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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-29

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

January 29, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] FM says majority of EU countries want peaceful settlement of Iraq problem
  • [02] Greek Presidency focuses on EU enlargement, says Yiannitsis
  • [03] DM discusses Iraq and European defense policy during Algeria visit
  • [04] Greek and Finnish deputy FMs discuss development cooperation
  • [05] PM meets newly-elected European Ombudsman
  • [06] Parl't Committee rejects 'professional incompatibility' bill for MPs
  • [07] Cyprus' KISOS leader Omirou confers with ND leader Karamanlis in Athens
  • [08] Christodoulakis says concerned over impact of a possible war
  • [09] Christodoulakis refers to particularities of Cyprus
  • [10] Talks on new EU regional policy to begin in 1st half of 2003
  • [11] EU Agriculture Council winds up in Brussels
  • [12] Simitis meets UNICE representatives
  • [13] Procedures for construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline discussed
  • [14] Southeast European telecoms school to be set up in 2003
  • [15] Greek stocks end 1.31 pct lower on Tuesday
  • [16] IOC president says Greece must decide soon on Olympic security contract
  • [17] Venizelos presents 2003-2004 Cultural Olympiad program
  • [18] Humanitarian aid sent to Turkey for earthquake relief
  • [19] Most Greeks satisfied with public utilities, EU poll shows
  • [20] UN may submit new revised Cyprus peace plan
  • [21] De Soto says UN plan could be revised, if leaders want to
  • [22] Direct talks enter substance, says spokesman
  • [23] Blix praises Cyprus help in Iraq arms inspections

  • [01] FM says majority of EU countries want peaceful settlement of Iraq problem

    BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis)

    Foreign Minister and current EU Council of Ministers President George Papandreou said on Tuesday the majority of European Union countries want a peaceful settlement of the problem of Iraq.

    Papandreou, who was addressing the European Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, said in the event of military escalation, most countries would want this to occur after a relevant decision is taken by the UN.

    The foreign minister said coordination of the position of EU member-states participating in the UN Security Council on the issue of Iraq will continue, indicating that disagreements existed in the EU over Iraq.

    Replying to questions by Eurodeputies on the Council of the ''15'' failing to reach an agreement on a second resolution being issued by the UN Security Council, Papandreou said this issue is not being raised for the time being and what is important is necessary time being given to UN weapons inspectors to complete their work.

    Papandreou, referring to relations between the United States and Europe, said a clash between European countries and the United States would be a mistake.

    Responding to statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld about an ''old Europe'', he said Europe is proud of its history which contains both positive and negative experiences.

    Papandreou further said Europe's political philosophy is in favor of multilateral diplomatic relations being developed and this philosophy should also be applied in the case of Iraq.

    He did not rule out the possibility of the 15 EU member-states holding a joint meeting with the candidate countries for an exchange of views on Iraq.

    In reply to a question by a Eurodeputy on what his position is regarding the idea of a group of Eurodeputies (including PASOK Eurodeputy Myrsini Zorba) planning to visit Iraq over the next few days to prevent a war, Papandreou said it could be a useful idea, but also drew the Eurodeputies' attention to the possibility of their initiative being exploited by the Iraqi authorities.

    Focusing on the Balkan region, Papandreou said Balkan countries should be given the prospect of EU accession, adding that this is one of the EU Greek presidency's main priorities.

    He also noted the upcoming assumption by the EU of the military command in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and said EU Security and Defense Policy High Commissioner Javier Solana has already addressed a letter to NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, since NATO is currently responsible for the military force.

    Replying to another questioner on whether Greece intends to reach an agreement with FYROM in the near future on the issue of its name, Papandreou said the two countries were close to reaching an agreement a year ago, but this did not happen due to the upsurge in violence in FYROM.

    He added that many necessary conditions for reaching an agreement currently exist and expressed hope that this will take place soon.

    EU, ASEAN FMs call for peaceful resolution of Iraq conflict: Foreign Minister George Papandreou, speaking after a meeting with foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Tuesday, repeated that the European Union’s goal with regard to the Iraq crisis was a “peaceful resolution”, adding that “every EU member-state is fully committed to avoiding armed conflicts”.

    European Union and ASEAN foreign ministers made a joint appeal for the Iraq crisis to be resolved peacefully, saying that UN inspectors must be given additional time to complete their work in Iraq.

    “United Nations inspectors must carry on their work with good assistance from Iraq,” Somsavat Lengsavad, Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was quoted as saying by the German news agency (DPA).

    A joint EU-ASEAN statement called on Iraq to ''honor its disarmament obligation in conformity with relevant UN Security Council resolutions''. Baghdad has to ''cooperate proactively and without reservation with the inspectors,'' the statement read.

    Papandreou insisted that U.N. resolution 1441 on disarming Iraq did not set specific deadlines, saying the issue needed to be discussed by the Security Council. “It is not helpful for us to make arbitrary judgments on deadlines,” he warned.

    The Greek foreign minister added that chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix's report to the Security Council on Monday included a number of specific questions demanding answers from Iraq. “We have a window of opportunity here, let's use it,'' he said.

    During Monday’s EU General Affairs Council, EU foreign ministers made a joint appeal for more time for UN inspectors to continue their work in Iraq. Diplomats said Iraq would figure high on the agenda of Papandreou's visit to Syria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt starting February 2, while he had not ruled out a visit to Baghdad if he was requested in his capacity as EU Presidency.

    Gov't hails common EU position on Iraq as Greek presidency success: The joint position on the Iraq crisis expressed by EU foreign ministers was greeted as an ''important success of the Greek presidency'' by government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Tuesday.

    ''This development shows that Europe can have a joint stance on the issue of Iraq and that the efforts of the Greek government bring results. We will continue to make an effort and undertake initiatives where necessary and possible,'' Protopapas noted.

    [02] Greek Presidency focuses on EU enlargement, says Yiannitsis

    BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-V.Demiris)

    The completion of the European Union’s enlargement process figures high among Greek EU priorities, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis said here on Tuesday referring to the second day of the EU General Affairs Council.

    Yiannitsis expressed his conviction that the timetables for the preparation of accession pacts will be successfully met to secure a smooth entry of new member states and create the 25-member European Union.

    The Greek minister said that the Greek presidency will work intensively to keep up progress in accession negotiations with Bulgaria and Romania, and will also intensify efforts for further promoting Turkey’s accession strategy, the progress of which, he noted, is to be considered during an EU troika visit to Ankara on January 31.

    Called upon to comment on the joint position reached by the union’s 15 foreign ministers on Monday regarding the Iraq crisis, Yiannitsis stressed “the EU considers it is highly crucial to allow more time for UN weapons inspectors in Iraq to complete their work.”

    [03] DM discusses Iraq and European defense policy during Algeria visit

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, currently on an official visit to Algeria, discussed the issue of Iraq and European security and defense policy in talks with Algerian Armed Forces Chief Mohamed Lamari and Air Force Chief Mohamed Benslimani on Tuesday.

    ''There is great concern here in Algeria and in all the Arab countries regarding the possibility of military intervention in Iraq, without backing by the international community,'' Papantoniou told reporters.

    He said the reason for this is that if this happens there is the risk of a very negative climate being created in the Arab world against the United States and of this climate ultimately undermining the final outcome of the struggle against international terrorism.

    ''For this reason the effort being made by the Greek government, being the European Union's presiding country, to lead matters to a peaceful settlement of the issue with insistence on UN procedures is of very great importance,'' he added.

    Papantoniou said the second issue discussed was European security and defense policy, the Mediterranean dimension of this policy and the open character of this policy, adding that the issue of security is a global one.

    [04] Greek and Finnish deputy FMs discuss development cooperation

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos and his Finnish counterpart P. Majanen on Tuesday discussed the priorities of the European Union's Greek presidency in the development cooperation sector.

    Majanen congratulated Loverdos for the presidency's agenda, with regard to development issues, and confirmed his government's support for this effort by Greece.

    Loverdos in turn briefed Majanen on issues to be discussed at the informal Development Cooperation Council in Alexandroupoli, northern Greece, in June and referred to the significance of the EU's 10 new member-states participating with observer status.

    [05] PM meets newly-elected European Ombudsman

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday received newly-elected European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros at his offices.

    The details of their discussion were not revealed, though it is likely that this was Diamantouros' replacement as head of the Greek Ombudsman's office when he takes over the post of European ombudsman on April 1. Diamantouros noted, however, as he emerged from the meeting that the issue of his replacement was a decision that would be made by Parliament.

    Asked about corruption in the Greek public sector in general and to what extent this could be tackled, Diamantouros said he believed things could improve.

    How this would be done was not a question for the Ombudsman's Office, he added.

    "For us, the law says that when we come across indications of illegal activity, we should alert the public prosecutor and then our involvement ceases and the judicial authorities take over," he said.

    [06] Parl't Committee rejects 'professional incompatibility' bill for MPs

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    A government bill that would prevent MPs from engaging in any professional activity while in office was thrown out by a Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday when former PASOK minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos voted against it and another former minister, Stelios Papathemelis, abstained.

    In total, 25 of the 50 MPs on the committee voted against the bill 'in principle' and 24 voted for.

    Following the nay vote, the bill will now be presented to the full body of Parliament as it stands without any discussion or changes to its articles by Parliament's Public administration Committee, in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

    Prior to the vote, Interior and Public Administration Minister Costas Skandalidis had promised to include the proposals presented by MPs for articles three, four and five.

    Regarding the more controversial article 2 on activities that were compatible with parliamentary office, Skandalidis said that he had taken into account the written and verbal proposals of MPs and that the issue would be debated before the full body of the House, which would also take into account the report on the issue by Parliament's Scientific Service.

    After the bill was rejected, Skandalidis stressed that it executed the revised Constitution and accused ND of "irresponsibility" for opposing it and creating a Constitutional irregularity.

    ND MP Prokopis Pavlopoulos countered the minister's accusations by noting that the government had failed to establish exceptions to the incompatibility bill as provided for in the relevant article of the Constitution passed by Parliament and that it had failed to present the bill executing the Constitution in good time.

    According to Pavlopoulos, this delay had been deliberate because the government had wanted to establish blanket incompatibility from the beginning.

    Gov't spokesman says gov't insists on incompatibility bill: Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, referring to the rejection of the Parliament deputies' incompatibility bill, said on Tuesday the government, respecting the constitution and its mandates absolutely, will insist on its proposal for the draft bill's ratification by the Parliamentary plenum.

    ''It will appear there whether New Democracy (the main opposition party) respects the constitution, even a little, or does not hesitate, bound by its internal contradictions, to 'play' with institutions irresponsibly and lead the political world to disdain,'' he said.

    Responding to a question that deputies of the ruling PASOK party, such as Evangelos Yiannopoulos, voted against the bill, while Stelios Papathemelis declared ''present'', Protopapas said ''we have the courage of our proposal: The one who has no position, who does not dare to express a view is the ND party. ND is playing with the institutions irresponsibly. It does not hesitate to lead the political world to disdain.''

    [07] Cyprus' KISOS leader Omirou confers with ND leader Karamanlis in Athens

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday met with visiting president of Cyprus' social-democrat KISOS party Yiannakis Omirou for a review of developments in the ongoing efforts to resolve Cyprus' political problem.

    According to an ND announcement, the discussion focused on a review and assessment of the latest developments in and prospects for the ongoing efforts for a Cyprus solution.

    Karamanlis assured Omirou that ND would continue to ''actively and decisively support'' every effort for achieving a viable and functional Cyprus solution that would be in accordance with the EU body of law, known as the ''acquis communautaire''.

    The two men further discussed the upcoming presidential elections in Cyprus.

    Stressing the critical nature of the present moments, Karamanlis reaffirmed ND's position that any involvement by Greek political parties in Cyprus' internal political affairs would be ''incomprehensible'', adding that the Cyprus people must determine their future in a sovereign manner, unaffected by external influences.

    On Monday, Omirou had similar meetings with Greek President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, ruling PASOK secretary Costas Laliotis, and deputy foreign minister Andreas Loverdos.

    Replying to press questions on his Monday talks with government and ruling PASOK officials, Omirou said that the Greek government was "religiously abstaining from" and "not interfering" in issues concerning the upcoming Cyprus elections.

    Noting that PASOK always displayed its solidarity for KISOS' decisions, he said that he and Laliotis had agreed that the firm target was to find a just, democratic, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus issue, and the utilization of all possibilities.

    They further agreed that negotiations were necessary on the UN plan for a Cyprus solution in order to achieve the changes necessary to render it functional and viable in the event of a solution.

    [08] Christodoulakis says concerned over impact of a possible war

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Greek Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Tuesday expressed his concern over the impact of a possible military intervention in Iraq on the European economy.

    Speaking to reporters in Brussels, the Greek minister stressed that "the European public is worried over the economic impact of a possible war in Iraq" and stressed that "a rise in oil prices could negative affect European economies."

    Mr Christodoulakis noted that "an intervention in Iraq could create a geopolitical uncertainty in the Arab world and in general during a period when the EU is driven to recovery".

    He stressed that although the European economy was not facing a significant danger, "it would be better for all, both the EU and the Arab world, to have a peaceful solution of the problem and not a war".

    The Greek minister said that Greek EU Presidency has three goals for the European economy: to become more competitive, to maintain a European social model and to support developing countries to grow more rapidly.

    [09] Christodoulakis refers to particularities of Cyprus

    BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

    Speaking before the European Parliament's Foreign Trade Committee on Tuesday, Greek Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis expressed his concern over the economic repercussions which a possible war in Iraq will have. He also referred to the particularities of Cyprus - with the lack of democracy and development in the Turkish-occupied north.

    Within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation, which as he said acquires particular importance with the accession of Cyprus and Malta, he stressed the enormous differences between the southern part of Cyprus which has the greatest per capita income among the ten EU acceding countries and the northern part which has the lowest per capita income among the ten new members.

    [10] Talks on new EU regional policy to begin in 1st half of 2003

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Talks on European Union regional policy and support will begin in the first six months of 2003 during the Greek EU presidency, Economy and Finance Deputy Christos Pahtas said on Tuesday.

    The Greek minister said it would begin a tour of EU capitals, along with candidate member capitals, to discuss issues related with regional policy and a new cohesion policy.

    Mr Pahtas noted that the European Commission was expected to submit its proposals by the end of 2003, during the Italian EU Presidency, and that a new regional policy was expected to be finalized early 2004.

    The Greek minister stressed that the Greek EU presidency's work was to prepare the ground for drafting a new development framework in the EU. Talks are expected to last long, given the fact that the Agenda 2000 was submitted by the European Commission in 1997 and decisions were taken in 1999.

    The Greek EU Presidency will focus on two issues: maintaining EU support towards Greece's regions even after 2006 and despite their growth rate exceeded 75 percent of the EU average, and maintaining policies support cross-border cooperation (between EU member states or with third countries).

    Mr Pahtas said that the European Commission was organizing a discussion on EU structural policies after 2007, scheduled for early March in Brussels, with the participation of 600 representatives from EU member-states and EU candidates.

    [11] EU Agriculture Council winds up in Brussels

    BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-M.Kourmousis)

    The first Council of Agriculture Ministers during the Greek EU presidency wound up here on Tuesday, with participants taking two politically significant decisions.

    The first, relates to a ban on poultry imports into the European Union from three US states (California, Arizona and Nevada). It was taken unanimously and goes into effect immediately on the grounds of a poultry epidemic in the US, and follows a decision of Dec. 5, 2000, which then affected some Californian regions.

    The second decision regards genetically altered seeds, not permitting experimental cultivation, given that the relative regulation has not been ratified.

    Greek Agriculture Minister George Drys, who chaired the Council, described the ban on poultry imports from the specific states as an important one, since it “regionalizes” the measures and opens the way for similar policies to be implemented in the EU itself.

    Referring to the long-term policy for a viable development of EU agriculture (also known as ‘mid-term reform’), Drys said that member-states’ input was positive and creative, which means that a “new policy on agriculture” may be passed during the Greek presidency. In case the Euro-Parliament issues its recommendation on time, i.e. by May, then new measures may be ratified by the end of June.

    The Greek minister underlined that the recommendations by the Commission mean that about 80% of Greek farmers will not face subsidy cuts, a percentage which may rise up to 90%-95% should the subsidy floor is raised from 5,000 euros to 8,000 euros.

    However, the Commission agreed that the money to be saved by the cuts will remain in a community fund and will be made available for provincial development under certain quality criteria.

    [12] Simitis meets UNICE representatives

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    The Greek EU presidency wants a common European stance on the issue of a possible war in Iraq, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis reiterated on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with visiting UNICE's secretary-general Philippe de Buck van Overstraeten, Mr Simitis said that "a war in Iraq, or a possible war to be precise, has already affected developments. As you can see, stock markets are falling, investments are slow, and there is a wait-and-see attitude, an uncertainty. It is logical that companies want first the horizon to clear."

    The meeting took place in the framework of a dialogue process between the head of the EU's rotating presidency with social partners in the European Union. Mr Simitis said the meeting discussed growth in Europe, competitiveness and problems facing European enterprises.

    "The Greek EU presidency wants to promote policies supporting business activity, small- and medium-sized enterprises, improved access to funding, simplifying procedures, a European patent diploma and supporting research and technology during the spring EU summit in Brussels," Mr Simitis said.

    The Greek premier also noted that the Greek EU Presidency wanted to create an even better environment to have a more effective business activity and to achieve speedier growth.

    UNICE's vice-president and chairman of the Greek Industries' Union, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, told reporters that "the main worry of employers currently is to maintain economic growth and to speed up growth to achieve the goals set in the Lisbon summit."

    Industry meets PM to talk about Greek EU presidency aims: The head of the Association of Greek Industry (SEB) on Tuesday met Prime Minister Costas Simitis for talks on the priorities of Greece's current presidency of the European Union.

    Among topics discussed were relations with the World Trade Organization, EU enlargement, and the impact of Iraq on business and the economy, SEB president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos told reporters after the meeting.

    Kyriakopoulos, who briefed the prime minister on what industry wanted the EU presidency to tackle, said its aims were similar to those of the government.

    [13] Procedures for construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline discussed

    SOFIA 29/01/2003 (ANA - M. Borisov)

    Bulgarian Regional Development and Town Planning Minister Valentin Cherovski and Greek Development Ministry Secretary General George Agrafiotis discussed here on Tuesday procedures concerning the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, energy cooperation between the two countries and the pending signing of the Cooperation Memorandum.

    The Bulgarian minister, who will pay a working visit to Greece on Wednesday at the invitation of Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and sign the Cooperation Memorandum with his Greek counterpart, said that Greece and Bulgaria will cooperate in the sector of energy and at the same time seek to secure one hundred million euros from the European Union's structural funds to support the construction of new border crossings.

    Delegation from Burgas municipality concludes visit to Alexandroupolis: A delegation from Burgas, Bulgaria, concluded a two-day visit to Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, on Tuesday.

    The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Burgas Mayor Ioan Konstantinov who met with Evros Prefect Nikos Zabounidis and Alexandroupolis Mayor George Alexandris.

    The Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipe line and the inter-European Helsinki-Burgas-Alexandroupolis road network were the topics which prevailed at the discussions between the two sides.

    On the issue of the oil pipe line, Zabounidis said ''there was agreement for the creation of a team of technocrats who will explore all the possibilities, prospects but also any possible consequences for the two areas.''

    With regard the inter-European Helsinki-Burgas-Alexandroupolis road, the Evros prefect asked of the Bulgarian mayor to promote its development.

    [14] Southeast European telecoms school to be set up in 2003

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    A telecommunications school is to be established in the northern port city of Thessaloniki in 2003, its founders said on Friday.

    The Southeast European Telecommunications Academy (INA Academy) is to be set up by the Institute of Telecommunications and InfoTech Research and Studies Institute for Southeastern European countries (INA).

    Work on the school's premises will be completed by the end of March, INA's president, Vassilios Takas, told a news conference on Tuesday.

    The new school is to be funded from European Union funds, national monies, and by the institute. Other financing is likely to be sought.

    It will also have branches in other southeast European countries, Takas added.

    INA has worked on the project with the communications ministries of countries in the region, backed by Greek government authorities.

    Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos has shown interest in the scheme.

    Loverdos is handling Greece's reconstruction plan for the Balkans.

    [15] Greek stocks end 1.31 pct lower on Tuesday

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Greek stocks remained under pressure to end near their five-year lows in the Athens Stock Exchange on Tuesday, reflecting investors' worries over developments in Iraq.

    The general index ended 1.31 percent lower at 1,669.97 points, off the day's lows of 1,666.74 points. Turnover was a low 64.1 million euros.

    The Publication, IT and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.62 percent, 2.24 percent and 2.04 percent, respectively), while the Cement sector suffered less (0.13 percent).

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.47 percent down, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.08 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 1.76 percent.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 259 to 41 with another 53 issues unchanged.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 55.4 mln euros Tuesday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -1.47 percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -1.08 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (426)

    Day's Market Turnover: 55.4 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Tuesday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.30 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 23 bps

  • Day's Market Turnover: 3.2 bln euros

  • Most Active Bond: 10-year, expiring May 2012 (375 mln euros)

    [16] IOC president says Greece must decide soon on Olympic security contract

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said on Tuesday the Greek government must take a decision soon on the contract concerning security issues for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

    Speaking in Slovenia, where he attended the 6th European Olympic Youth Festival, Rogge said satisfaction exists over the success of the Greek police to dismantle the November 17 terrorist organization.

    He said this was a ''very good sign for the security of the Games'', adding that ''the only matter remaining is solving the delicate issue between two companies regarding the necessary equipment.''

    [17] Venizelos presents 2003-2004 Cultural Olympiad program

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Tuesday presented the program of events taking place under the auspices of the Cultural Olympiad in 2003-2004 during a press conference at the Athens Concert Hall.

    The program presented by the minister was comprised of 41 events that included archaeological exhibitions, art exhibitions, concerts, performances of theatre and dance, literary events and cyber-space events.

    At 42 million euros, the cost of the program is nearly double the amount spent in 2001-2002, which came to 23 million euros.

    Venizelos said the program aimed to establish the Cultural Olympiad as a world-class institution with international recognition, promoting Greek culture and linking its past to the present.

    The press conference was not without controversy, however, with film director Mihalis Cacoyiannis accusing the Cultural Heritage Organization of failing to pay tribute to those who first envisaged the events on the program, using actress Irene Papa and the Theatrical Monologues as an example. Cacoyiannis was head of the Cultural Olympiad for a period before he resigned.

    Responding to the internationally-acclaimed director, Venizelos noted that the Cultural Olympiad had paid for each of the events that it adopted and that criticism was ''a mistake''.

    Another sour note was the decision by composer Mikis Theodorakis to withdraw all his works from the Cultural Olympiad, which was announced by Venizelos.

    Theodorakis had planned to present ''Canto General'', ''Lysistrate'' and three operas as part of the program.

    [18] Humanitarian aid sent to Turkey for earthquake relief

    Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

    Humanitarian aid amounting to 200,000 euros has been sent to Turkey to help the country tackle problems created by a destructive earthquake which recently struck parts of the neighboring country, the foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.

    The aid was sent following action taken by Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos in cooperation with the Greek embassy in Ankara.

    The foreign ministry has done everything necessary for an action group to be sent, if this is considered necessary by Turkish authorities, the announcement said.

    [19] Most Greeks satisfied with public utilities, EU poll shows

    BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA/A.Simatos)

    The majority of Greeks are satisfied with public utility services, according to a European Union opinion poll released in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.

    Sixty five percent of mobile phone users in Greece reported that they were satisfied with services, the same as the average in the 15-nation bloc, said the poll by Eurostat, the EU's statistics service.

    Of fixed-line phone services in Greece, 64 percent of users were satisfied against 71 percent in the EU. The most complaints from Greece were about the high price of services.

    Sixty six percent of electricity consumers in Greece were satisfied with services, lower than an average 73 percent in the 15-nation bloc.

    Again, most complaints in Greece were about high rates.

    Concerning water supply, 74 percent of Greeks were satisfied against 71 percent in the EU, according to the poll.

    Finally, 63 percent of Greeks said they were satisfied with train services against an EU average of 52 percent.

    The survey was carried out in Greece by Market Analysis in a sample of 1001 households between September 2, 2002 and October 2, 2002.

    [20] UN may submit new revised Cyprus peace plan

    NICOSIA 29/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    UN Secretary General' special advisor on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto said here on Tuesday the UN have not decided whether they would submit a new revised plan on Cyprus.

    Speaking to the press after meeting on Tuesday morning with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, De Soto said ''we will just have to see how the talks progress to see whether something like that is justified.''

    Invited to say whether there is a possibility for the UN to submit a new revised plan, the UN diplomat, who flew to Ankara later in the day for consultations with Turkish officials, said he did not want to rule this out.

    ''I've heard that information as well (for the submission of a new plan). I've heard this speculation on the subject. No decision has been taken on that possibility. We will just have to see how the talks progress, to see whether something like that is justified,'' De Soto added.

    Asked about the process of the ongoing UN-led negotiations between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, De Soto said he did not like "to take snap shots in the middle of the process."

    ''The meetings are continuing. There will be one tomorrow afternoon.

    I am also continuing my consultations with Greece and Turkey. I am off now to Ankara for a series of meetings. I will be back tomorrow in time for the meeting in the afternoon,'' he added.

    Invited to comment the fact that he is going to Ankara before the meeting of the Turkish Security Council, the Peruvian diplomat said that ''my trip is not timed to that.''

    ''We have agreed that I'll have consultations with a series of officials today and tomorrow. My plan is not finalized but I will be back before tomorrow afternoon," when the next meeting between Clerides and Denktash is scheduled, he added.

    The UN-led direct talks between Clerides and Denktash resumed this month as part of the effort by the UN to reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem by the end of February, based on Annan's revised plan submitted on December 10 last year.

    Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

    [21] De Soto says UN plan could be revised, if leaders want to

    ISTANBUL 29/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto said Tuesday if the two sides in Cyprus would want to, then Kofi Annan's peace plan could be revised, adding however that no decision has yet be taken in this regard.

    Speaking to reporters at Ankara on arrival, de Soto said he saw willingness in Turkey for a solution to the Cyprus problem during his last visit to Turkey and that he hoped that the Turkish side continues to display that willingness.

    He said moves to find a national anthem and a flag for the common state that might emerge from a solution in Cyprus should not be considered as a sign of an imminent solution.

    De Soto avoided comments on statements by Justice and Development Party leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

    The UN official will meet Wednesday Erdogan, and said he would also like to talk to Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis.

    De Soto was scheduled to meet Tuesday with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

    He returns to Cyprus Wednesday in time for the scheduled meeting with President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash in late afternoon.

    [22] Direct talks enter substance, says spokesman

    NICOSIA 29/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    UN led direct talks have entered the substance of the Cyprus problem as unprecedented and intense efforts to solve the problem are underway, according to government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou.

    He told reporters here Tuesday during his daily press briefing that in the past couple of sessions, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has been ''discussing and expressing his views on the substance'' of a UN plan Secretary-General Kofi Annan had submitted to the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides for a comprehensive settlement.

    However, at this moment, the Greek Cypriot side cannot say whether it is satisfied with Denktash's positions, ''many of which are outside the framework of the Annan plan,'' the spokesman said.

    Papapetrou said that unprecedented and pressing moves towards a settlement in the very near future are actually taking place.

    He said Tuesday morning's meeting between UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto and President Glafcos Clerides, ''concentrated on efforts to solve the problem in a very short time.''

    Asked if developments in the recent days lead to a revision of the existing UN peace proposal, Papapetrou referred journalists to de Soto's statement on his return to Cyprus earlier this month, that any changes to the Annan plan should not alter the overall balance.

    President Clerides and Denktash are engaged in direct negotiations on a UN proposal for a comprehensive settlement. The UN has said they want to see a negotiated agreement by the end of February to enable a reunited Cyprus to join the EU and sign the Accession Treaty in mid April.

    [23] Blix praises Cyprus help in Iraq arms inspections

    UNITED NATIONS 29/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix told the Security Council that the Cyprus government allowed the team working to set up a Field Office in Larnaca.

    ''The Government of Cyprus has kindly allowed us to set up a Field Office in Larnaca,'' Blix said in an update on the inspectors' work in Iraq, adding that ''all these contributions have been of assistance in quickly starting up our inspections and enhancing our capabilities.''

    Noting the assistance supplied by various countries, Blix said that ''a team supplied by the Swiss Government is refurbishing our offices in Baghdad, which had been empty for four years.''

    He also said that the government of New Zealand has contributed both a medical team and a communications team and the German government will contribute unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and a group of specialists to operate them for us within Iraq.

    ''The government of Cyprus has kindly allowed us to set up a Field Office in Larnaca. All these contributions have been of assistance in quickly starting up our inspections and enhancing our capabilities.

    So has help from the UN in New York and from sister organizations in Baghdad,'' he said.

    The United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC)


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