Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM calls for terrorist actions to be stripped from religious pretexts

[02] Patriarch calls for int'l religious conference, meets with Papandreou

[03] Defense Minister meets with US ambassador

[04] CNN website map includes Greece in coalition against terrorism

[05] Arafat holds talks with Karamanlis, Papariga

[06] Envoy: Romania backed by Athens in drive to join NATO, EU

[07] PASOK congress begins on Thursday with premier's address and Arafat's presence

[08] Simitis meets with Cyprus' Anastassiades

[09] DISY leader discusses Cyprus, int'l developments with Karamanlis

[10] Industrialists union president says euro protective shield

[11] European Credit reports 1.8% decline in premium income

[12] European Commission publicizes report on poverty

[13] Thessaloniki to host "Infosystem 2001" exhibition

[14] Greek Railway Organization signs agreement with FYROM, Yugoslavia

[15] Bill calls for electronic record keeping by Social Security Foundation

[16] ASE announces new trading session

[17] Greek stocks continue moving higher on ASE

[18] Head of France's Olympic committee in Athens

[19] German FM visits Greek forum at Frankfurt Book Fair

[20] Stiffer fines for drunk drivers introduced by road safety bill

[21] New website for military service issues

[22] Clerides departs for New York on November 6 to address UN General Assembly

[23] Government approves bill by which Cyprus will ratify convention to combat financing of terrorism

[24] Committee ascertains Cyprus' extraordinary progress in its EU membership talks

[25] Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties condemn international terrorism

[01] Greek FM calls for terrorist actions to be stripped from religious pretexts

ISTANBUL, 11/10/2001 (ANA ' A. Kourkoulas)

The cooperation of religious leaders is especially important in order to show that these conflicts are not of a religious nature, he said during the press conference held after his meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

The Orthodox prelate on the same day called for an international conference amongst the leaders of the world's major faiths, as an international crisis continues to percolate following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and subsequent military action in Afghanistan. Vartholomeos is the 'Primus inter pares' among Orthodox Patriarchs representing approximately 250 million Eastern Orthodox faithful around the world.

Papandreou also noted that the current international situation, as well as intra-religious cooperation can bring Greece and Turkey closer.

Responding to questions by the Turkish press he noted that both the Greek and Turkish parliaments ratified the special agreement between the two countries for the confrontation of terrorism, which in turn will further develop cooperation between the two countries.

"In combating terrorism we should not neglect the protection of the basic values of our society and the protection of important human rights," Papandreou said.

"I came here (Istanbul) to seek the advice of the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in confronting today's crisis," he said, adding that the "Ecumenical Patriarchate was always in the front lines of efforts, so that religions would not provide alibis for terrorist movements and nationalist violence".

At this point the Greek minister spoke of the Bosporus Declaration of 1994, which was signed by the leaders of the three major monotheistic religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - at the initiative of Vartholomeos.

"We condemn every attempt to corrupt the basic characteristics of our faith, through unchecked nationalism," the declaration read and also condemned "every policy that violates the holiness of human life and moral values".

The Greek minister said that he would brief the European Union's Commission President Romano Prodi on his talks in the Fanar and would call on him to have the EU support the initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which could lead to the organization of a major intra-religious meeting.

Papandreou also noted Greece's effort to revive the ancient idea of the Olympic Truce, stressing that Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem signed a relevant protocol recently and the United States Congress and the European Union summit in Nice also adopted the idea, which Pope John Paul II also joined.

[02] Patriarch calls for int'l religious conference, meets with Papandreou

ISTANBUL, 11/10/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos, the "Primus inter pares" among Orthodox Patriarchs representing approximately 250 million Eastern Orthodox faithful around the world, made the statements after an hour-long meeting at the Patriarchate with visiting Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

"It is with great pleasure that we received here at the Fanar (the Patriarchate's seat) Mr. Papandreou, with whom with are connected through bonds of friendship. We discussed the possibilities of cooperation among people and peoples in these tragic moments that humanity is living through today," the Patriarch said.

The Patriarchate had organized a similar inter-faith conference in 1994, which concluded with the publication of the so-called "Bosporus Proclamation" -- a hoped for "blueprint" of cooperation between major religions against nationalism and political extremism.

In the wake of that proclamation, the Patriarchate later organized an inter-faith meeting in Sarajevo.

On his part, Papandreou said after the meeting that he arrived in Istanbul to seek Vartholomeos' advice and to discuss the ongoing international crisis.

"Unfortunately, at a moment when the international community is living through these tragic events there are some people attempting to exploit religion in order to promote terrorism," Papandreou stressed, adding:

"I know of your (Patriarch) initiatives and the spiritual leadership you have exhibited on such issues, and I will also convey the ideas we discussed to European Commission President Romano Prodi, so that he can also help in your efforts," Papandreou said in reply to Vartholomeos' comments.

Concluding, Vartholomeos again stressed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has for many years attempted to discourage what he called the "exploitation of religions by movements espousing political violence."

[03] Defense Minister meets with US ambassador

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Miller reiterated that the "war against terrorism and those who support it is not a war between civilizations or religions". He said that the issue of terrorism "concerns us all", and said that the entire Islam community had condemned the terrorist actions. Miller further denied that US Secretary of State Colin Powell had "fallen out of favor" as rumored by the international press.

The US envoy also lauded the measures taken by the Greek government to confront the prospect of terrorist reprisals.

On his part, Tsohatzopoulos said that during the meeting the two men discussed the high degree of Greek-U.S. cooperation on issues of international security and on a bilateral level to confront terrorism.

No one can tell which will be the contribution of (Greece) to the collective effort of the international community in confronting terrorism, Tsohatzopoulos said, in response to a relevant question. He reiterated that this effort demands the active participation of the countries of the international community for the formulation of a joint policy of security and the confrontation of terrorism.

[04] CNN website map includes Greece in coalition against terrorism

WASHINGTON, 11/10/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

CNN corrected the map and included Greece among the countries which are cooperating with the United States in the fight against terrorism and which have offered operational facilities.

The map states that Greece has authorized the use of an air base in Crete for the refueling US planes, is sharing intelligence and is cooperating in tracing suspect bank accounts.

It notes that Greece is a NATO member and that it could participate in NATO operations.

Included in the same list of European Union countries are Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

The list of countries which are also offering full support, including military support, are Britain, Canada, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

[05] Arafat holds talks with Karamanlis, Papariga

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis stated that it was imperative for the international community to form a very large alliance against terrorism. He noted that nobody can invoke the just struggle of the Palestinian people as an excuse to cover up terrorist activities. On this, he said, "we are absolute", adding that the entire international community should effectively contribute in order for a solution to be found at long last and to curb the differences between the Israelis and the Palestinians so that stability and peace to be secured in the region.

The main opposition leader concluded by saying that he told Arafat that nobody can defy the rights of peoples for peace, stability and progress.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga also met Arafat. Following their meeting, Papariga said that the Greek government had a moral and political obligation to exert pressure for a genuine settlement of the Palestinian issue. She added, however, that it was not possible for the problems to be solved even if the borders are formally recognized, as long as there are Israeli occupation troops and settlements.

Arafat is in Athens to be present at the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress which begins on Thursday.

[06] Envoy: Romania backed by Athens in drive to join NATO, EU

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The ambassador was also quick to point out that this effort was fully supported by the Greek government.

The envoy said Romania submitted its third consecutive "Annual National Plan of Preparation" (ANP) for the years 2001-2002" towards the alliance on Sept. 28, a plan that outlines its efforts to join the Euro-Atlantic structures, and at a cost of about two billion dollars.

"Based on this third plan we believe that we fulfill the criteria to enter NATO at this time. Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has created the positive climate needed for us to enter NATO," Dragomir said.

"In this geopolitical zone we are together. It is to NATO's advantage to be stronger in this zone, if SE Europe is stable all of Europe becomes more stable," he stressed.

The cabinet approved the plan, although from a legal standpoint it was not necessary, but it did emphasize the north Balkan country's strong commitment to enter the NATO alliance, the minister counselor of the Romanian embassy in Athens, Mircea Neata, said. He added that NATO accession met with the approval of more than 85 per cent of the country's citizens.

Following the events of Sept. 11 in the United States, Romania has resolved to support the United States in its call for the world to rise up against terrorism, therefore, the Romanian parliament voted unanimously to make the country's airspace, port facilities and railroads, as well as other assets, available in the fight against terrorism, Neata said.

"The government of Romania has taken a stand and will act in accordance with international law on the issue of terrorism ... Romania is willing to act as a full NATO member. We intend to show how important this process is to the Romanian government," Dragomir stressed.

As entry into NATO structures is an important goal for the country, the government of Romania pledged 2 percent of GDP for defense expenditures in the current planning period, reform of the

Romanian armed forces in preparation for NATO integration -- regarding manpower, equipment and installations -- military attache Cristian Dincovici said in presenting the country's plans for the next period.

"Romania wants to overcome the void created by the communist era. We are a candidate-member to both the EU and NATO," the ambassador said during a press conference, which also focused on Romania's effort to join the European Union.

"We believe that our economy should be integrated with the West, and our bilateral relations can lead to that before we even become members of the EU," Dragomir said, adding, "I am also dedicated to working towards better bilateral relations between Greece and Romania".

"The aim of the Romanian government is to raise the standard of living in the country, thus, accession to NATO and the EU are major goals. We expect to achieve the EU's criteria by 2005,

Economic Counselor Viorel Bolovan said during the press conference.

He added that of the 31 chapters under negotiation between the Union and Romania, eight were completed, while another six are in progress and the rest will have been submitted by 2004, allowing Romania to enter the Union amidst the second wave of expansion.

The direct economic investment of Greek businesses in Romania was also discussed during the press conference, where it was stressed that more than 1,900 Greek firms are active in the country, with more than a billion dollars in investments recorded in practically all sectors of that country's economy.

[07] PASOK congress begins on Thursday with premier's address and Arafat's presence

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

PASOK's 6th congress since its establishment in 1974 will take place at a specially prepared space of the Athens Olympic Stadium.

Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou will preside over the congress, following a unanimous decision of the outgoing Executive Bureau of the party, and will be flanked by a 15-member board.

According to sources, the premier will open the congress with a speech focusing on both foreign and domestic issues in the light of recent developments.

He is expected to stress that the war on terrorism is a common affair and will add that only democratic processes for the protection of individual rights will confront terrorism.

The party congress includes a total of 6,353 voting members, of which 75 per cent are men and 25 per cent are women, while compared to past congresses it has the largest number of voting members.

Opposition party representatives are expected to address the session on the first day and the congress will end with closing remarks by Simitis on Saturday night, while elections for the party's president and for the members of the party's Central Committee will take place on Sunday.

[08] Simitis meets with Cyprus' Anastassiades

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Anastassiades, the leader of Cyprus' Democratic Rally (DISY) party, arrived in the Greek capital to attend the beginning of ruling PASOK party's congress, which starts on Thursday.

As expected, repercussions following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States were also discussed.

Earlier, Anastassiades met with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis for talks that also focused on the course of the Cyprus issue as well as recent international developments.

In comments to reporters, the DISY president shrugged off recent claims of money laundering lobbed against the island republic as nothing more than "negative propaganda".

Such activities, the DISY leader added, are taking place in the Turkish-occupied portion of the island republic.

[09] DISY leader discusses Cyprus, int'l developments with Karamanlis

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Anastassiades invited Karamanlis to visit Cyprus, and shrugged off recent accusations of money laundering as "negative propaganda".

Such activities, the DISY leader added, were taking place in the Turkish-occupied sector of the island republic.

[10] Industrialists union president says euro protective shield

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Antonakopoulos was speaking at a conference on "The Greek business before the euro-Practical issues in the transition to the new currency", with the participation of a large number of officials from businesses which are SEB members.

The issues "Euro and businesses" and "Euro and administrative authorities" were examined during the conference, which is part of SEB's effort to inform its members in light of the circulation of the new currency in Greece as of January 1, 2002.

Antonakopoulos, commenting on the terrorist attack in the U.S. on the sidelines of the conference, said it is early for the repercussions of the action to appear. He said that what is certain is that the sector of tourism, and air transport in particular, has been adversely affected.

He further pointed out that if the international crisis is maintained, there will be considerable negative repercussions for the European economy in its entirety and, consequently, the Greek economy as well.

[11] European Credit reports 1.8% decline in premium income

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The life insurance sector produced premium income of 4.456 billion drachmas, down 5.0 percent, despite a 30 percent increase in unit linked premium income over the same period.

General insurance policy premium was 0.7 percent up to 5.959 billion drachmas in the January-September period.

[12] European Commission publicizes report on poverty

BRUSSELS, 11/10/2001 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis)

It is the first time the European Commission prepares such a report. It will be on the agenda at the Lacken summit in Belgium in December.

The report describes the present situation and the main challenges in policies against poverty and social exclusion in the EU, using a common base of social indicators.

Greek Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, responsible for employment and social affairs, said during the presentation of the report "social exclusion is an issue concerning people. In any case, how can it be otherwise when there are currently 60 million people in the EU who are either poor or in danger of becoming poor?"

The chapter on Greece says, among others, that 22 percent of the Greek population is living "on the borders of poverty." Its definition was made, as it was mentioned, by the percentage of the population having an income less than 60 percent of the average national income.

The lowest percentages of poverty are found in Denmark with 8 percent, Finland with 9 and Sweden and Luxembourg with 12. On the other hand, the highest are found in Portugal with 23 percent, Greece and Britain with 22 and Ireland with 20. The EU's average is 18 percent.

[13] Thessaloniki to host "Infosystem 2001" exhibition

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The exhibition is organized by HELEXPO and will last until Sunday.

Taking part will be 545 exhibitors from Greece and abroad.

Within the framework of the exhibition, HELEXPO is organizing a conference on the implementation of informatics on Friday and Saturday.

The conference will be held under the auspices of the Finance Ministry and the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Ministry.

[14] Greek Railway Organization signs agreement with FYROM, Yugoslavia

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference on the occasion, OSE's commercial director Loudovikos Kourtidis said the existing tripartite agreement is expected to be extended very soon to Croatia and Slovenia. Corresponding agreements with Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria will follow in 2002.

He said the agreement lays new foundations for commercial transportation in the Balkans since a series of problems and difficulties created by different invoicing in international transportation will be removed, while a considerable decrease in fares is expected.

[15] Bill calls for electronic record keeping by Social Security Foundation

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The bill, which was submitted to the Parliament's Economic Social Committee for discussion and approval, prescribes the abolition of paper records for the insured and calls for a fully electronic database of record keeping.

This effort is part of the labor ministry's policies to combat black market labor practices.

The bill also lowers fines for late payment and decreases to 5 from 10 years the time limit for writing off debts to the foundation.

[16] ASE announces new trading session

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

Trading on the Athens bourse will start at 11.00 and close at 16.00 local time.

Alexakis noted, however, that market authorities would not hesitate extending trading hours again if conditions in international market worsened.

Referring to the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Athens and Istanbul stock markets, Alexakis said that all technical problems were expected to be completed by the end of the year and that the cooperation program was expect-ed to begin in the second half of 2002.

[17] Greek stocks continue moving higher on ASE

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended at 2,237.10 points, up 0.75% with turnover a low 69.59 million euros. A total of 16.9 million stocks changed hands.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,245.72 points, up 0.35 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 1.76 percent to 229.01 points, and the FTSE/ASE Smallcap index ended at 667.96 points, up 1.43 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 209.73 points, up 1.69%.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 263 to 57 with another 40 issues unchanged. National Bank, Sex Form, Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Petzetakis, Eskimo, Coca-Cola, Aspis Pronia and Everest were the most heavily traded stocks.

Elbisco, Kotsovolos, Silver Baryte, Boutaris, Domiki, Klaoudatos, Euro Reliance, Minerva were the biggest percentage gains, while Mouriades, Papafilis, Moscholios, Eskimo, Keramia Allatini, Alisida, Spider, Varvaressos and Moda Bagno suffered the heaviest losses.

Equity futures end higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday finished higher, roughly tracking a rise in the main market.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips rose 0.35 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 1.76 percent up. Futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 showed a discount of up to 0.75 percent; and on the FTSE/ASE-40 up to 3 percent, the traders said.

Changing hands were 4,493 contracts.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.15 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.2 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[18] Head of France's Olympic committee in Athens

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

After talks with his counterpart Lambis Nikolaou, Serandour met with the head of the International Olympic Academy, Nikos Filaretos.

Nikolaou also received a high-ranking delegation of Slovakia's National Olympic Committee.

[19] German FM visits Greek forum at Frankfurt Book Fair

FRANKFURT, 11/10/2001 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

Greece is the theme country at the Fair.

Prior to his visit to the Fair, Fischer held a brief meeting with Venizelos. Fischer referred to war and peace, stressing the importance which the German foreign ministry places on the need for dialogue which he said its manifested through the allocation of funds for the promotion of this purpose.

Fischer also said that he supported "a dialogue between cultures" and was against "a clash between cultures".

[20] Stiffer fines for drunk drivers introduced by road safety bill

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The bill also introduces a measure that allows drivers to 'buy back' license plates removed for parking offences before the standard 10-20 days have elapsed, provided they pay triple the usual fine.

Another innovation introduced by the bill is the provision of 1000 free fixed-line phone units to people with severely impaired mobility, as well as a 50 per cent discount on mobile phone messages for the hearing-impaired and people with 50 per cent disability. The cost of the measure will burden mobile phone companies.

Finally, provision is made for the establishment of private test centers for certifying vehicle safety and roadworthiness.

[21] New website for military service issues

Athens, 11/10/2001 (ANA)

The new Internet site, www.stratologia.gr, is expected to be up and running within the next few days.

The site was announced during a press conference in Athens also attended by Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

[22] Clerides departs for New York on November 6 to address UN General Assembly

NICOSIA, 11/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou said the Cyprus president would have a working lunch with the Ambassadors of the five UN Permanent Members on November 9 and would also meet other officials, to discuss the Cyprus question.

Papapetrou said the President's visit to New York was not related to the process of the UN-led talks on Cyprus, since there was no new invitation for fresh talks so far.

Last month UN Secretary General Kofi Annan invited the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash "to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement under the Secretary General's auspices."

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides accepted the invitation. Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, turned it down saying the ground was not prepared for the resumption of talks.

President Glafcos Clerides was on his way to the US on Tuesday the 11th of September to meet UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, following the invitation to resume peace talks but due to the terrorist attacks against the US his flight was diverted to Canada, from where he returned home.

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

[23] Government approves bill by which Cyprus will ratify convention to combat financing of terrorism

NICOSIA, 11/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting of the Council of Ministers under President Glafcos Clerides, the spokesman said "the bill provides for the ratification of the International Convention to Combat the Financing of Terrorism, the determination of punishments for offences under this Convention, the inclusion of the necessary provisions taking into account the internal law in relation to the provisions of the Convention."

Attorney-General Alecos Markides, who presented the bill to the cabinet, said the government-proposed bill also provides for the setting up of a special unit that will conduct investigations into offences under this Convention.

He added the special unit would, among others, exchange information with foreign authorities, evaluate information, carry out inquiries and issue court warrants for offences related to the financing of terrorism.

Cyprus signed the international convention to combat the financing of terrorism last spring.

[24] Committee ascertains Cyprus' extraordinary progress in its EU membership talks

NICOSIA, 11/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

A press release issued at the end of the two-day session, co-chaired by Mexhtild Rothe, on behalf of the European Parliament, and Tassos Papadopoulos, on behalf of the Cyprus parliament, says "Cyprus had made extraordinary progress in the accession negotiations" and adds that "the solution of the Cyprus problem before Cyprus' accession to the EU would be beneficial for all parties without being a precondition for the EU membership".

EU enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen told the JPC the solution of the Cyprus question to be found before Cyprus' accession to the EU "remains a clear preference for the Commission although it is not a precondition".

Verheugen underlined his disappointment with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's decision, "fully backed by Ankara, not to accept the invitation of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the resumption of the UN process for the solution of the problem."

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides stressed that the Republic of Cyprus was ready to begin negotiations on the Cyprus problem before accession to the EU "as a solution would be beneficial for the enlargement process."

JPC welcomed the European Parliament's report on Cyprus' accession while the resolution adopted with an overwhelming majority by the European Parliament was regarded as "very objective and balanced".

Chief negotiators for Cyprus' accession to the EU George Vassiliou, on behalf of Cyprus, and Leopold Maurer, on behalf of the European Commission, briefed the JPC on the current situation and future perspectives of the EU-Cyprus accession negotiations. They both stressed the excellent progress made by Cyprus in adopting and implementing the acquis communautaire. Rapporteur of the European Parliament on Cyprus accession to the EU Jacques Poos underlined that the accession negotiations with Cyprus were running well and stressed that a future membership of Cyprus would benefit the Union and reinforce its role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and would also benefit Cyprus, politically and economically. He also expressed his strong hope that Cyprus' accession to the EU would be "a catalyst" for the peace efforts.

Poos' report was adopted by the European Parliament on 5 September along with a resolution that warned Turkey of putting a halt on its own European accession course if it implements threats to annex the areas of Cyprus it occupies since 1974, in case the Republic of Cyprus joins the EU.

Cyprus deputy Demetris Syllouris briefed the JPC on the cultural heritage of Cyprus and the JPC proposed to the Commission the establishment of a cultural map of Cyprus for the registration, the protection and the promotion of the European cultural heritage of Cyprus. The Commission stated that the EU could fund projects.

EuroMP Dimitris Tsatsos and Cyprus deputy Eleni Mavrou spoke on the importance of the role of the national parliaments in this process and agreed that the candidate countries should equally participate in the Convention on the future of Europe.

EuroMP Jannis Sakellariou and Syllouris spoke on the role of the EU and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. They stressed the important contribution Cyprus could make to the euro-Mediterranean process.

Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and has provisionally closed 23 out of 29 chapters and is the front-runner among EU candidates for accession. It is expected to close three more chapters before the end of 2001.

[25] Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties condemn international terrorism

NICOSIA, 11/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In a joint communique, the leaders and representatives of the parties, who met here on Wednesday also called upon "all people of Cyprus to join the celebrations of the United Nations Day", to be held at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone and said during their meeting they discussed "the possibilities to take concrete steps aiming at rapprochement between the two Cypriot communities." They added that they have created a sub-committee for organizing future bicommunal events.

In their communique the Greek and Turkish Cypriot politicians "strongly condemn the recent terrorist acts against the United States of America and international terrorism in general."

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot party meetings are organized by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia on a regular basis, at the Ledra Palace Hotel. The parties will meet again on November 7.

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