Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek economy maintains momentum despite int'l uncertainty and precariousness

[02] EU foreign ministers discuss coordination of their efforts against terrorism

[03] U.S. ambassador meets with Greek Defense General Staff Chief

[04] PM receives outgoing PASOK party secretary

[05] Laliotis attacks Mitsotakis and ND over 1993 airport deal

[06] ND leader gives political character to local government elections

[07] Greek ambassador to Tirana denies claims of local newspaper on Himare visit

[08] Gov't to freeze utility rates in move to aid euro launch

[09] Tourism authorities to focus in US market

[10] Ministers report consensus on tackling unemployment

[11] Greek stocks rally on Wednesday

[12] Conference on torture continues in Athens for second day

[13] Greek civil defense plans to confront biological, chemical weapons

[14] Greece steps up Aegean patrols to curtain illegal migration

[15] Mycenaean-era artifacts located along road construction site

[16] Exhibition on foreign language newspapers in Greece

[17] Exhibition on the Byzantium to be held in Thessaloniki, Athens

[18] Cyprus FM rejects as "false" allegations by Denktash

[19] FM Kasoulides to attend European conference on combating terrorism

[20] Bush expresses gratitude to Cyprus for its solidarity in wake of terrorist attacks in

[01] Greek economy maintains momentum despite int'l uncertainty and precariousness

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Briefing reporters on Tuesday's discussions and decisions at the EU Council of Economy and Finance ministers (ECOFIN) held in Luxembourg, Papantoniou noted that the indicators of the Japanese economy would be negative this year, the GNP in the US would fall slightly short of the initial forecasts, while growth in the eurozone would be limited to 1.5 percent from the 3.2 percent initially predicted.

But within that framework the Greek economy "still maintains its momentum", Papantoniou said.

He said a 4.5 percent growth rate was predicted in Greece for 2001, adding that he would take into account all the facts that were available by early December on the international economic developments, at which time he would be in a position "to say more".

Papantoniou further said that quick utilization of funds from the Third Community Support Framework (CSF), the measures to reinforce entrepreneurialism and the new developmental law, the drafting of which would begin soon, were the Greek government's "response" to the problems arising following the September 11 terrorist hit in the United States.

He said the efforts to strengthen the Greek economy relied heavily on speedy utilization of the Third CSF funds, while a bill on reinforcing entrepreneurialism was slated to be approved in parliament next week and contained measures for corporate mergers and investments in the new economy as well as the upgrading of real estate firms and measures to boost ocean-going shipping.

Regarding the developmental law, he said that dialogue would begin later this month for the efficient support of the develop-mental process and was expected to be completed in December to enable passing of the bill by parliament in the first two months of 2002, he added.

Papantoniou said that the Greek economy had "its own momentum", but added that the September 11 terrorist attack had been "unfortunate" for Greece since, apart from the universal grief for the thousands of victims, "it is leading to an economic decline".

Greece, he added, had entered a "virtuous cycle", and had it not been for the terrorist hit, the economy would have been going even better.

Regarding the eurozone countries' development rate, according to the ECOFIN discussions, growth would be about 1.5 percent against the initial forecast of 3.2 percent, Papantoniou said, adding however that a slight recovery was to be expected in the second half of 2002.

Papantoniou noted that the figures and forecasts regarding the low growth rate for the US and the negative growth rate for Japan were founded on today's facts, warning that if the war was extended or problems arose within the alliance of countries backing the US, then the economic situation could possibly become even worse.

He said the EU economy and finance ministers agreed that the global economy had never before been so dependent on certain political and military parameters, which he defined as the outcome of the operation in Afghanistan with respect to the degree that terrorism was stamped out, the prospect of a new terrorist action, and the cohesion of the broad political alliance in conjunction with the stability in the Arab countries.

In that context, he said, there was no margin for slackening the fiscal restrictions despite the fact that Greece was not facing an economic slow-down and its growth rate was 4.5 percent (having reached as high as 5.5 percent in the first half of 2001).

He further noted that the public sector debt remained a high 99 percent as a proportion of GDP, adding that Greece had every interest in advancing the structural changes to ensure the development course it has planned.

Asked to comment on a newspaper report that accounts had been located in Greece that were possibly related to terrorism, Papantoniou confirmed that such accounts existed, but said that the information was "confidential" and the accounts could not be blocked because there was a "legal void". However, he continued, the accounts were being monitored.

[02] EU foreign ministers discuss coordination of their efforts against terrorism

LUXEMBOURG, 18/10/2001 (ANA - M. Spintourakis)

Following the meeting, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that the ministers of the Union's 15 member-states decided to intensify their contacts with the Arab countries and to coordinate their visits there, aiming to maintain the solidity of the alliance against international terrorism.

As part of this effort, Papandreou will visit Iran.

The ministers also decided to adopt a system of evaluation of third countries, based on specific indexes, in regards to their general behavior toward international terrorism.

According to Papandreou the Union's ministers believe that the United Nations has the primary role to play in Afghanistan, especially concerning humanitarian aid and the formulation of the country's political scene in the "post Taliban" era, so as to avert the possibility of a power vacuum in the country.

The Greek minister also underlined the importance of the inter-religion dialogue of churches and religious doctrines, which was the object of his recent visit to Istanbul, Turkey.

Papandreou also said that during the meeting, British Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw briefed them on current affairs and reassured them that both his country and the United States are expending every effort to avert hits against civilians in Afghanistan.

On his part, Belgian Foreign Minster Louis Michel, who is chairing the council of EU's foreign ministers, noted that the Union did not believe that the bombings in Afghanistan should cease at this stage, as was requested by humanitarian organizations active in the region.

The ministers were also briefed on the recent tragic developments in the Middle East, which they unequivocally condemned, noting that the arrival at a solution for peace in the region is more urgent now than ever before.

Papandreou said that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan sent to the ministers a draft plan for the resolution of the Palestinian issue, which is the subject of a study.

He added that should the Palestinian problem be resolved the margins of action against international terrorism would widen considerably.

In concluding, the 15 ministers adopted a 62 point list of measures and initiatives that should be undertaken as part of the European Union program, which was adopted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Policy on terrorism: In formulating policy on terrorism, the foreign ministers examined the results of three councils held in the city on Tuesday by EU economy and finance ministers, transport ministers and justice ministers.

Late on Tuesday night, the EU justice ministers' council discussed the issue of a European-wide arrest warrant and ways of harmonizing Community legislation for terrorist crimes. Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos represented Greece.

Regarding a single European arrest warrant, the justice ministers agreed with the European Commission's proposals in principle, but referred the matter to the experts and requested specific proposals by their next meeting, scheduled to take place in Brussels on November 16.

The primary aim of the single arrest warrant is to facilitate the extradition of persons wanted for terrorist crimes from one EU country to another and cut down on time-consuming procedures.

One of the problems that arise is when a person faces criminal charges in both the country he or she is in and in the country seeking the extradition. Various ways of handling this have been put forward and discussion is expected to continue until the justice ministers' next meeting in a month's time.

Another topic addressed by the meeting was that of a common definition of terrorism across the EU and penalties for terrorist crimes.

EU finance ministers chiefly discussed ways of combatting money-laundering and decided to adopt a directive that makes certain professions - including lawyers, notaries, accountants, art dealers, estate agents, casinos and others - responsible for informing the authorities if they have serious suspicions that their clients may be involved in large-scale money-laundering.

Lawyers are only obliged to do so for advice unrelated to trial proceedings.

Transport ministers discussed giving limited financial support for European airline companies for the period immediately following the Sept. 11 strikes.

Gov't confirms existence of suspect bank accounts: The Greek government on Wednesday confirmed the existence of bank accounts in the country belonging to foreign nationals whose names are similar to individuals suspected of complicity in terrorist actions.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said suspect bank accounts, however, mostly contained insignificant amounts of money and probably could not be used to fund illegal activities.

Asked about the topics of discussion Greece's armed forces chiefs had with new US ambassador Thomas Miller, Reppas replied that Washington's envoy was received by various Cabinet ministers as well, as part of his routine round of customary visits with Greek officials. He added that talks focused, among others, on the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes in New York and Washington.

[03] U.S. ambassador meets with Greek Defense General Staff Chief

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, Miller thanked the Greek Armed Forces for the measures they undertook from the first moment of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11 in the United States, to protect American installations in Greece.

NATO has examined the possibility of replacing U.S. military forces in the Balkans with those of European countries. Recently, in that context, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had said that there is such a possibility, adding, however, that a relevant decision would be taken in a collective manner within NATO.

Later in the day, Miller also visited Navy General Staff Chief George Theodoroulakis.

[04] PM receives outgoing PASOK party secretary

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Skandalidis said to reporters that the meeting was not so much an official one as a more human and substantial, as this was the last meeting of the two men while Skandalidis still holds the post of the party secretary.

Laliotis: Gov't reshuffle must 'begin from scratch': Outgoing Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, widely expected as ruling PASOK's next party secretary, on Wednesday called for a government reshuffle "starting from scratch", following his midday meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

The premier himself has more-or-less confirmed that he will proceed with a reshuffle in the upcoming period, in the wake of a ruling PASOK congress last weekend.

On his part, Laliotis said any such reshuffle must revolve around the criteria of "renewal, continuance and alternation".

"Every reshuffle must begin from scratch, and there must be a plan that relates to the words renewal, continuance and alternation ... no one can consider themselves irreplaceable or unmovable, because all such government reshuffles begin, theoretically, from scratch," Laliotis said, while also emphasizing that selection of the Cabinet lies solely within the prime minister's domain.

The convening of PASOK's new central committee will take place on Monday, with Laliotis expected to easily win election to the post executive bureau secretary for the ruling party.

[05] Laliotis attacks Mitsotakis and ND over 1993 airport deal

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis' attack came in the wake of a report by a firm of international chartered accountants, Ernst and Young, which said that the Greek state had gained 100 billion drachmas through a new contract drawn up with the German consortium constructing the airport, renegotiated and signed by a PASOK government in 1995.

Laliotis also linked Mitsotakis and his family with an account belonging to the Liberian firm "Mayo Investment Corporation" which he said should be investigated.

"The Greek Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee should investigate all aspects of the case concerning the contract for the new international airport Eleftherios Venizelos initialed by the Mitsotakis government in 1993, in conjunction with the movements of a specific account belonging to a specific Liberian company named Mayo Investment Corporation," Laliotis said.

He also launched an attack on former chief justice Vassilis Kokkinos, who in his last day before retiring as president of the Supreme Court had ordered an investigation into allegations that the contract signed by PASOK for the new airport in 1995 had cost the state an extra 350 billion drachmas.

Responding to the attack soon afterwards, Mitsotakis accused Laliotis of mud slinging, of doing PASOK's 'dirty work' and of lowering the tone of political debate.

His sentiments were echoed by ND's leadership, which countered the accusations by pointing to the multiple problems and delays faced by the land register, a vital project under the supervision of Laliotis' ministry.

In his counter-response later on Wednesday, Laliotis rejected the accusations of mud slinging and said he had raised specific questions that demanded an answer.

"How is it possible for PASOK to renegotiate the contract and for the Greek State to gain 100 billion drachmas as a result?" Laliotis asked, implying that this money might well have ended up in ND coffers or with Mitsotakis himself.

"It must be made clear that there are reports since '93 published by specific newspapers, there is the sworn testimony of Aristidis Alafouzos that money has been deposited in a specific account of a specific Liberian company at the request of Mr. Mitsotakis. ND must answer this charge," he said.

Government spokesman: The government fully backed Laliotis over his revelations regarding the first contract for the new Athens airport, while government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the evidence he had presented was not new but had never been satisfactorily answered.

He also implied that judicial authorities showed a one-sided zeal that was focused exclusively on the government and had failed to follow up the evidence because it concerned ND.

Stephanos Manos: Laliotis' contract for the new airport had actually cost the Greek economy 200 billion drachmas, Liberals Party leader Stephanos Manos said on Wednesday, in response to accusations leveled earlier in the day by the public works minister and the report by Ernst and Young.

Manos, who had been the minister in charge of the deal under Mitsotakis' government, said that this extra cost was passed down to those who used the airport and reflected in exorbitant airport fees and taxes "that chiefly hurt the tourism industry".

[06] ND leader gives political character to local government elections

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

The council defined general directives in light of ND's Central Committee meeting over the weekend.

Karamanlis did not clarify whether nominations will be given to party members or personalities outside its party framework will also be chosen.

He stressed, however, that the target is to promote capable and honorable people who will solve the problems of local societies, adding that the message to be sent by the party will come through this choice.

Election struggle committee president Tzannis Tzannetakis said that the process of selecting persons will be completed between November and February next year and added that two committees have been created which are monitoring the updating of election lists and codifying ND's positions on local government.

[07] Greek ambassador to Tirana denies claims of local newspaper on Himare visit

TIRANA, 18/10/2001 (ANA - P. Barkas)

The newspaper claimed that "the Greek ambassador is conducting propaganda for the illegally built structures" in its front-page title. The newspaper claimed to be quoting the mayor of the city Victor Mato, who reportedly said that Iliopoulos arrived in Himare accompanied by Omonia party deputy Vaggelis Doules and went to buildings that will be torn down due to public investments.

Iliopoulos on his part said that he went to Himara to participate in the inauguration of the Omonia party offices in the southern Albanian city adding that his visit had nothing to do with the newspaper's claims.

[08] Gov't to freeze utility rates in move to aid euro launch

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Addressing a central bank seminar on introduction of the new currency, Papantoniou urged wholesalers and retailers to keep to a verbal agreement made with the government on rounding off prices from drachmas into euros.

"The government's immediate priority is price restraint," he added.

Also addressing the seminar, which is part of a eurozone information campaign, European Central Bank governor Wim Duisenberg said that the ECB's main role in the euro era would remain that of ensuring price stability.

Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos said that it was necessary to minimize the cost of the switch to the euro; but any temporary glitches and costs were outweighed by the long-term benefits of the single currency.

Senior bankers at the seminar said they believed their sector was ready for the currency change, but representatives of commerce, industry and consumers claimed that information about the mechanics of the shift was inadequate.

[09] Tourism authorities to focus in US market

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

At the same time, the Greek government was preparing specific actions and interventions to deal with the impact of a global crisis on the country's tourism, focusing on the valuable US tourist market.

The issue was discussed in a Tourism Crises Management Commission meeting, headed by Tourism secretary-general Dimitris Georgarakis on Tuesday.

The meeting decided, especially for the US market, to set up a support mechanism to give emphasis to communication and promotion actions instead of direct advertisement and to support travel agencies forwarding American tourists to Greece. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

The Crises Management Commission will discuss air travel issues in its next meeting.

Mr. Georgarakis said that meetings would be regular and any proposals would be seriously heard in setting tourism policy. He noted that Greece was the safest country in the region.

[10] Ministers report consensus on tackling unemployment

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Welcoming this development as they emerged from the meeting, Education Minister Petros Efthymiou and Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis said this had been achieved after a year of systematic work. They stressed that it was important for services to work together, because each one alone was unable to fight unemployment.

[11] Greek stocks rally on Wednesday

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

A positive climate in other European markets and a decision by international investment firms to upgrade Greek banks' stocks helped in maintaining demand for blue chip stocks in the market.

The general index ended at 2,350.53 points, up 2.03 percent, with turnover an improved 45.2 billion drachmas or 132.7 million euros.

The Insurance, Investment and Banks indices scored the biggest percentage gains (up 6.64 percent, 3.12 percent and 2.95 percent, respectively), with the parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ending 3.10 percent higher.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks jumped 2.27 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index soared 3.21 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 2.27 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 316 to 29 with another 16 issues unchanged.

Equity futures outperform indices: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday outperformed their underlying indices, eliminating a lasting discount, Acropolis Portfolio Investment said.

The volume of trade was high at 10,945 equity futures contracts.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 2.27 percent; and underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks increased by 3.21 percent.

In the previous session, futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 had shown a discount of up to 1.0 percent; and contracts on the FTSE/ASE-40 had risen sharply.

Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.11 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.5 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[12] Conference on torture continues in Athens for second day

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Amnesty International has been struggling against the scourge over the past 40 years, together with other non-governmental organizations, while a campaign against torture under the slogan of "Take a step: Say no to torture" had started in October 2000 in over 60 countries with the purpose of escalating action, exerting pressure and mobilizing its one million members all over the world.

Justice minister says torture exists everywhere: Justice Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos, addressing a conference on torture in Athens on Wednesday, warned that torture exists everywhere and added there is an institutional framework but its application is the weak point.

"Torture exists everywhere and not only in autocratic countries, where the situation is much worse of course, but in our societies of democracy as well," he said.

Stathopoulos said since the controversial point is ill treatment at interrogation level it could be carried out by special justice ministry police and not of the public order ministry.

He stressed the need for police to be trained and guided to be in a position to always behave in a civilized manner. He further said that the level has improved but it could be better.

Stathopoulos said one should not expect everything from the state and self-criticism by all would be appropriate because complacency and silence constitute complicity since the active citizen can contribute decisively to a change in the situation.

He also said a contribution by journalists can likewise be considerable because revelation provides discouragement, since it exposes the torturer who becomes bold when nobody observes and reports him.

[13] Greek civil defense plans to confront biological, chemical weapons

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

These work groups will be called upon to draft new plans for the confrontation of emergency situations.

Civil Defense Secretary General D. Papanikolaou said, during a press conference, that his office will undertake the role of coordinating the improvement of existing measures and the drafting of new ones.

Along with the work groups, the secretariat has established a special action group, which will be dealing with such issues on a day-to-day basis, in concert with the police, the fire department and the coast guard.

He added that the Civil Defense General Secretariat is in direct contact with the European Civil Defense Network, which met on Wednesday to decide on measures on a European Union level.

One of the issues discussed at the meeting was the establishment of groups of experts, which will intervene in all European countries, if necessary, while funds to the tune of 50 million euros will fund the efforts of the EU member-states' civil defense.

He concluded that the secretariat was drafting a plan for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, which began being drafted before the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

[14] Greece steps up Aegean patrols to curtain illegal migration

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

Numerous arrests of mostly Third World migrants as well as a handful of smugglers have been widely reported by Greek authorities in the Aegean over the past two months. On many an occasion, would-be immigrants have been intercepted in small rubber dinghies making for the Greek holiday isles, in disembarked groups on remote beaches as well as crammed aboard decrepit Turkish-flagged freighters, fishing trawlers and even yachts of all registries heading for the Greek mainland if an Italian shore appears unattainable.

Airborne surveillance planes have also joined the operation, whereas certain passenger ferries servicing Greece's numerous island destinations have been added in the wake of the summer tourist season's end.

"Because of the increased number of illegal migrants caused by the crisis in Afghanistan, we have asked for the cooperation of all security forces, while coast guard officers at all ports have been instructed to strictly apply the Schengen Pact," Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis said on Wednesday.

The minister, who at one point served as Greece's representative on the EU Commission, also sharply criticized Turkish authorities for the wave of illegal immigrants trying to enter Greece, and by extension, the European Union.

"Although it (Turkey) has the necessary means to quash illegal immigration, it remains indifferent," he said, adding that his office again directed a letter to the Turkish government in the past few days requesting the immediate implementation of measures to combat the wave of migrants disembarking from Turkey.

Finally, Papoutsis said a circular has been issued to coast guard units regarding the issue of a possible anthrax threat.

[15] Mycenaean-era artifacts located along road construction site

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

The artifacts date from the Mycenaean era (before 1000 BC) and follow similar finds on adjacent stretches of the same roadway, many dating to the Classical Age and the Hellenistic era, archaeological said in their initial reports.

According to Greece's culture ministry, a late Mycenaean period grave dating to roughly 1,100 BC contained a copper sword with an ivory handle was the latest discovery at an Egnatia highway construction side.

Road workers at an under-construction section that passes through the Ioannina basin discovered the finds.

[16] Exhibition on foreign language newspapers in Greece

BRUSSELS, 18/10/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The exhibition is organized by the PASOK party's parliamentary group at the European Commission at the initiative of Eurodeputy Mirsini Zorba.

Taking part are the newspapers "Athens News", the English publication of "Kathimerini", "Athener Zeitung" (German), "La Tribune Hellenique (French), "Omonoia" (Russian), "Synergasia" (Arabic), BECTN" (Bulgarian), "Kaurier Atenski" (Polish) and "Gazeta e Athines" (Albanian).

Present at the official presentation of the exhibition was Culture Commissioner Vivian Reding who congratulated the publishers and journalists of the foreign language newspapers in Greece.

[17] Exhibition on the Byzantium to be held in Thessaloniki, Athens

Athens, 18/10/2001 (ANA)

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Culture Ministry has organized an international scientific conference on the theme "The Byzantium as a Universe".

[18] Cyprus FM rejects as "false" allegations by Denktash

NICOSIA, 18/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Stressing that the Turkish policy of segregation will not succeed, the minister said Rauf Denktash must understand that a permanent partition in Cyprus, imposed by the force of arms, would create a precedent in most Moslem countries facing secessionist movements.

In a written statement, in reply to Denktash's demand for recognition of what he calls "the realities" on the island, Kasoulides said that the realities in the Arab world, including the occupation of Arab territories, should also be taken into consideration when Denktash is demanding recognition of the current status quo in Cyprus.

He called on Denktash to read the relevant UN reports of that period to remember that it was Denktash himself and the TMT (Turkish Cypriot paramilitary organization) that enforced the segregation of the Turkish Cypriots in pockets strengthening his fellow countrymen's fear, by taking advantage of certain unfortunate acts of some Greek Cypriots.

[19] FM Kasoulides to attend European conference on combating terrorism

NICOSIA, 18/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

EU members, associated candidate countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Yugoslavia, Croatia, FYROM and Bosnia-Herzegovina will take part in the conference. Representatives of Russia, Ukraine and Moldova will attend, for the first time, a working lunch that will follow.

The European countries will try to join forces in a common front against international terrorism. Kasoulides returns home Sunday afternoon.

[20] Bush expresses gratitude to Cyprus for its solidarity in wake of terrorist attacks in

US NICOSIA, 18/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Bush said he looks forward to working with President Glafcos Clerides to uproot terrorism and notes that he draws strength and determination from the support of the people of Cyprus and President Clerides.

"On behalf of the American people, I am grateful to you and the people of Cyprus for your kind expressions of condolences and concern in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001," Bush said in his letter, dated September 28.

The letter, delivered to the president by US Ambassador in Nicosia Donald Bandler on October 11, said "freedom was attacked but freedom will be defended."

"I look forward to working with you to meet this difficult challenge. The struggle may be a long one, but we draw strength and resolve from your solidarity and support," Bush concludes.

Cyprus has aligned itself with those countries fighting terrorism and has placed its air space and airports at the disposal of the US in the worldwide effort to uproot terrorism.

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