Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't considers part-float for power corporation in early December

[02] FM briefs PM ahead of Gent EU summit

[03] PM refers to PASOK party's first election victory in 1981

[04] FM briefs inner cabinet on EU's positions on international affairs

[05] Alternate foreign minister addresses UNESCO General Assembly

[06] EU commissioner refers to Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations

[07] Chrysohoidis briefs main opposition on anti-terrorism measures

[08] Gov't comments on possibility of raising troop strength in Balkans

[09] Investigation ordered into allegations by Laliotis about Mitsotakis, ND

[10] Mitsotakis will have fate similar to Kohl's, Laliotis claims

[11] ND MPs sue Laliotis for defamation over land register case

[12] Premier denounces main opposition for efforts to slander PASOK cadres

[13] Four Israelis arrested for taking photographs at Souda Bay

[14] General Bank approves search for strategic partner

[15] Greece launches "Euro-lorry" campaign

[16] Greece to record highest growth rate in OECD

[17] Greek-American trade fair in US postponed to April

[18] Cyprus to promote industrial goods in Greece

[19] Greek stocks fall in line with international markets

[20] ATHOC conference to focus on technology

[21] Powder sent to health ministry negative of anthrax bacillus

[22] Stephanopoulos receives Women's Committee

[23] Founding of Modern Greek Studies chair in Paris

[24] Culture minister visits new parking installations of Athens Concert Hall

[25] Cyprus government believes policy of appeasing Denktash does not have positive effect on him

[01] Gov't considers part-float for power corporation in early December

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

At the same time, the timing of the flotation of at least 10 percent of the company's equity capital will depend on the trend in global markets. Consultations will be held with the government's adviser in the sale, Reppas told reporters.

He was speaking after an inner cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

In addition, three companies had expressed initial interest in becoming a strategic investor in state-owned Hellenic Petroleum to help the oil group expand its operations abroad, Reppas said.

He named the firms as OMV of Austria; a consortium comprising Petrola of Greece and Lukoil of Russia; and Yukos Oil, also of Russia.

In the next phase of talks, the firms will be asked to submit a financial bid and business plan.

Furthermore, the state planned to sell part of its holding in the Public Gas Company, which handles natural gas, the spokesman said.

Finally, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told the inner cabinet that growth would total 4.5 percent this year on the basis of January-September data, roughly three times average growth in the eurozone.

Papantoniou said that stability should remain a key component of economic policy in order to consolidate gains already made and provide security for the future.

[02] FM briefs PM ahead of Gent EU summit

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

During their meeting, Papandreou briefed Simitis on the results of the European Union's general affairs council in Luxembourg, which focused on preparing the agenda of the informal summit and ended on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Papandreou said that Greece is actively participating in the EU's efforts to confront the current crisis, specifically the issue of terrorism, as well as important regional issues, such as the Palestinian problem.

Papandreou once again condemned the assassination of Israel's tourism minister, which has led to increased tension over the Middle East issue over the past few days and underlined the necessity of a solution for the Palestinian issue through initiatives, especially those of the United Nations.

He said that the premier will have the opportunity to submit Greek opinions and proposals on the Middle Eastern problem during the Gent summit and to report on Greek efforts for the development of a wider dialogue between civilizations and religions.

Commenting on the recent scare caused by terrorist attacks with anthrax bacteria sent by mail in other countries, Papandreou said "there is no need for panic ... we should be cool-headed".

He gave reassurances that Greek authorities have the capabilities to evaluate this new phenomenon, adding that "at this point we have no outbreaks and no suspicions that Greece is a target country".

Papandreou stressed, however, the necessity for correct briefing of public opinion and the undertaking of the necessary measures "with a sense of responsibility and without any panic", since everyday life should go on normally "for the benefit of citizens, democratic freedoms and the economy, subjects dealt with by the Greek government".

Papandreou itinerary announced: According to a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday, Papandreou departs for an official visit to Hungary on Oct. 24, where he will have talks with his counterpart, Janos Martonyi and other Hungarian political leaders.

On Oct. 24 and 25, Papandreou will travel to Agadir, Morocco for the Euro-Mediterranean summit, in his capacity as chairman of the Euro-Med Forum.

The summit, convened by Moroccan King Mohamed IV, is expected to cover issues related to international anti-terrorism efforts, as well as matters focusing on the European Union's relations with southern Mediterranean countries.

EU members participating in the Euro-Med Forum include France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, along with candidate-state Malta. Other participating nations include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.

Spokesman Panos Beglitis said contacts were continuing via diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable date for Papandreou's visit to Tehran. He said Athens has forwarded three alternative dates for such a visit to the Iranian capital, whereas a reply from Tehran is expected shortly.

In terms of a visit to Egypt, the Greek foreign ministry spokesman said fixed dates have not been set, although he cited Athens' keen interest in further developing traditionally strong relations with the important North African and Mideast country. Beglitis also referred to Egypt's significant role within the framework of the international alliance to combat terrorism.

Additionally, he said Papandreou has briefed his counterparts over Athens' initiative to hold an international inter-faith conference, with the participation of various international religious leaders, an effort that has come under the auspices of the European Union and Commission President Romano Prodi.

[03] PM refers to PASOK party's first election victory in 1981

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the prime minister referred to the day, mentioning what he called a considerable political event.

Simitis also said that then, for the first time, a socialist party assumed the country's governance and with the initiatives of Andreas Papandreou and the policy of the government and PASOK new institutions were created, national conciliation was promoted, democracy and the country's independence were consolidated and a new social state was built. He further said that the foundations were laid for new political approaches in the political sector for social justice and welfare.

Twenty years later, Simitis added, the work of PASOK governments is assessed as being positive and pointed out that PASOK has strong roots and, therefore, it has every reason to be optimistic over its victorious perspective.

Reppas said the inner cabinet's meeting, at the end of which the prime minister made his reference, ended with applause by the members present.

[04] FM briefs inner cabinet on EU's positions on international affairs

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

According to government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, Papandreou said that among the issues discussed in Luxembourg was that of refugees, the military actions in Afghanistan, the post Taliban era and developments in the Middle East.

Reppas also noted that Papandreou said that the Union's ministers expressed the opinion that the military operations would not conclude soon, saying that efforts are underway for the operations to be as effective as possible and adding that the aims of the campaign to date have been achieved.

Papandreou also noted that efforts were underway in regards to a political-diplomatic solution for the post Taliban era in Afghanistan, Reppas said, stressing that the common position of the Union's ministers was that military action should not widen to other countries.

According to Reppas, Papandreou noted that there was a common position that the World Trade Organization should open its doors to poor countries and that the dialogue between representatives of different religions should be promoted.

Reppas also noted that over the next few days Greece will issue a Presidential decree activating the United Nations' decision for the freezing of bank accounts that are connected with terrorism.

In response to a relevant question, Reppas denied that an incident at the health ministry involving a suspicious envelop was a readiness exercise, saying that the envelop was sent to the laboratory of an Athens hospital to undergo the necessary tests to determine the possibility that it contained anthrax bacteria or whether it was a heinous hoax of an irresponsible person.

[05] Alternate foreign minister addresses UNESCO General Assembly

PARIS, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

In her speech, she said that "against the culture of this terrorism, we contrast the cultural wealth and the positive stance of our society."

Papazoi noted that UNESCO should proceed further in securing ecumenical values, such as human life, dignity and tolerance, which are threatened many times by social reality where poverty and social isolation constitute the rule.

The alternate foreign minister said Greece constituted a pole of stability and cooperation in the region and supports peace, democratization, political development and the elimination of inequality.

The Greek government, she added, has undertaken an active role in the promotion of a dialogue between the various religious faiths, promotes the idea of the Olympic truce and warmly supports the efforts by UNESCO for the plurality of languages.

[06] EU commissioner refers to Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations

BRUSSELS, 19/10/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

On the question of Cyprus, Verheugen expressed the hope that UN-sponsored talks will be resumed "as soon as possible." He said Turkey has repeatedly expressed its support for this process, adding that there is a great expectation in the EU for the undertaking of specific action by Ankara with the purpose of facilitating a settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Verheugen said accession negotiations with Cyprus have entered their final stage, which constitutes a window of opportunity for a solution to be achieved on the issue of Cyprus.

What is necessary, he added, is appropriate political courage to enable the Cyprus problem to be resolved once and for all. He further said a solution will greatly facilitate the development of EU-Turkey relations.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Verheugen said they have been improved considerably and expressed satisfaction over the promotion of confidence-building measures on which both sides have agreed.

He also congratulated Greek and Turkish foreign ministers George Papandreou and Ismail Cem for initiatives they have undertaken and which are contributing to the creation of a climate of progress in relations between the two countries.

Speaking on the issue of European defense and Turkey's insistence to "block" it, requesting participation in the decision-making process, Verheugen expressed the hope the deadlock will be lifted as soon as possible and, in any case, before the Laaken summit on December 14-15.

Europarliament rapporteur: In another development, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Turkey, Austrian Eurodeputy Hannes Svoboda, warned Ankara from Vienna on Thursday not to draw mistaken conclusions from the struggle against terrorism and disregard its own obligations towards Europe.

According to an ANA dispatch from Vienna, Svoboda also announced that the annual report on Turkey, to be submitted to the European Parliament next week, will point out that Ankara's

contribution to a solution to the Cyprus issue is essential for a good relation between Turkey and the EU.

He said Ankara should not think that due to the international community's attention being focused on the struggle against terrorism Europe's criticism of Turkey regarding the Kurds' minority and cultural rights will be abandoned.

"Precisely because we reject terrorism, we support an improvement of the situation through a dialogue between the Kurdish representatives and the representatives of Turkey," he said.

Svoboda added that despite Turkey's progress in fulfilling preconditions set by the EU, as is the case of constitutional changes already brought about, it still continues to fall short of the EU's expectations.

Meanwhile, according to a report by the Austrian Press Agency on Thursday, the EU intends to cancel Turkey's accession candidacy in the event that Ankara carries out its threat and goes ahead, after the accession of Cyprus to the EU, with the annexation of territory occupied by Turkey in northern Cyprus since 1974.

The report said that the Turkish government is refusing to accept the European Parliament's decision by which the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus under President Glafcos Clerides is recognized as the only representative of all Cypriots.

[07] Chrysohoidis briefs main opposition on anti-terrorism measures

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis also briefed ND MPs Vyron Polydoras, Christos Markoyiannakis and Georgios Garoufalias on the potential threat faced by Europe and Greece following the attacks.

According to sources, it was agreed during the meeting that the risks for Greece are less than for its European counterparts and that the precautions being taken are adequate, as well as being taken in full collaboration with the European Union.

Emerging from the meeting, the ND deputies said the briefing had been satisfactory, while Polydoras said that all plans and security measures are finally tested in practice.

[08] Gov't comments on possibility of raising troop strength in Balkans

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis added that Greece has expressed its willingness and availability to contribute forces towards replacing outgoing US troops in the region.

"Greece has a significant role to play in the Balkans, and it is in our interests to defend this role, to buttress our presence in the Balkans," Beglitis said.

[09] Investigation ordered into allegations by Laliotis about Mitsotakis, ND

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis raised questions about an account belonging to a Liberian company, claiming that it was in some way linked with former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and said that a report by a firm of chartered accountants showed the Greek state had gained 100 billion drachmas through the final contract for the airport renegotiated and signed by a PASOK government in 1995.

The investigation will look into these claims and determine if the evidence warrants the prosecution of persons outside Parliament. Should the investigation reveal the involvement of politicians, a report with the findings of the investigation will be sent to Parliament.

Meanwhile, Laliotis sent the report by chartered accountants Ernst & Young to parliament's transparency committee on Thursday.

According to sources, the committee chairman is now deliberating with its members to determine if there is just cause for convening the committee. This is unlikely to happen before the cabinet reshuffle is announced, however, though probably within the next fortnight.

[10] Mitsotakis will have fate similar to Kohl's, Laliotis claims

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

"When the case of the Liberian company is revealed, there will be a political earthquake in Greece," Laliotis said, adding that Mitsotakis would have a fate similar to that of former German chancellor Helmut Kohl and New Democracy will have the fate of the Christian Democrat party".

On Wednesday, Laliotis attacked Mitsotakis and main opposition New Democracy over a contract initialed by Mitsotakis' ND government in 1993 for the construction of the new Athens airport at Spata.

Laliotis' attack came in the wake of a report by an international firm of chartered accountants, which said that the Greek state had gained 100 billion drachmas through the new contract for the airport that was renegotiated and signed under 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.

[11] ND MPs sue Laliotis for defamation over land register case

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Nikolaos Legas, Savvas Tsitouridis and Europarliament deputy Constantine Hatzidakis filed a suit against Laliotis in an Athens lower court over allegations he made about them in connection with the charges brought by public prosecutor Georgios Gerakis against the company compiling the Greek land register.

The plaintiffs claim the minister damaged their reputation by presenting them as persons of reduced moral and national con-science who undermined the national land register, the country and the European Parliament for their own selfish ends.

The MPs also object to Laliotis linking them with the processes of justice and attributing to them motives arising from financial interests.

The suit was filed by Legas and Tsitouridis, who made no statements as they emerged from the court.

[12] Premier denounces main opposition for efforts to slander PASOK cadres

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

According to Reppas, the premier commented on the issue during an inner cabinet meeting, saying PASOK would not allow ND to achieve these aims.

The premier, according to Reppas, added that "we will use well established facts to promote our positions, because it is of importance to show the work the government has accomplished and we want to be judged and compared with ND by the Greek people based on these facts."

The premier's comments came after the announcement that the Athens public prosecutor's office ordered a preliminary investigation into the allegations made by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis about the contract for the new Athens airport negotiated by main opposition New Democracy in 1993.

Laliotis raised questions about an account belonging to a Liberian company, claiming that it was in some way linked with former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and said that a report by a firm of chartered accountants showed the Greek state had gained 100 billion drachmas through the final contract for the airport renegotiated and signed by a PASOK government in 1995.

Earlier in the day, ND MPs filed a suit Laliotis, seeking three billion drachmas compensation from him for defamation. Nikolaos Legas, Savvas Tsitouridis and Europarliament deputy Constantine Hatzidakis filed a suit against Laliotis in an Athens lower court over allegations he made about them in connection with the charges brought by public prosecutor Georgios Gerakis against the company compiling the Greek land register.

[13] Four Israelis arrested for taking photographs at Souda Bay

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

The four Israelis, three men and a woman, were under surveillance and were eventually arrested on Thursday at a hotel in Iraklion and transferred to Hania.

Although police have made no announcement, according to sources the Israelis were found in possession of two photographs of Souda Bay and a 20-second-long videotape of the bay.

The material found in possession of the arrested Israelis is being analyzed so as to establish whether they should be charged given that Souda Bay is a military zone where taking photographs and videotaping is forbidden.

[14] General Bank approves search for strategic partner

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

An AEF board meeting approved the plan to search for a strategic partner with a European orientation, with the aim to further strengthen General Bank, to develop know-how and new products and to expand access to international money and capital markets for the benefit of the fund's shareholders and General Bank's employees.

Rothschild Bank is acting as an consultant with General Bank in the search of a strategic partner, a procedure likely to be completed by the end of the year.

General Bank is currently implementing a restructuring program aiming to cut operating expenses and to further strengthen its retail banking activities.

[15] Greece launches "Euro-lorry" campaign

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Development Deputy Minister Milena Apostolaki inaugurated the "Euro-lorry" in a ceremony held at Syntagma Square.

Papantoniou said the program to inform Greek citizens over the euro currency was significant and that it was supplementing other actions taken by the government to fully inform and prepare Greek citizens ahead of January 1, 2002.

He noted that an information campaign for the euro would be accelerated in the last two months of the year.

Mrs. Milena Apostolaki said that government ministries were working closely to avoid any speculative practices during the transition period.

[16] Greece to record highest growth rate in OECD

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

This forecast is based on the preconditions set by National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou (maintaining a US-led alliance against terrorism and avoiding an expansion of military operations).

[17] Greek-American trade fair in US postponed to April

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Officials said that security was the reason for postponement of the Hermes Expo international trade fair after terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, followed by the country's bombing campaign in Afghanistan.

The venue for the event is the same - the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel in Atlantic City.

[18] Cyprus to promote industrial goods in Greece

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Cypriot exports to Greece totalled 48.2 million Cyprus pounds in 2000, down 1.31 percent from a year earlier. Greek exports to the island republic were 206.1 million Cyprus pounds, up 25.94 per-cent from 1999, commercial attache Ioannis Zannoupas said.

[19] Greek stocks fall in line with international markets

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Losses, however, were significantly reduced in the last hour of trade because of a wave of buying for blue chip stocks, mainly Hellenic Telecoms' shares.

The general index ended 0.26 percent lower at 2,344.37 points. The index was showing losses of up to 1.9 percent earlier in the day.

Turnover was a low 34.3 billion drachmas or 100.7 million euros.

The Investment and IT Solution sectors recorded the biggest percentage losses (3.04 percent and 2.36 percent respectively), while Telecoms and Publications ended 1.51 percent and 0.12 percent higher.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.28 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.01 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 1.06 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 272 to 62 with another 28 issues unchanged.

Equity futures trade at discount: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday returned to trading at a discount, traders said.

The value of transactions was 41.078 million euros with volume at 7,732 contracts.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.28 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 1.01 percent.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.07 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

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

Buy orders accounted for around half turnover.

[20] ATHOC conference to focus on technology

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

ATHOC head Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki as well as the development and transports ministers, Nikos Christodoulakis and Christos Verelis, respectively, are expected to address to the conference. Speakers at the conference are expected address issues involving telecommunications, informatics, energy etc. all revolving around the 2004 Olympics and the experience gained from previous Games.

[21] Powder sent to health ministry negative of anthrax bacillus

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

The announcement said that after powder was detected in the envelope, the police and the Civil Protection General Secretariat's Operations Center were notified immediately and the Crises Management Group for handling biological, chemical and other dangers assessed the case.

The decision was taken "to mobilize the Emergency Squad created, which completed its task successfully according to the anticipated plan and in accordance with international standards," the announcement said.

The powder was sent to a special laboratory for analysis and results are negative so far concerning the anthrax bacillus.

Earlier in the day the arrival of a suspicious-looking envelope containing an unidentified powder cast the health ministry into disarray, with a full security alert ordered and the ministry cordoned off until further notice.

The letter arrived at the ministry post room and was opened by a female clerk whose curiosity was aroused when she saw it was addressed to the United States Embassy and had no sender's address on the back.

On opening it, however, the woman found that the envelope contained an unidentified white powder and a note with the word 'Death' written on it in English.

Emergency services were immediately notified and the area isolated, as well as the people that came into contact with the envelope.

The health ministry was put into quarantine shortly afterward without being evacuated, while the fire department was called to collect the suspicious letter and take it to the civil protection agency so that its contents could be examined.

Employees that came into contact with the envelope are to be subjected to medical tests as a precaution and no one is being allowed into or out of the ministry for the time being.

In a statement shortly afterward, ministry general secretary Haris Sofianos said that all measures decided on during a recent health ministry meeting for dealing with such situations had been taken.

He said the incident would most likely prove to be a tasteless prank but that nothing was being ruled out at present.

[22] Stephanopoulos receives Women's Committee

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

A total of 130 government and parliamentary members from 22 European countries are staying in Athens for the regular conference while the union's president, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party Deputy Fani Palli-Petralia, termed interesting the discussion with President Stephanopoulos.

Petralia said the European Women's Union has always served principles and values such as democracy, freedom, equality of opportunities and equality between the genders, values that are no longer self-evident after September 11.

She added that European women unequivocally condemn terrorism and stand in solidarity by the struggle of European countries, NATO and the U.S. against the forces of terrorism.

[23] Founding of Modern Greek Studies chair in Paris

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

The Athens University organized the ceremony.

Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, addressing the ceremony, said, among other things that through the founding of the Modern Greek studies chair, "we also want to present modern day Greece. Our ambition is for this chair to obtain the character of the Major Hellenism Center of the Diaspora."

There is a proposal already for the chair's scope to be jointly funded by Greece and France.

Also present at the event were Culture minister Evangelos Venizelos.

[24] Culture minister visits new parking installations of Athens Concert Hall

Athens, 19/10/2001 (ANA)

Lambrakis explained the prospects and the functions of the project, which has been designed according to the latest European specifications and aims at the decongestion of traffic in the area.

He pointed out at the subsequent environmental improvement of the area and the functional demands of the educational and cultural enterprises of the Music Hall.

The parking will have a capacity to host 750 cars and can be evacuated in 30 minutes. It incorporates a full security lighting network, fire protection as well as control system for possible carbon monoxide concentration connected with the ventilation system.

In the next few months the new grounds will be ready for use. The new installations will house an electronic library for the arts and the archives of Greek music; chambers for cultural, educational and congressional use and a new park on top of the underground installations.

"These are grand public projects and thus they are seen by the European Union," Venizelos said, adding that the funding for the projects is assured through the 3d community framework support fund.

[25] Cyprus government believes policy of appeasing Denktash does not have positive effect on him

NICOSIA, 19/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

His comments come as efforts by the UN, the US and the British Cyprus envoys to revive the stalled peace talks are being stepped up with a visit here next week by US State Department Coordinator Thomas Weston and a meeting in New York in early November between President Glafcos Clerides and Kofi Annan and the British representative Lord David Hannay.

"Our message is that the policy of appeasing has proved that in practice it has no positive influence on Mr. Denktash but on the contrary it brings about results which are opposite to the results we expect," Papapetrou said at his daily press briefing, invited to comment on Weston's visit.

The government, he added, expects that Denktash will be persuaded to return to the negotiating table, which he abandoned last year, backed by Ankara.

In early September Denktash rejected an invitation to talks by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, claiming the ground has not been prepared for talks.

The government, the spokesman said, cannot discuss any moves to satisfy Denktash, especially as far as the basis of the talks is concerned, which, as he stressed, "is not negotiable."

"In the recent past some moves, I would say generous moves, were made to please Mr. Denktash. The outcome of these moves was that he blew everything up in the air," the spokesman added, in an apparent reference to a Denktash-Annan meeting, which the Turkish Cypriot leader eagerly wanted and another meeting with European Union Commissioner for enlargement Gunter Verheugen.

On UN efforts to help resume the dialogue, Papapetrou said President Clerides will meet Annan in New York during his visit there and will also host a working lunch for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

"We shall have to wait until after these meetings and then assess the situation," he said.

On Weston's visit, October 25-26, Papapetrou said the government believes its objective is to revive international interest in the Cyprus question and intensify efforts to resume the dialogue.

He said the government is ready to return to the negotiating table "even tomorrow" for talks whose basis has already been determined and for which Annan has already extended the invitations.

"Mr. Denktash is the one who has to explain to Mr. Weston his positions and his intentions," the spokesman said.

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