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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-11Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>April 11, 2003CONTENTS
[01] ATHOC, IOC: Excellent cooperation by all sides, every project feasibleAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Athens organizers (ATHOC) and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) top executive overseeing the 2004 Games presented a more-or-less bright picture in terms of progress and a united front here on Thursday, stressing that cooperation amongst all sides is excellent and that every project is feasible, even amid pressing deadlines.The 10th visit here by the high-ranking IOC Coordination Commission -- again headed by its Swiss chairman, Denis Oswald -- comes at a crucial time for the closely watched 2004 Olympics, as the first round of “test events” are only a few months away (August), events the Lausanne-based organization has repeatedly stressed will be a barometer for the upcoming Olympic Games’ quality. ''Everything that is expected to happen is feasible within the next 500 days ... but there are a number of projects under time pressure,” Oswald said in reference to a handful of nagging delays at certain venues, most notably at the Hellenikon coastal complex, where the softball, baseball, field hockey, basketball preliminaries, handball finals, fencing and canoe/kayak slalom events will be held. ''In some areas you can afford to have projects with a 30- or 60-day delay, but with others you cannot tolerate any slippage...” he said, noting that a month-long delay would be catastrophic for a project due to be delivered a week before the Games begin on Aug. 13. As in previous visits, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis received the IOC delegation prior to the press conference, with the previous two days filled of numerous contacts with both a handful of top government ministers and ATHOC’s leadership. In terms of the all-important test events, Oswald reiterated that they would take place in the venues where the actual competitions will occur in August 2004, regardless of whether the facilities and surrounding overlays are 100 percent completed. Some test events, he said, have been cancelled because facilities will not be ready to host them. In a sign of the times, meanwhile, Oswald – who succeeded current IOC President Jacques Rogge as the chairman of the Coordinating Commission for Athens 2004 – said the organization cannot anticipate any other war or conflict in interfering with the 2004 Olympic Games. Earlier, ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki reiterated that security “was, is and will be our No. 1 priority”. Her comment came weeks after the Greek government awarded a much-anticipated multi-million-euro contract for 2004 security, which alleviated much of the IOC and ATHOC’s concerns. On his part, Oswald said the IOC had considered a wide range of scenarios vis-a-vis security threats even before the Sept. 11 terrorist, even one with a plane aimed at an Opening or Closing Ceremony. In an apparent bid to smooth over earlier criticism, particularly following a controversial interview of his published by the German “Der Spiegel” magazine, Oswald praised preparations during Thursday’s press conference at ATHOC’s state-of-the-art Nea Ionia district headquarters, referring to “well-done” planning for overlays; an apparent lack of delay for equipment tenders; improved ATHOC-government cooperation; security, and even the design of venues, noting that “what has been presented is fantastic”. Reversing gears and spelling out concerns, Oswald cited the delayed demolition and rebuilding of Karaiskaki stadium – picked to host the 2004 soccer finals -- before clarifying that PM Simitis himself offered assurances only hours earlier that a private company awarded the deal will deliver on time. Other concerns, as expected, focused on the Hellenikon complex near the old Athens airport as well as the Peristeri venue (western Athens) for boxing. Finally, he mentioned improvements and refurbishment of the main Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), where the Opening and Closing ceremonies will take place along with practically all of the athletic competitions. Besides the dome, Oswald referred to roadworks surrounding OAKA and even a provisional roof over the open-aired natatorium as pressing. Regarding the above, he said the government has assured him that the projects will be ready on time. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, meanwhile, ticked off a list of what she called ATHOC accomplishments to date, including a robust volunteers program (more than 70,000 applications so far), a record amount of sponsorship money, finalized planning for all 2004 venues as well as the first “truly global” Olympic torch relay, before stating: “... That’s why we cannot accept anyone questioning the major effort that is taking place everyday by thousands of staff members and employees, not just at ATHOC, but in dozens of agencies, businesses and worksites around the country. We are all together, the IOC, ATHOC and the (Greek) government, for the successful hosting of the Games. Because we all have a share of responsibility in the preparations and we all have a share in the success...” the ATHOC chief, with Oswald at her side, poignantly said. On Wednesday, Oswald and a small group of IOC technocrats led by official Gilbert Felli toured a handful of under-construction venues in eastern Attica prefecture, to the east of the Greek capital, including two sites in semi-rural Markopoulo, one for the shooting competition and the other for the equestrian events. The once controversial Schinias canoe/kayak flat-water venue was the last site toured yesterday, with Oswald a day later again praising the project as leaving a legacy of development and environmental protection for the area. Schinias’ selection for the rowing center had initially caused a firestorm of criticism by many local and foreign historians, archaeologists and environmentalists due to its proximity to the nearby Marathon battlefield. However, ATHOC, the government and even the IOC stood by the decision, stressing that 2004-related works will both revitalize an under-developed region blemished by illegal structures, a private airstrip, abandoned military barracks and even a makeshift landfill as well as protect the fragile ecological balance of a nearby wetlands and a unique pine-covered beach. The press conference was postponed for one hour due to a two-hour work stoppage (noon to 2 p.m. local time) called by local journalist unions in remembrance of the reporters killed this week in Baghdad. PM receives IOC team: Greek Premier Simitis had received Oswald and his close associates prior to Thursday’s press conference, with discussions focused squarely on the Karaiskaki stadium and OAKA, where a new cutting-edge glass and metallic dome, based on a design by award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is expected to cover all but the pitch. Oswald later said during the press conference that the metallic structures needed for the dome will be imported from an Italian factory ready for assembly. According to reports, Simitis assured the IOC official that all of the projects would be completed on time and that there was no reason for ''over-dramatizing'' the situation, an obvious reference to recent statements by Oswald to the German magazine. Oswald reportedly said that his statements were misinterpreted. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, whose ministry oversees much of the 2004-related preparations on the government side, also attended the 45-minute meeting. [02] Gov’t: Greece rejects meeting on Cyprus outside a UN frameworkAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Greece had rejected outright a Turkish proposal for a meeting on the Cyprus issue between the three guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and Britain and the two communities on the island, Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Thursday.The proposal was made during a meeting on Wednesday between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Belgrade, which covered all issues in bilateral Greek and Turkish relations with special emphasis on the Cyprus problem. Reporting on the prime minister's briefing to the cabinet about the meeting, Protopapas said Greece would not accept discussion on Cyprus outside a United Nations framework. Simitis said that the Turkish premier's insistence on the proposal showed that he intended to seek other ways that would be based on his own thoughts, which the Greek premier described as ''unclear''. He stressed in his talks with Erdogan that no solution could exist if Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash did not shift from his position of seeking recognition as a state. [03] Powell conveys to Papandreou U.S. interest in promoting ME solutionAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Greek Foreign Minister and EU Council of Foreign Ministers President George Papandreou had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday afternoon.During the talks, conducted at the initiative of the U.S. side, Powell conveyed to his Greek counterpart the U.S. administration's interest for the promotion of a solution to the Middle East issue, now that the war in Iraq is nearing its end. Powell told Papandreou that the U.S. will place great emphasis in this procedure and that it is particularly interested for there to be an immediate resumption of the peace process in the Middle East, at the same time noting the need for there to be close cooperation with the European Union in this direction within the framework of the Quartet. [04] Simitis to pay two-day visit to CyprusNICOSIA 11/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)Prime Minister and European Council President Costas Simitis arrives in Cyprus on Friday, April 18, for a two-day visit, Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros Chrisostomides announced here on Thursday.Simitis' visit to Cyprus marks the beginning of a tour to the ten countries that will sign the Accession Treaty on April 16 in Athens. The Greek premier's schedule is still under discussion but he is expected to attend an official dinner hosted in his honor on Friday, and on Saturday he will address the House of Representatives before departing in the afternoon. [05] Greek minister begins visit to Azerbaijan, stresses bilateral tiesBAKU 11/04/2003 (ANA - F. Karaviti)Greece wants further development of trade, economic and political ties with Azerbaijan, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos said on Thursday in talks with Azerbaijan's leadership during a visit in that country.Loverdos met Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov and Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Quliyev. ''Greece is actively interested in the south Caucasus region,'' Loverdos said. The Greek delegation's mission is to prepare for a visit to Baku by Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and a delegation of Greek business people at the end of June. Loverdos announced that 110,000 euros in humanitarian aid will be sent to the region, of which 50,000 will be used to help refugees in areas northeast of Nagorno-Karabakh while the rest will be spent on a Medecins sans Frontieres mission in the country. The ongoing dispute between Azeris and Armenians over Nagorno-Karabakh was raised repeatedly during Loverdos' talks in Baku and the Greek minister outlined the Greek position, calling for respect of the rules of international law and the inviolability of borders. On Friday, Loverdos is to meet Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and Azeri Foreign Minister Vilayat Quliyev. He will also attend a dinner with leading members of Azerbaijan's business and financial community. [06] EU institutional reform Assembly discusses common foreign policyBRUSSELS 11/04/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)The directorate of the European Union's Assembly on institutional reform convened on Thursday, with the participation of Foreign Minister and Council of General Affairs President George Papandreou, and discussed proposals on common foreign policy and European defense.Papandreou said proposals include a ''solidarity clause'' concerning all EU members regarding such cases as incommensurate threats, and the enactment of closer cooperation for those countries desiring to go ahead with common defense at a faster pace, undertaking the obligation of ''mutual support'' in the event of a threat by a third country. The foreign minister stressed the significance of common defense for Europe's political autonomy, adding that if the ''15'' do not object the Greek EU presidency could participate as an observer in the summit of the four countries - France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg - in Brussels on April 29 on the creation of the first ''strengthened cooperation'' defense nucleus. He further said the four countries' initiative for the promotion of common European defense should not be taken as a move dividing the EU and mentioned that it had already been discussed six months ago on the occasion of a relevant proposal by Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt but was raised now due to different opinions over the Iraq war and added that it will be discussed, in any case, at the informal General Affairs Council in Olympia next month. Papandreou also said Convention for the Future of Europe President Valery Giscard d'Estaing will brief the ''15'' leaders on the Convention's work in Athens on Wednesday, while the Greek presidency will also decide on a possible special summit on institutional issues in Brussels on June 30. [07] Euro-Parliament approves Morillon report on common securitySTRASBOURG (11/04/2003 ANA – O. Tsipira)The plenum of the European Parliament on Thursday adopted a report on the new European security and defense policy by French Euro-Deputy Philippe Morillon, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy. One of the central points contained in the report, setting the priorities in the new EU security and defense architecture, was the need to introduce in the EU Treaty a clause on “collective defense” for member-states. A prevailing view is that there should be no varying levels of security in EU territory. However, the introduction of a collective defense clause should be examined in coordination with the introduction of a “solidarity clause”, allowing the activation of military and non-military mechanisms to prevent terrorist threats. Before the vote was taken, discussion was attended by Greece’s alternate Foreign Minister and current Council President Tassos Yiannitsis, who noted the usefulness of the Morillon report in both discussions for the future of Europe by the Convention, and, later on, in the Intergovernmental Conference. Yiannitsis stressed that the EU common security and defense policy was not originally designed to deal with threats such as terrorism or mass destruction weapons, and consequently needs to be adjusted. He added that the Greek EU presidency has prepared a relative text, believing that the development and enhancement of the EU military capabilities is a crucial matter. Faced with a world characterized by new threats and growing insecurity, MEPs propose the construction of a new European defense architecture, and express deep regret at the current split between the member-states on key foreign policy issues. As regards military operations, Parliament wants the EU to have, with effect from 2004, a 5000-strong force kept in a state of permanent readiness for humanitarian and rescue operations. By 2009 this force should be capable of carrying out operations autonomously. The House also expressed support for the EU's decision to take over NATO's ''Allied Harmony'' operation in FYROM and its intention to take on the SFOR command in Bosnia-Herzegovina. On the financial front, MEPs proposed that the common costs of military operations under the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) be covered through the Community budget [08] Greek journalists stage protest over media deaths in BaghdadAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)A two-hour work stoppage and a march to the British and American embassies in Athens were organized in Athens on Thursday by Greek journalists protesting against the heavy toll in lives exacted from the international media community in Baghdad.A resolution by the Athens Journalists' Union ESHEA stressed that the blatant and criminal attack by United States and British forces against reporters, television and radio stations covering the ongoing war in Iraq was a heavy blow on journalism and the right of the entire world to information. The protest focused chiefly on the attack against the Palestine Hotel that houses most of the foreign media in Baghdad by a U.S. tank, in which two journalists were killed and others injured. [09] Greek EU presidency issues statement on recent events in GazaAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)The Greek European Union presidency on Thursday issued a statement on the recent events in Gaza. The full text of the statement follows below:''The Presidency of the European Union expresses deep concern on the recent events in Gaza. In such a critical moment for the region and shortly after the recent appointment of a Palestinian Prime Minister, we consider that extra-judicial executions, which also caused severe casualties among innocent civilians, are rather unwise and most counterproductive. We call upon the Israeli government to show ultimate restraint and to avoid such actions, which can derail any effort to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.'' [10] Amnesty International reminds allied forces of specific responsibilitiesAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Amnesty International reminds allied forces, while extensive looting and disturbances are continuing in many parts of Iraq, including Baghdad, of their specific responsibilities as occupation forces, based on international law, regarding human rights and international humanitarian law.''As troops of an occupation force, they must take measures urgently to impose law and order in regions under their control, averting in particular acts of looting, destruction and violence against people,'' the organization announced on Thursday. It further said ''the allied forces should meet their responsibilities and do everything possible to protect the rights of all people in Iraq.'' Amnesty International points out that the situation in Iraq regarding health is very crucial since many hospitals, particularly in Baghdad, are unable to cope with the very large number of injured and access to medical treatment and medicines is beginning to be extremely difficult. It also reminds ''the allied forces that they are obliged to secure the provision of foodstuffs and medical supplies for inhabitants in the regions under their control," adding that ''it is also necessary for them to preserve medical and hospital installations and services, public health and hygiene.'' [11] FinMin to participate in IMF, G7 meetings in WashingtonAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Greece's Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis is leaving for Washington on Friday to participate, as chairman of Eurogroup and ECOFIN, in the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the Group of Seven industrial countries over the weekend.The G7 meeting is expected to discuss the course of global economy and possible include talk on structural reforms needed for each economy. Sources said that the G7 meeting would also discuss a reconstruction process in Iraq. The EU position on the issue, to be presented by the Greek minister, is that distribution of humanitarian aid was a priority and that the EU has already approved the sum of 100 million euros for the program. Mr Christodoulakis also is expected to present the EU's position for offering bigger support in the rescheduling of poor states' debt. [12] Greece seeks new agricultural policy, Simitis saysAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Greece's big wager is to shape a new agricultural policy, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Thursday.Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting to discuss the condition of the farm sector, Mr Simitis stressed that Greece ranked first among European Union member-states in terms of community support per stremma (one stremma=1,000 square meters). In the last three years, the Prime Minister said, "real per capital income of farmers increased by 14 percent, while compensations pair in 2002 for damages by natural disasters soared to all-time highs." Mr Simitis noted that the government has secured funds to support the farm sector by 2013 and added that the plan was that all EU member-states' major farm producers would receive lower support gradually to deal with problems likely to arise in the farm sector from an EU expansion in the next few years. "Our aim is to safeguard the interests of the vast majority of Greek farmers," the Greek Premier noted. The cabinet meeting reaffirmed the government's will to support small- and medium-sized farmers, and farm products of special interest for the country (tobacco, wine, olive oil). [13] ND calls for government's written commitment regarding debt to pharmacistsAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy on Thursday called on Deputy Finance Minister George Floridis to make a commitment in writing that money owed to pharmacists by civil service insurance funds will be paid within the deadlines set by the minister, while urging pharmacists to stop industrial action.ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos accused the government of going back on its promises and said that ND agreed with the passage of legislation that fully settled past debts and made civil service funds pay for medication in the same way as all other state insurance funds. Responding to ND, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that Floridis had already made specific commitments in a document sent to the Pharmacists' Union. He said the government planned to change the payment system so that civil sector payments were settled within a month with simplified procedures. [14] Lavipharm forges alliance with GlaxoSmithKline of the USAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Lavipharm SA, an Athens-quoted pharmaceuticals manufacturer and distributor, said on Thursday that it had forged an alliance with GlaxoSmithKline of the US.The two firms signed a three-year research and development agreement in a specific area of pharmaceuticals, Lavipharm said in a statement. Under the terms of the contract, the two firms will employ Lavipharm's know-how and production capability in super critical fluid to undertake research; and GlaxoSmithKline will gain exclusivity in applications to emerge in specific treatment categories, the statement said. [15] Greek stocks end slightly higher on ThursdayAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks moved cautiously higher on Thursday with market sentiment remaining positive in the Athens Stock Exchange on hopes that the war is ending in Iraq.The general index rose 0.26 percent to end at 1,583.78 points, with turnover an improved 96.4 million euros. The Textile, Cement and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (4.0 percent, 2.83 percent and 1.93 percent, respectively), while the Metal, Retail and IT sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.29 percent, 1.16 percent and 0.54 percent). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.18 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.04 percent up, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.55 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.20 percent higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 176 to 138 with another 49 issues unchanged. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 54.4 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Sellers outstrip buyers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond [16] N17 suspect apologizes for slaying of passer-by Axarlian in courtAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)The slaying of innocent passer-by Thanos Axarlian dominated the testimony heard at the trial of 19 suspected November 17 terrorists on Thursday regarding the blood-stained attempt on the life of former finance minister Ioannis Paleokrassas in July 1992. The terror group fired a rocket against the minister's car as it turned the corner of Karageorgi Servias and Ermou Street, the main shopping high street in the heart of Athens and one of the busiest parts of the city. It missed the car by inches and exploded on the ground, thus sparing the life of Paleokrassas and the other passengers in the vehicle but killing the young student Axarlian and injuring several others.After hearing highly moving testimony by the victim's devastated mother, Stavroula Axarlian, the man accused as the operations chief of the terror group, Dimitris Koufodinas, asked to personally apologize for the young man's death and expressed his deep sorrow, while noting that the organization had done the same immediately after the incident. Stavroula Axarlian stressed that she had appealed to the terror group to lay down its arms in the memory of her dead son but that they had continued their attacks. ''My son was a charismatic boy who would have made a contribution to society. I could talk about him for hours. When he was killed the whole world disappeared before me,'' she said. She also underlined that the perpetrators could not claim to have targeted the former minister or her son when they had fired a rocket in Syntagma, which was always full of people. The prosecutor on the bench then asked the defendants Alexandros Giotopoulos and Costas Telios if they admitted their involvement in the Paleokrassas hit. Giotopoulos denied all involvement and said that he opposed all the groups’ acts of violence as not corresponding to the political climate. Telios expressed ''deep pain'' over the incident and admitted to being present with others when the attack on Paleokrassas was carried out. He said he would elaborate further in his rejoinder. Next on the stand was the former minister, who described events leading up to the attack and appeared visibly moved as he told the court that he only learned of Axarlian's death until much later. Paleokrassas said that he had been aware that he was a target and that police had taken measures for his protection. At the time of the attack, he said he had been in the driver's seat with his driver sitting next to him, while his wife and a friend of his daughter's were in the back seat. He stressed that his attackers had intended to kill him without taking into account the lives of the other passengers. Asked by presiding judge Mihalis Margaritis whether his death would have triggered any political change, Paleokrassas was categorical in his denial: ''Of course not. I would have had a funeral at public expense that would further have burdened state finances. Even if another five were killed on the same day there would still have been no change,'' he said. Regarding the proclamation published by the group after the attack, Paleokrassas described it as a ''something between gibberish and imaginary scenarios'' that ''smacked of confused Marxist theory''. The prosecutor on the bench then asked defendant Vassilis Tzortzatos about his involvement in the attack. Tzortzatos denied all involvement and expressed sorrow over the death of Axarlian. Other witnesses called up, including Paleokrassas' driver and wife, Axarlian's brother Sergios and five people injured in the fateful blast, all stressed the terror group's disregard for human life in firing the rocket grenade in a busy street. ''For Mr. Koufodinas and his peers we are collateral damage in their war,'' Sergios Axarlian stressed. Athanasia Paleokrassa noted that if the terror group had wanted to avoid innocent victims, it could have attacked her husband near their home, which was in a remote location. Victim Stylianos Kylis described how he had lost his left eye and showed the court fragments that were still embedded in his hand and other parts of his body, saying that these injuries had cost him his job. The court session ended with the reading out of documents related to the Paleokrassas case. It will resume on Friday by hearing testimony on the murder of National Bank governor Mihalis Vranopoulos on January 24, 1994, which will feature the first of the 'protected' witnesses known as B1. The court has also asked witnesses for the bomb attack on Mega TV to be present. [17] Anti-terrorist agency prosecutor to remain at the post for one more yearAthens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)First instance court prosecutor Ioannis Diotis will remain for another year at the post of supervising prosecutor of the Greek police's Anti-Terrorist Agency, according to a decision by the Supreme Judicial Council of Civil and Criminal Justice announced on Thursday.The 11-member council arrived at this decision with eight votes in favor and three against the proposed renewal of Diotis' term. According to sources, those opposing the renewal and the duration of the term argued that Diotis has been at the post for a long time and should be replaced. On the contrary, the majority's argument was that it would take too long to brief any replacement on current terrorism cases at a time when terrorism cases are still open. Diotis has been at the post since 1998. [18] Consultations on Cyprus to continue Friday at Security CouncilUNITED NATIONS 11/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)Informal consultations at the UN Security Council on a draft resolution on the Cyprus peace process ended on Thursday evening without a result and will resume on Friday on a Security Council experts level.The British submitted a new resolution, which simplifies paragraphs five and four and amalgamates them into one. The fundamental source of disagreement remains between the Russian-Chinese and the British-Americans, on the description of the plan as a unique basis for a comprehensive settlement. The new paragraph reads that the Security Council ''gives its full backing to the Secretary General's carefully balanced plan of February 26, 2003, which offers a unique basis for a comprehensive settlement and calls for all concerned to negotiate within the framework of the Secretary General's good offices using the plan as the basis for reaching a comprehensive settlement as set forth in paragraphs 144-151 and particularly 148 of the Secretary-General's report.'' UN-led peace talks collapsed last month when Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refused to put to a referendum Annan's proposal for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus and said he wanted radical changes to it. Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said he would put the plan to a referendum but asked for the legal aspects of the plan to be completed and for sufficient time to inform the people about its contents before they voted on it. De Soto says onus on all parties to solve Cyprus problem: The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto said on Thursday that the onus is on the parties in Cyprus and their motherlands to demonstrate the political will to solve the Cyprus problem based on his plan, in the manner he has suggested. Outlining the Secretary-General's report before the Security Council, de Soto said that looking to the future, Kofi Annan ''does not intend to take a new initiative unless and until such time as he has solid reason to believe that the political will exists necessary for a successful outcome.'' ''This, he said, would come about if there was an unequivocally-stated preparedness on the part of the leaders of both sides, fully and determinedly backed at the highest political level in both motherlands, to commit (a) to finalize the plan (without re-opening its basic principles or key trade-offs) by a specific date, with UN assistance, and (b) to put it to separate simultaneous referenda as provided for in the plan on a date certain soon thereafter.'' ''The onus is on the parties and the motherlands to demonstrate the political will to solve the problem on the basis of his plan, in the manner which the Secretary-General has suggested,'' de Soto said. He remarked that the Secretary-General's written report on his efforts between late 1999 and March 11, 2003 to assist the two sides in Cyprus to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is the first on the Secretary-General's mission of good offices since June of 1999. De Soto noted that ''in terms of the wider political environment in the region, all the conditions were in place'' and the Secretary-General himself was ''deeply and heavily involved in the effort, throwing his full backing behind it'' and strongly supported by the Council ''every step of the way.'' He said he believes ''a fair and honorable package, comprehensive in approach and only needing technical finalization, was on the table.'' De Soto said ''the fact that a solution has not been achieved in these circumstances is therefore deeply disappointing,'' noting ''it seems attributable to failings of political will rather than to the absence of favorable circumstances.'' He said towards the end of the process, when decisions had to be made, the ''crisis in Iraq loomed large and made it difficult, particularly for Turkey, to take the bold decisions, and bring the necessary influence to bear, in order to achieve a settlement.'' ''Be that as it may, a unique opportunity has been missed, and the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots have been denied the opportunity to vote to reunite Cyprus,'' de Soto said. ''The immediate losers are the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, but the Greek Cypriots and Greece are also losers,'' he said noting this was ''truly a lose-lose outcome.'' Referring to the plan, de Soto said ''like all human endeavors, the plan is not perfect'' but ''represents the best effort of the United Nations to generate a balanced and truly comprehensive proposal which resolves all issues, leaves little to be negotiated, and above all, represents a fair and honorable settlement which meets the core interests and aspirations of both sides.'' He emphasized that ''every word of the plan was worked on many times, carefully calibrated, and weighed in the overall balance and if any significant piece is removed and the balance is altered, it could fall to the ground.'' That is why Annan ''speaks of the need, in a future negotiation, not to re-open the basic principles or key trade-offs in the plan,'' de Soto added. He said that in the coming period, after the signing of the EU Accession Treaty on April 16 in Athens, through the entry into force of that treaty on May 1, 2004, and in the run-up to the European Council of December 2004 in which a decision is to be taken on accession talks with Turkey, the overwhelming need is for the parties to hew closely to the plan, adding that ''to re-open its basic principles or key trade-offs would be to put the entire enterprise at peril.'' This is why Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's suggestion in The Hague that the parties should return to a discussion on principles ''did not, in the Secretary-General's view, give any hope that agreement could be achieved,'' de Soto said. Equally, he said, that is why President Tassos Papadopoulos' ''preparedness not to re-open the substantive parts of the plan if Mr. Denktash responded in the same manner was welcome. The hope must be that, in time, the Turkish Cypriot side will come around to the same position that Mr. Papadopoulos took in The Hague,'' he added. In the report, de Soto cites the current development with the letters which Denktash has sent to Papadopoulos proposing that they meet to discuss a range of confidence-building measures and the latter's reply that in his view, ''the stalemate was caused not by a crisis of confidence but by Mr. Denktash and Turkey not accepting the Secretary-General's plan as the basis for a negotiating a final settlement.'' ''Mr. Papadopoulos restated in the most clear terms that he remains committed, even after April 16, to finding a solution within the parameters of the Annan plan,'' he said and called on Mr. Denktash ''to indicate that he accepts the Secretary-General's plan as the basis for a further negotiating process.'' The Security Council began informal consultations on the report and according to sources a resolution is not expected to pass before Monday or Tuesday. Annan wants genuine desire by parties for Cyprus settlement: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said earlier on Thursday he needed to see a genuine desire and a change on the part of all the parties involved to solve the Cyprus problem. Answering a question by CNA before the start of the Security Council meeting on the situation in Cyprus and his report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, Annan said that when he sees a change in attitude and a genuine desire to move forward on all sides he will see what he can do to help. Invited to elaborate on the point in his report that he does not see an initiative on Cyprus soon, Annan told CNA, ''I need to see a genuine desire, change on the part of all the parties to want to settle this issue.'' ''I think in the report I made it clear why we didn't make progress and what I believe needs to be done for us to go forward. I also indicated that when I see a change in attitude and a genuine desire to move forward on all sides I will be prepared to see what I can do to help,'' he added. [19] Italian EU Presidency to contribute towards Cyprus settlementNICOSIA 11/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)The Italian EU presidency will do its utmost to contribute towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue, Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Antonione told CNA here on Thursday.Speaking after a meeting with Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou, Antonione said his country would study the UN Secretary-General's report on Cyprus and reassured that ''Italy will do its utmost to contribute as much as possible for a solution.'' [20] US Special Coordinator for Cyprus to visit islandUNITED NATIONS 11/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston arrives on the island during the weekend for a five-day visit.Weston told CNA on Thursday that his visit was scheduled a long time ago and that during his contacts he will underline the continued US interest for a Cyprus settlement. He returns to the US on April 16. 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