides said Turkey's efforts to hinder Cyprus' accession into the EU show its real intensions that "it will not cooperate in efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem", pointing out however, that Turkey will not succeed and that "EU's relevant decisions are already underway."

He referred to recent statements by British Minister for Europe Peter Hain and European Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen that Cyprus will accede into the EU whether a settlement of its political problem prior to the accession is reached or not.

Cyprus opened negotiations with the EU in 1998 and is considered to be a front-runner as it has closed 23 out of 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire (EU laws and regulations).

Kasoulides also said Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou had conveyed to foreign ministers of other countries he met with recently, Cyprus' readiness to contribute to efforts aiming at combating international terrorism.

UN-led talks to settle the Cyprus problem, that got underway in December 1999, reached an impasse last year when after five rounds of talks Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, described them "a waste of time" and said he would no longer participate unless his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognized.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[25] Cyprus freezes bank accounts and assets, suspected of being used by terrorists

NICOSIA, 04/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after meeting on Wednesday US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler, Klerides said by adopting the Security Council resolution 1373, Cyprus considers the issue of combating terrorism as a top priority one, while on his part Bandler noted that "Cyprus is taking important steps" towards combating terrorism.

Klerides assured that Cyprus will continue its efforts and cooperation with the European Union and other countries, such as the United States, to combat terrorism and added Cyprus has been committed, as in the past, to implement all decisions in this direction.

He pointed out that as far as customs control is concerned, Cyprus has in its disposal the necessary equipment, assistance and information exchange in order "to prevent the transit of cargo, considered to be dangerous, according to relevant UN decisions."

Klerides said after information received by the Cyprus authorities an investigation is underway on whether certain people maintain bank accounts in Cyprus, pointing out however that the information concerned only names and did not indicate whether they have accounts here or not.

On his part, Bandler said during their meeting they discussed "the actions that have already been taken by Cyprus to freeze accounts and cut off funds suspected of being used by terrorists." He said freezing certain accounts and cutting off funds "is a very very important part of the campaign that we are in", adding that

"terrorism cannot occur without financing, we want to cut those links and that is an international effort."

[26] Kyrenia bishop protests proposed sale of Greek Orthodox monastery in Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

NICOSIA, 04/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Kyrenia Bishop Pavlos said he holds the recipients of his protest letter "responsible for not taking any action to implement justice and restore international order throughout Cyprus by forcing Turkey to comply with international law."

The letter was sent following the publication of an advertisement in the latest edition of the "Sunday Times" in Britain for the sale of Ayia Anastasia monastery, in the occupied village of Lapithos at the price of 35,000 pounds sterling.

"This act constitutes a great sacrilege, a violation of human rights and an act of international terrorism by Turkey as well as a provocation to the civilized world," Kyrenia bishop said.

Noting that the government of the Republic of Cyprus preserves and protects "every mosque, shrine and cemetery of the Moslem faith" in the free areas, the Metropolitan called on the recipients of his letter to "offer the same sanctuary and protection to our churches in the area occupied by Turkish troops."

The letter was sent to the UN Secretary General, the five permanent members of the Security Council, the European Parliament, UNESCO, Interpol, the US President and the presidents of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

More than 500 churches situated in the areas under Turkish occupation since 1974 have been destroyed, plundered and looted or turned into stables, warehouses, restaurants and hotels.

For this the Cyprus government and church have repeatedly protested to the UN, the World Council of Churches and many other international and regional organizations.

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