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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-12-05Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>December 5, 2003CONTENTS
[01] FM Papandreou calls Powell's statements on EU defense ''mild''BRUSSELS 05/12/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Thursday called ''mild'' the statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell on European defense during the NATO ministers' meeting here.Papandreou underlined that the differences of opinion in the meeting concerned, mainly, the establishment of a European headquarters and its development, on which several different possibilities were submitted. ''The large infrastructure has been ruled out and the thought for a lighter infrastructure is dominant, that of a nucleus-headquarters or of a European pillar within NATO's headquarters,'' Papandreou said, stressing, however, that the issue is still outstanding and that it was not discussed extensively. He also said that disagreements were voiced within the EU, mainly by countries of Eastern Europe, while disagreements were also noted concerning a clause of mutual assistance. Papandreou stressed, however, that an initiative of the Greek EU presidency was still in development at an experts level on the issue of a European Armaments Service, which was decided during the Thessaloniki EU Summit. The Greek minister also said that the NATO ministers discussed the possibility of further NATO entanglement in Iraq, but no decision was made due to reservation expressed by some countries. He also said that NATO General Secretary Lord Robertson's call for more military commitment in Afghanistan was discussed, noting that he reiterated Greece's negative response, adding, however, that this stance could be reexamined after the Olympic Games. [02] PM Simitis addresses conference on 'Modern socialists and new responses'Athens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis addressed a conference organized by his ruling PASOK party on Thursday on ''Modern socialists and new responses'', making a presentation of the modern-day left in Greece and Europe.Simitis said the modern socialists are the side capable of winning the wager of politics in the 21st century. Referring both to PASOK and other European socialist parties having experience in government, he said after this experience in government ''we are the responsible left'', the left which lives and is fuelled by its relation with life, which tries to turn its ideals into practice and to implement them in conditions which are changing constantly and which proposes and implements policies, as well as practical solutions. The prime minister said this left is the one which can guarantee a safe future of prosperity for every citizen and for every person in this country. He added that PASOK's benefit from the years it was in power is that it has learnt to be effective and not to give in to the ease of demagoguery. Referring to the fundamental principles and the ideals of the socialists, Simitis said they remain unchanged. ''We are struggling and we shall always struggle for a government which secures equal autonomy, solidarity and social cohesion, which is based on the participation of all citizens and maintains equal and peaceful relations with the other countries.'' Simitis also said the socialist left renews and modernizes itself, it handles both the old and new forms of inequality and injustice and the new forms of exclusion and exploitation. The prime minister outlined the targets and great challenges of the modern-day left, which include the continuation of the economy's growth, confronting unemployment and increasing employment and using new technologies in a way benefiting society and not harming individual rights. Speaking at the same conference, PASOK's Central Committee secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said the duty of a modern socialist party today is to guarantee the transition from the old to the new world with the least possible cost and the fewest consequences possible for the weaker classes. Chrysohoidis said only a modern reformist left can sign a contract with European citizens which will regulate relations between social partners, safeguard social peace, rein in ''uncontrolled and selfish capital'', encourage creativity, and guarantee the rights of individuality and at the same time secure equal possibilities for all. Focusing on the identity of a modern socialist party, the secretary said rusty party structures must be overcome, as well as phenomena of party bureaucracy. Chrysohoidis further said socialists must show today that they are the side of imagination and realism, struggles and responsibility, firm management and social benefits, prosperity for all and of equal opportunities. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder also sent a message to the conference. [03] Cook backs return of Parthenon Marbles in exchange of exhibition in UKAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Former UK foreign secretary and President of the European Socialist Party Robin Cook, speaking at the start of a conference by the ruling PASOK party in Athens on Thursday on ''Modern socialists and new responses'', stated he was in favor of the return to Greece of the Parthenon Marbles in exchange of a permanent exhibition of sculptures in Britain, which is a proposal of the Greek government.[04] Greek PM foresees tension at EU summit, says IGC must continueAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday referred to developments within the European Union, predicting that there would be tension at the next EU summit over the mechanisms proposed by the Convention for the Future of Europe for making decisions.He stressed, however, that agreement would have to be reached and that any interruption of the Intergovernmental Conference would have a wider negative impact. Under the Convention proposals, decisions will require a 50 per cent plus one majority of EU member-states, provided these represent 60 per cent of the EU's total population. Relaying the prime minister's opening remarks to Thursday's meeting of the cabinet, government spokesman Christos Protopapas also reiterated that Greece will be among the nucleus of EU countries taking part in ''structured cooperation'' in European defense. [05] Karamanlis meets with Raffarin in ParisPARIS 05/12/2003 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday met with French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, following the Summit of the European Center-Right Wing leaders here.Karamanlis stressed that the critical issue is for Europe to forge forward and underlined that each member-state should have a Commissioner with full rights, while adding that there was indeed progress on the common defense and security issue. Karamanlis also said a strong stipulation should be included prescribing mutual assistance in the event that a member-state is attacked, an issue of great importance for Greece. The two men also discussed the Cyprus issue and the European prospects of Turkey. Speaking of the Cyprus issue, Karamanlis underlined that there should be a common effort to resolve the political problem, in accordance with the principles and values of Europe and the European acquis communautaire and Raffarin agreed. As for Turkey's EU prospects there seemed to be skepticism. [06] Greek dep. defense minister on visit toFYROM SKOPJE 05/12/2003 (ANA - N. Fragopoulou)Deputy Defense Minister Lazaros Lotidis on Thursday paid a visit to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), where he met his local counterpart Rizvan Sulejmani and FYROM Defense Minister Vlado Buckovski.During his meeting with Sulejmani, Lotidis signed a protocol for defense cooperation between Greece and FYROM in the year 2004. Under the agreement, FYROM officers will attend military schools in Greece for further training and personnel from the country's newly-formed special forces will be trained at Greek army camps. Lotidis expressed Greece's support for FYROM's efforts to become a member of NATO and said that Athens was in favor of the country's rapprochement with the European Union, pledging unstinting assistance for FYROM's incorporation into Euro-Atlantic structures. Sulejmani said that FYROM hoped for a clear message at the upcoming NATO summit in Istanbul in June 2004 that it would soon be joining NATO. On Thursday evening, Lotidis will visit the EU military force ''Concordia'' stationed in FYROM, which is to be replaced on December 15 by the EU police force ''Proxima'', made up of 200 officers from EU member-states. [07] FM Papandreou announces establishment of commercial consular office inFYROM BRUSSELS 05/12/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Thursday announced the establishment of a Greek consular office in the city of Monastir in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).He said that the office will have a commercial and economic character, adding that FYROM will open a similar office in Thessaloniki. Papandreou noted that ''the establishment of the office in Monastir and of the one in Thessaloniki is an action that contributes to the further development of bilateral relations''. He also announced that Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos will arrive in Skopje on Tuesday to formalize the agreement. [08] Parliamentary committee approves bill on Greek-Albanian defense ministry accordAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)A relevant Parliamentary committee on Thursday approved with a majority decision a bill on the ratification of an agreement between the defense ministries of Greece and Albania on carrying out necessary infrastructure and upgrading work at the Bisht Palla naval base, as well as on the construction of the military hospital at Gjirokaster.Referring to the agreement, which has already been ratified by Albania's Parliament, the PASOK party's rapporteur Dimitris Apostolakis said Greece will carry out modernization work at the port of Bisht Palla and, in return, the Albanian government will provide docking facilities for Greek Navy ships. He added that Turkey has made a similar move and has similar facilities on the Dalmatian coast. Main opposition New Democracy party rapporteur Evgenios Haitidis expressed reservations on the accord and wondered whether it is necessary for Greece to spend 10-15 million euros to have the right to go to the ports of a country heading for accession to the NATO alliance. [09] FM Papandreou backs Turkey's European prospectsAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou, replying to questions on statements made on Thursday by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos regarding Turkey's European prospects, referred to a relevant statement by the government spokesman and added that ''we are inspired and taught by history, we are inspired by the vision of Rigas Fereos.''Papandreou reminded that Rigas' vision was the creation of a peaceful, free and democratic Balkan peninsula where all ethic groups and all religions - Orthodox believers, Catholics, Moslems and Jews - will have a place and added that this vision is currently becoming a reality with European Union integration and the participation of the Balkans. The foreign minister further said this vision serves Greece's interests and security, it is supported by the great majority of the Greek people and the government is serving this vision with consistency and success. [10] Christodoulos sharply assails Turkey's EU prospectsAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)The influential leader of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece on Thursday reiterated, using even harsher language on this occasion, his opposition to Turkey’s prospects of joining the European Union.Speaking during a sermon in a central Athens cathedral during a service to celebrate the twin feast day of Aghia Varvara (St. Barbara) and Osios Serapheim (the Venerable Serapheim), Christodoulos noted that the latter achieved martyrdom, in fact, for his Christian beliefs during the dour Ottoman occupation, “that’s why they (Ottoman Turks) roasted him...” “...And they now want to enter the European Union. Barbarians cannot enter the Christian family. We cannot live together. This isn’t out of spite, this is consistency, and we must retain it so we do not lose everything in the name of diplomacy. Diplomacy is good, but we cannot forget our history,” the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece stressed. In a caustic reference to local proponents of Turkey’s European prospects, Christodoulos scolded them as “historically illiterate”. “All these (people) judge from a safe distance, they judge because they are unaware of history...we cannot forget everything and betray the struggles of our forefathers,” he charged. Christodoulos’ latest outburst against predominately Muslim Turkey’s advances towards the ever-growing European bloc came a day after Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos rejected a Church of Greece decision over ecclesiastical jurisdiction -- especially over the process for electing new bishops -- in the so-called “New Territories” of northern Greece and the eastern Aegean. Vartholomeos, the “primus inter Pares” of Orthodox Christian leaders, has been a vocal and long-standing proponent of neighboring Turkey’s European orientation, despite a series of asphyxiating administrative restrictions placed on the Patriarchate by the Turkish state – i.e. closure of the Halki seminary in 1971, control of charitable organizations etc. [11] Dep. Interior minister visits Thessaloniki, ThermiAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Deputy Interior Minister Lambros Papadimas on Thursday visited the municipalities of Thessaloniki and Thermi, during a two-day visit to the Thessaloniki prefecture.He was received by Thessaloniki mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, who handed him a memorandum regarding the municipality's finances and its many financial problems. The two men discussed the city's problems in general and major public works due to be carried out in Thessaloniki. Visiting Thermi, he was received by its mayor Theodoros Papadopoulos and took part in a meeting on issues concerning the local authority. [12] Cabinet meeting discusses shipping issuesAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Thursday's meeting of the Cabinet focused primarily on shipping-related issues, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said.During the meeting, Prime Minister Costas Simitis underlined that the Greek merchant fleet was currently the largest in the world and that careful handling was required to ensure that it retained its status and prime position. He also noted that the issue of monohull tankers had been dealt with during the Greek European Union presidency. Referring to an article in the French newspaper ''Le Monde'' that criticized Greece on commercial shipping issues, he said it was indicative of the suspicious attitudes toward Greece from certain quarters. He stressed that there were two approaches regarding the operation of merchant shipping: one proposed preservation and protection of the environment and strengthened the prestige of Greek shipping, while the other was only interested in profits and the laws of the market. Presenting an overview of ministry actions over the past four years, Merchant Marine Minister George Paschalidis stressed preparations for the country ports in view of the Athens Olympics in 2004, especially the new security systems being installed at all Olympic ports that will be monitored by a force of 4,000 men during the Games. He particularly noted efforts to make the port of Piraeus a "European shipping metropolis" through projects to be used both during the Olympics and afterwards and Olympic preparations at eight ports around the country and the Flisvos Marina. Among the ministry's initiatives, he listed the implementation of a safety code for ships and ports, starting with international voyages until July 1, 2004 and gradually extending to all ships and all Greek ports at a later date. The minister also outlined incentives for the shipping sector, such as reduced tax for new builds and new ships, subsidies for training voyages and others. [13] Greek gov’t denies acceptance of reviewed price in ETBAbank saleAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)''The Greek state has not agreed to a proposed review of ETBAbank's share price,'' Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Thursday.Replying to an updated question by ND party's deputy Miltiades Evert in parliament, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that ''the privatization of ETBAbank was a very significant move in the privatization effort as it reduced the state's presence in the domestic banking system.'' The Greek minister noted that the government would seek to find a solution to a proposal by Piraeus Bank to review the share sale price, based on protecting the interests of both the Greek state and the bank's smaller shareholders. Mr Evert said that the privatization of ETBAbank would badly damage smaller shareholders and stressed that although the initial deal was to sell the bank at a price of 5.10 euros per share to Piraeus Bank, the Greek state has accepted a new, reduced, price of around 3.20 euros per share to complete the sale. Mr Evert accused the government of breaking the law. Mr Christodoulakis noted that the government ''completed one of its most ambitious privatization programs this year, raising 2.7 billion euros so far,'' to add that the government was expected to announced the privatization of Tourist Real Estate SA in the next few days. He defended the government's policy saying that ''the biggest part of privatization proceeds was used to reduce the country's public debt and not the government's fiscal deficits.'' [14] Greek farm minister meets with FEOGA representativeAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Greek Agriculture Minister George Drys on Thursday met with visiting FEOGA's deputy general director Mr Demarty and discussed issues related with absorbing credits from a Farm fund, inspection procedures on community subsidies and registry completion progress in the country.The Greek minister stressed that the government, in order to achieve a more effective absorption of FEOGA credits, has created an organization of inspecting payments and community subsidies in the country to ensure Greece's credibility in transactions with EU agencies. The organization OPEKEPE was created to legally manage, with transparency, EU subsidies to Greek farmers, worth around 2.9 billion euros annually, to protect FEOGA and the country from fiscal corrections, Mr Drys said. The Greek minister said he hoped that the European Commission "will acknowledge progress made by the government in monitoring absorption of EU funds." [15] Development minister announces plan against profiteeringAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Thursday strongly stressed that the Olympic Games will not become an exploitation platform or a tool for skewing the Greek internal market.Speaking during a press conference at the offices of the Hellenic Tourist Organization in Athens, Tsohatzopoulos underlined the intention of the ministry to establish a clear cut ''framework'' which will bar or limit profiteering during the Games. He also said that the ministry was cooperating with the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee and tour operators, so as to also find ways of curbing profiteering. [16] Greek gov’t presents new labor draft legislationAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Greek Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas on Thursday presented a new draft bill aimed to combat unemployment in the country.Mr Reppas said the unemployment rate was currently at 8.9 percent of the workforce, three percentage points down compared with 1999 levels. The Greek minister said he was optimistic that positive developments in the Greek economy combined with more active employment policies would lead to higher employment levels in the country in the next few years. Mr Reppas said that the government would submit its new social security draft bill to parliament in January and reiterated a pledge that the bill would include favorable adjustments for workers. The new employment draft bill envisages offering subsidies to employers for hiring unemployment people, unemployed mothers with two children, exempting women farmers with two children from paying social security contributions, creating private employment consulting agencies and ensuring subsidies of 1.467 billion euros by the Greek state to Social Security Institution (IKA) to pay for IKA's debt third parties. [17] Athens' Hoteliers counter criticism over pricesAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)The Attica Hoteliers' Association (AHA) on Thursday confronted criticism in the press concerning exorbitant pricing for the Athens 2004 Games season, saying that 90 per cent of capacity was allocated to the Olympic Family at what they called lower prices than one would expect.They stressed that 18,000 rooms in Attica were allocated to the Olympic Family, while only 10 per cent was sold at market prices directly to private individuals, stressing that these prices were controlled by the market rule of demand and supply. [18] OA to merge six flights on Friday due to ongoing strikeAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)National carrier Olympic Airways (OA) has announced the merger of six flights on Friday due to a strike by flight attendants, which is continuing in spite of a court ruling judging it illegal.The airline said it will be merging flights 145 and 147 from Athens-Brussels-Athens, flights 329 and 337 from Athens-Larnaca-Athens, flights 115 and 117 from Athens-Tirana-Athens, flights 506 and 510 from Athens-Iraklion-Athens, flights 514 and 518 from Athens-Iraklion-Athens and flights 570 and 572 from Athens-Mytilene-Athens. OA announced that it would be able to carry out all 110 flights scheduled to depart from Athens airport on Friday. Meanwhile, OA's dismissals board convened on Wednesday night and decided to fire flight attendants George Xanthopoulos and Dimitris Dimitriou for abusive behavior toward a female colleague, after she decided to join the crew on a flight from Athens to Toronto. [19] ICAP study shows private insurance market capacity untappedAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)ICAP business consultants on Thursday released a study showing significant margins for the development of the Greek private insurance market.The study that was conducted for the Insurance Companies' Association stressed that two thirds of those employed in Greece declared that did not have any private insurance of any kind, be it life, pension or health. If compared with the European Union's average the capacity of the Greek market was estimated at 7 to 8.5 billion euros or about six times more than today's levels. [20] Economist Bank Forum focuses on prospects of Greek banksAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)The prospects of Greek banks in the wider geographical region of southeastern Europe was the main issue examined by the annual Economist Bank Forum taking place in Athens.Deputy National Bank Governor Theodoros Pantalakis said Greek banks, compared to many competitors of theirs in other developed economies, particularly those of the European Union, have considerable comparative advantages to show. He said the pre-tax profits of the biggest Greek bank groups increased 34 percent during the first nine months in 2003. Organic profit-making, profits obtained from exclusive bank operations, improved by 33 percent over the same period in 2003 compared to the corresponding period last year. Pantalakis also said bank loaning to households as a percentage of GDP remains relatively low, at 24 percent of GDP, compared to an average of 50 percent in the eurozone and over 70 percent in the United States. The deputy governor also referred to the National Bank's presence in the Balkans. He said that with total assets amounting to 1.7 billion euros in the region, the National Bank Group has the most extensive presence compared to all the international competitors in the Balkans and currently possesses the biggest network of branch offices in southeastern Europe. [21] Greek stocks end Thursday's session mixed to lowerAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks ended Thursday's session slightly lower in the Athens Stock Exchange with sellers gaining the upper hand in the last hour of trading.Traders said that investment transferred money from blue chip to smaller capitalization stocks. The general index fell 0.15 percent to end at 2,194.42 points, with turnover a heavy 224.8 million euros. The Construction, Investment and Wholesale sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.37 percent, 1.14 percent and 1.03 percent, respectively), while the Insurance, Telecommunications and IT sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (0.99 percent, 0.95 percent and 0.85 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell by 0.51 percent, while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.35 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.23 percent higher. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 184 to 118 with another 58 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were Vodafone, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Alpha Bank and Coca Cola. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 75.8 million euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of December 4 2003 Parities in euro For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,217 1,189 [22] IOC allows shot-put in ancient Olympia for 2004 GamesLAUSANNE 05/12/2003 (ANA)Greek organizers’ historic request to hold the men’s and women’s 2004 Olympic shot-put competition in ancient Olympia overcame the last hurdle on Thursday as the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board approved the proposal, opening the way for a long-sought link between the modern era and the venerated site where the ancient Games were born.The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee’s (ATHOC) proposal had already been approved by the Greek government’s relevant culture ministry as well as by world athletics federation, IAAF. Top IOC executives, including President Jacques Rogge, hailed the proposal in Athens last week. Only concerns by local archaeologists citing potential damage to the renowned archaeological site -- located in a small valley in the northwest Peloponnese (southern Greece) -- from the construction of spectators’ stands, broadcast facilities, press crews and other activities appeared sufficient to deflate the initiative. Subsequent clarifications by ATHOC that no stands would be built and that competitions would take place only in the daytime, to avoid building light towers, appeared to sway opposition. Initial planning is for no spectators to view the competitions there as well. Additionally, athletes are expected to be hosted at nearby guesthouses, with only temporary facilities envisioned for the press and broadcasters. [23] Parliament passes new Forestry LawAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)The parliament plenary on Thursday passed a new Forestry Law in a roll call vote.The roll call vote process was requested by main opposition New Democracy party (ND). The vote was passed with 151 votes for, 134 against, and one abstention (Independent MP Stelios Papathemelis, who recently quit the ruling PASOK party, simply stated 'present' when called on to vote) by the 286 MPs present at the session in the 300-member House. [24] Lawsuit by mass media minister against publisher discussedAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)A three-judge misdemeanor court on Thursday discussed a slander lawsuit brought by Mass Media Minister Christos Protopapas against an outspoken local newspaper publisher.Protopapas, who also doubles as the government spokesman, has demanded 1.5 million euros in damages from “Avriani” publisher George Kouris, after the latter’s paper published a series of front-page articles last year alleging that the minister’s under construction home was worth three million euros. According to testimony on Thursday by a witness for Protopapas, building costs stand at 235,000 euros for the 182-metre northern Athens residence. The same witness, a building contractor, claimed the entire property was worth roughly 440,000 euros. Other testimony cited the purchase of the 238-square-metre lot in 1995 by Protopapas and in wife through a bank loan and personal income. On his part, the defendant’s defense presented only documentation, with Kouris insisting on the value reported by his publication, a figure much higher than the one given by Protopapas. A decision is expected in the next few months. Additionally, Protopapas has filed another three lawsuits over similar articles in “Avriani”. [25] Athens municipality sets up Christmas websiteAthens, 05/12/2003 (ANA)Information on all Christmas events organized by the city of Athens from December 12 until January 6 is now available on the website www.christmasinathens.gr, set up by the Athens municipality for the use of the public.The site also provides information on the municipal drug rehabilitation centre "Epilogi". In addition, visitors to the site can sign up for the city's competitions for the best shop window display and best-decorated balcony. [26] Byzantine hymns in NYC by Greek choir, Turkish musiciansNEW YORK 05/12/2003 (ANA)A 21-member chorus of Greek singers accompanied by six noted Turkish musicians from Istanbul is scheduled to give a concert here of Byzantine hymns and Christmas carols.The concert, under the auspices of the World Music Institute, is set for Dec. 13 at Manhattan’s St. Bartholomew Cathedral. The choir, named “Romaikou Synolou”, was created in 1992 in Philadelphia with a view to promoting the ecclesiastical music of Byzantium to American audiences. [27] Brok: No Cyprus solution, no negotiations for TurkeyBRUSSELS 05/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)Elmar Brok, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, has said that a Cyprus solution with Ankara's contribution is the condition of any negotiation with Turkey for EU membership.Asked by CNA if a settlement to the Cyprus problem is feasible by May 1, 2004, he noted that ''it is only up to the parties concerned. The two Cypriot sides should try to do that and if (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash has a will to do so it will happen.'' Regarding Turkey's accession course, Brok said: ''If there is no solution for Cyprus, if there is no implementation of the rules of law, the priority of the political quarters before militaries, implementation of human rights then in my opinion there would be no negotiations. ''Answering to a question on Turkey's progress in respect to the Copenhagen political criteria, he said ''I must say that is very clear for us that a solution of the whole of Cyprus in cooperative behavior by Turkey is my opinion the condition of any negotiation with Turkey for membership.'' Noting that Turkey has made a lot of progress in legislation, he said this legislation remains now to be implemented. ''The human rights are not just on paper and it must be fulfilled with every religion'', he said. As regards to the so-called elections on December 14, 2003 in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, he expressed the hope that no matter who wins he will try to find a solution ''because such a solution will be in favor of the citizens of the northern Cyprus.'' Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. Lamassoure: 'We need to unite Cyprus in the Union' : Euro MP Alain Lamassoure, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the European Parliament will be very strict vis a vis Turkey regarding the need for a united Cyprus in the European Union. Asked by CNA if Turkey would eventually get a date to start accession negotiations with the European Union the French MEP noted the Turkish authorities are heading for the right direction but they have still a lot to do to meet the criteria. ''We are expecting from them at the same time progress in the institutions to make them more democratic and consistent with the European democratic model but also progress vis a vis Cyprus and we need to reach agreement on Cyprus soon because as of next May Cyprus will be full member of the Union,'' he added. He stressed the need for a united Cyprus to join the EU ''so we will be very strict on that in the European Union, particularly in the European Parliament vis a vis Turkey.'' [28] Dutch Lower House warns Turkey on EU accessionNICOSIA 05/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)The Dutch Lower House has warned Turkey that unless it complies with the Copenhagen criteria, it will be impossible to secure a date for the start of accession negotiations with the European Union.A resolution, adopted by the Lower House by an overwhelming majority, reaffirms that no membership talks can begin with Turkey prior to its full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and notes that before this is done (compliance) no date can be decided on. The House declared that the start of accession negotiations with Turkey is desirable only if Turkey agrees, prior to the start of these talks, to a plan that provides for the end of the division of Cyprus. The resolution notes that during the second half of 2004, the EU will decide whether accession talks can begin. All parties, except the Labor party, voted in favor of the resolution. The Cyprus government on Thursday expressed its full satisfaction over the adoption of the resolution by the Dutch Lower House. Acting government spokesman Marios Karoyan said ''this is a very positive development which we welcome.'' [29] Akinci calls on Ankara to solve Cyprus issueNICOSIA 05/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)Mustafa Akinci, leader of the Turkish Cypriot opposition ''Movement for Peace and Democracy'', has called on Ankara to help solve the Cyprus problem before May 2004 and to implement the Copenhagen criteria, if it wants to secure the start of its accession talks with the EU.He warned Turkey that the EU will not horse-trade in December 2004, when the European Council will review its stance on Turkey, and said Turkish Cypriots need the cooperation of Ankara and Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to achieve a settlement before Cyprus joins the Union, in May next year. In an interview with CNA, he said Turkish Cypriots now have a real responsibility to move things forward, and urged them to vote in next week's ''parliamentary elections'' in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus in favor of those forces that support solution and accession. He appeared convinced that the problem can be resolved within four months, if the political will is there and all parties feel they are in a win-win situation. Commenting on opinion polls about the December 14 vote, he said there has been manipulation of the polls and that the real opinion poll will be the ballot box. ''Our Movement is gaining ground, our wish is to see that all the pro-solution and pro-European forces prevail and form the majority in the House which will give them the opportunity to form a pro-solution government, that is our first priority,'' he explained. Akinci refrained from any comment on the likely percentage the pro-solution forces would garner and said ''if the Turkish Cypriots are left alone, it will be only up to their consciousness to decide," adding that they have shown their determination for a solution and accession. He charged that the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus has been tampering with the ''electoral list'' and said in one single day 1,563 persons were granted ''citizenship'' so that they can vote. ''The elections cannot be described as frank, democratic and transparent,'' he continued. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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