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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-01

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

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

September 1, 2005

CONTENTS

  • [01] EU to reply to Turkey's announcement on non-recognition of Republic of Cyprus
  • [02] Commission's legal service refers to Turkey's customs union protocol obligations
  • [03] 'We shall claim, but we are willing for a compromise safeguarding the just causes and rights of Cyprus', Cyprus FM says in ANA interview
  • [04] Ankara dismisses possibility of delay in starting EU accession talks
  • [05] PM Karamanlis to meet with business groups, social partners over next 2 days
  • [06] PM to visit justice ministry, receive interior minister on Thursday
  • [07] Greece sends condolences to U.S. and Iraqi presidents
  • [08] Pavlopoulos says talks over local gov't election changes to begin in Sept.
  • [09] Minister makes account of work produced by interior ministry and Equality General Secretariat
  • [10] Voulgarakis, Stylianidis receive Bavarian Interior Minister Beckstein
  • [11] Turkish president receives credentials of new Greek envoy
  • [12] Communist Party leader discusses local administration finances with municipality union delegation
  • [13] SYN leader Alavanos visits prefecture of Ilia
  • [14] Finmin sees economy responding well to policy
  • [15] Gov't on fiscal performance, revenues
  • [16] Merchant marine and finance ministers brief PM
  • [17] Finance and transport ministers discuss public utilities draft law
  • [18] SEB president says banner tourism season will help keep GDP growth at 3.5%
  • [19] Heating fuel subsidy a possibility, Development Minister says
  • [20] Analyst: Greek property prices seen rising 5%-6% in 2005
  • [21] Olympic Airlines reacts promptly to French newspaper's allegations
  • [22] Stocks rise, fuelled by corporate results
  • [23] Traffic accidents increase by 17.8 pc in June
  • [24] President Papoulias expresses condolences over death of A. Rossios
  • [25] President Papoulias visit to Halki, Rhodes
  • [26] Photographic exhibition of Greek monuments to be inaugurated at the foreign ministry on Thursday
  • [27] Cyprus government: British presidency counterstatement is unacceptable
  • [28] US Congressmen meet Cypriot leaders

  • [01] EU to reply to Turkey's announcement on non-recognition of Republic of Cyprus

    BRUSSELS 1/9/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

    The European Union will reply to an announcement made by Turkey and by which it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, when it signed the EU's protocol on customs union extension to its new member-states a month ago.

    The reply will ascertain, among other points, that Turkey's announcement does not produce legal results and that the EU expects Ankara to respond to all the commitments it assumed on signing the protocol.

    This conclusion was reached during the discussion held on the issue here on Wednesday, during the first session of the Permanent Representatives Committee following the summer recess.

    The discussion will be continued at the level of foreign ministers, who will be holding their regular informal six-month conference in Newport, Wales, on Thursday and Friday.

    The British presidency, according to a commitment made on Wednesday, will be presenting a new draft announcement during the discussion which the Council will be called on to adopt.

    It was made clear during Wednesday's session of the Permanent Representatives Committee that the 25 member-states believe that Turkey cannot insist for a long time on the position that it will be negotiating with a member-state that it does not recognize.

    According to well-informed sources, the Council's legal service, in a report presented to the Permanent Representatives Commit-tee on Wednesday, clearly states that at the outset of accession negotiations Turkey will enter a process which will lead it to the de facto recognition of Cyprus.

    Shortly after the British presidency's draft announcement on Cyprus was presented to the national delegations, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis communicated by phone with his British counterpart Jack Straw as well as with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

    The foreign minister will also be meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Thursday.

    Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, speaking shortly before leaving for Wales, said that "the Turkish statement has created a series of problems which must be replied to by the EU so that no vague points are left."

    [02] Commission's legal service refers to Turkey's customs union protocol obligations

    BRUSSELS 1/9/2005 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    The COREPER council of the Union's permanent representatives convened here on Wednesday for a more-or-less preparatory meeting ahead of this week's closely watched councils of EU ministers in Wales regarding EU-Turkey relations.

    According to a Commission spokesman, COREPER members were briefed by the Commission's legal service that Turkey's written statement reaffirming its refusal to recognize EU member-state Cyprus -- attached to an extension of a customs union protocol Ankara signed last month -- in no way excuses the country from its obligations under the protocol.

    The spokesman reiterated that the protocol's implementation is of particular importance for the Union, while citing Turkey's obligation, for instance, to allow Cypriot-flagged vessels to dock at Turkish ports.

    [03] 'We shall claim, but we are willing for a compromise safeguarding the just causes and rights of Cyprus', Cyprus FM says in ANA interview

    VIENNA 1/9/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

    Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iakovou, speaking in an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), said "we shall claim, but we are willing for a compromise which shall safeguard the just causes and rights of Cyprus."

    Iakovou gave the interview in light of Thursday's informal EU General Affairs Council in the Welsh city of Newport.

    The foreign minister of Cyprus, who held talks here on Tuesday with his Austrian counterpart Ursula Plasnik, focusing on Turkey's European prospects, said that achieving a "strong counter-statement" to the Turkish statement (on the non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus), which accompanied Ankara's signing of the Customs Union Protocol, is a "basic pursuit for Cyprus."

    Iakovou also stressed the need for a timetable and checkpoints for the implementation of the Protocol by Turkey to be included in the negotiating framework, while expressing his concern over methods applied by the European Union's British presidency.

    Expecting its positions to be supported by many of its partners, Cyprus is pursuing a strong counter-statement, Iakovou said in his interview, adding that this is important for it since the Turkish statement was unprovoked and provocative and raised many political and legal queries.

    [04] Ankara dismisses possibility of delay in starting EU accession talks

    ISTANBUL 1/9/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    A Turkish foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday down-played the possibility of any "glitch" in Turkey's course towards beginning accession negotiations with the European Union this fall.

    "We believe that negotiations for Turkey's full membership in the EU will begin normally on Oct. 3, as planned," spokesman Namik Tan said, while dismissing press reports citing the possibility of a "counter-statement" by the Union vis-a-vis Ankara's unprecedented reaffirmation that it does not recognize EU member-state Cyprus.

    Turkey re-stated its "non-recognition" policy, in writing, no less, while at the same time signing an extension to a customs union protocol with the EU's 10 new members, including the Republic of Cyprus.

    The Turkish spokesman also declined to comment on an ongoing COREPER meeting in Brussels, convened to mostly focus on EU-Turkey relations.

    Asked about a high-profile recent statement by French President Jacques Chirac, namely, that Ankara must clarify its position regarding Cyprus, the Turkish foreign ministry spokesman said the "significant element" in the French president's comment was the point about the EU remaining "faithful to its obligations" (vis-a-vis Turkey).

    Finally, he echoed past statements by Turkish officials in saying that a solution to the Cyprus problem is not a condition for EU membership.

    [05] PM Karamanlis to meet with business groups, social partners over next 2 days

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    The government on Wednesday announced Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' schedule for the next two days in the run-up to his tour and address at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) during the second week of September.

    Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said Karamanlis will meet with a variety of professional groups and social partners, as well as with the civil servants' union, ADEDY.

    Relevant ministers will also be present during the prime minister's contacts, Roussopoulos announced.

    Gov't defends labor groups' right to protest during PM's visit to TIF: The government on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has no intention of requesting the cancellation of planned rallies by labor groups during his visit to Thessaloniki early next month for the 70th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), traditionally the venue where the premier gives an annual "state-of-the-country" address.

    In reply to a press question during his regular briefing, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos noted that "protests are an expression of labor unionists' right to choose the manner in which they promote their causes."

    He added that the state's reaction vis-a-vis such rallies will be exactly the same as in previous years, "nothing will change".

    On his part, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis said protesters were more than welcome in Thessaloniki during the prime minister's tour of the country's largest and most influential trade exhibition.

    "They are more than welcome to visit; Thessaloniki is a friendly city, its markets will be open, as there's protest tourism as well," he said.

    Additionally, he reminded that problems with similar rallies over the past few years were more-or-less absent, something that should continue this year as well.

    [06] PM to visit justice ministry, receive interior minister on Thursday

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will visit the justice ministry at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday in the framework of his visits to ministries. At 11 a.m. he will be receiving Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos at the Maximos Mansion. In the afternoon, Karamanlis will be beginning contacts with social partners and labor union organizations in light of the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

    [07] Greece sends condolences to U.S. and Iraqi presidents

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    President Karolos Papoulias sent his condolences on Wednesday to U.S. President George W. Bush over the loss of life and destruction caused by Hurricane "Katrina" this week in several US States, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana.

    In his message, Papoulias said: “The loss of so many human lives and the extensive material damage which hurricane 'Katrina' left behind it caused great grief in our country. On behalf of the Greek people and myself personally, I wish to express my sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and of the American people."

    President Papoulias also conveyed his condolences to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Wednesday, after a stampede atop a Baghdad bridge claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the capital of Iraq.

    "The great tragedy which struck your country and caused the death of so many people shocked us deeply. I wish to express on behalf of the Greek people and myself personally to you and to the families of the victims our sincere condolences," the Greek president said.

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday conveyed his condolences to US President George W. Bush over the loss of life and destruction caused by Hurricane "Katrina" this week in several US States, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana.

    "On behalf of the Greek government and the Greek people, let me express my sincerest condolences for the tragic loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina ... Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those enduring the consequences of this destruction," Karamanlis' letter reads.

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis also sent his condolences on Wednesday to his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jafari, hours after a stampede atop a Baghdad bridge claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the Iraqi capital.

    "It is with great sadness that I was informed of the tragic loss of so many innocent people today in Baghdad," Karamanlis' statement read.

    Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou addressed a message of condolences to U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday for the victims of the hurricane "Katrina" that has struck the United States.

    "I wish to express my sincere condolences to you for the unexpected and tragic loss of so many human lives by the destructive action of the typhoon 'Katrina' in the United States," he said in his message.

    Papandreou added that "our prayers are with the families of the victims and all who must now face the consequences of this natural disaster."

    PASOK party leader extends condolences to Iraqi prime minister for Baghdad tragedy: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou also addressed a message of condolences to Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari as a result of the tragic event taking place in Baghdad earlier on Wednesday.

    "News of the tragic event in Baghdad today shocked us. A peaceful day, dedicated to the anniversary of the death of imam Mousa Al Kazem, was turned into a day of sorrow and grief not only for the Iraqis but for the entire world as well," he said in his message.

    Papandreou also extended his condolences and solidarity to the families that lost their loved ones.

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos also conveyed his condolences to the White House over the loss of life and destruction caused by the devastating hurricane.

    [08] Pavlopoulos says talks over local gov't election changes to begin in Sept.

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Wednesday said whatever procedural changes allowing for the election mayors and prefects in the first round of local government elections -- beginning next year -- will be discussed with officials of the associations representing municipalities and prefectures, KEDKE and ENAE, respectively.

    Pavlopoulos said the meetings and related dialogue will begin next month, while he reiterated that the election change -- establishing a 42-percent limit for first round election instead of the 50+1 limit now in force -- comprises a pre-election commitment by ruling New Democracy party.

    [09] Minister makes account of work produced by interior ministry and Equality General Secretariat

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Equality Secretary General Evgenia Tsoumani on Wednesday presented an account of the work produced by the interior ministry and the Equality General Secretariat over the past 18 months and announced plans for the next six months.

    Pavlopoulos referred to the strategic planning of the interior ministry's policy which focuses on linking issues concerning equality between men and women with national priorities such as development, employment, education and the shaping of a policy framework covering the 2004-2008 period.

    On the question of promoting women's employment, he said that the Equality General Secretariat is implementing the project on "integrated interventions for women", in the framework of the 3rd Community Support Framework, which concerns unemployed women of all ages and is budgeted at 53 million euros. A total of 9,018 women will benefit from the project.

    [10] Voulgarakis, Stylianidis receive Bavarian Interior Minister Beckstein

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis and Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis on Wednesday received the visiting Minister of Interior of the State of Bavaria Günther Beckstein, with trade and security issues dominating the agenda of talks.

    Following his meeting with Bavarian minister, Stylianidis stressed the traditionally good relations between Greece and the Bavarian state, while noting that trade has slacked off in recent years, primarily because of developments in the Balkans. He added that the emphasis was to rekindle vigorous trade and industrial cooperation.

    Other topics discussed included the prospects for European integration and the draft EU constitution.

    Earlier, during a meeting with Voulgarakis, Greece's experience with security during last year's 2004 Olympic Games was discussed, particularly in light of next year's World Cup in Germany.

    During both meetings, Beckstein praised Athens for successfully and security hosting the 2004 Olympics.

    [11] Turkish president receives credentials of new Greek envoy

    ISTANBUL 1/9/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    Turkish President Ahmet Sezer this week reportedly expressed his satisfaction with the appointment of Georgios Gennimatas, previously the Greek foreign ministry's general secretary, as Athens' new ambassador to Ankara.

    Sezer also received Gennimatas' credentials only a few days after the latter's arrival in Turkey, a move judged as unprecedented in the course of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Gennimatas previously served as Greek ambassador to Moscow, Lisbon and Damascus, among other top diplomatic posts he held.

    [12] Communist Party leader discusses local administration finances with municipality union delegation

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and a delegation of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE), headed by its President Paris Koukoulopoulos, on Wednesday discussed local administration finances and the election law in the wake of the discussion which began on enacting 42 percent as the minimum percentage with which a mayoral candidate can be elected mayor in the first round of elections.

    The meeting opened the round of contacts KEDKE will be holding with the leaderships of political parties.

    Both Papariga and Koukoulopoulos expressed disagreement with the change in the election law for local administration, while Papariga expressed support for the proportional representation system.

    Referring to economic issues, Koukoulopolos noted that "the serious economic problem being faced by municipalities all over the country is known."

    [13] SYN leader Alavanos visits prefecture of Ilia

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos on Wednesday toured the prefecture of Ilia in the Peloponnese and discussed with representatives of raisin and tomato producers.

    In statements, Alavanos said:” The problems faced by producers must be confronted with immediate and long-term measures. What is definitely needed is for there to be a strategy for the development of policies for all the products."

    Alavanos also met with representatives of staff at the hospital of Pyrgos, and, having heard the problems they are facing, said that "it is a pity that the new hospital of Pyrgos is not functioning properly due to a lack of staff."

    [14] Finmin sees economy responding well to policy

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    The economy has responded well to reforms under government policy with the budget deficit in 2005 seen falling below 4.0% of gross domestic product from over 6.0% inherited from the previous administration, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Wednesday.

    Unemployment dropped to 10.4% in the first quarter of 2005 against 11.3% in the same period a year earlier. Exports in the first half of the year rose by 7.0%, and tourism also showed an upturn due to policy, the minister told reporters.

    He was speaking after separate meetings with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and leaders of trade groups, as part of consultations on the 2006 budget, which the government is currently drafting.

    "Dialogue with the social partners is a fundamental choice for the government, which will also maintain efforts to apply its reform plan in the wider sector," Alogoskoufis said.

    He also noted that 483 corporate business plans had been submitted under the government's new investment law totalling 1.3 billion euros. So far, 134 schemes had been approved, representing 232.5 million euros of investment capital and 1,247 new jobs.

    Ministry officials said that GDP growth was estimated at 3.5% in the first half of the year, which would be maintained in the second half. The growth total for the year would be 3.5%-3.6%, likely move higher in 2006 due to a rise in public investment.

    The officials rejected talk that state revenue had risen due to the surge in global oil prices, as the hikes had reduced demand. They also attributed a decline in the rate of increase of revenue from Value Added Tax to tax evasion, which the government would combat.

    [15] Gov't on fiscal performance, revenues

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    The government on Wednesday sternly defended its fiscal performance to date, noting that the economy and the state treasury's condition should be viewed over a timeline extending to the end of 2006.

    Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos made the comment in response to press questions during his regular briefing, and over queries regarding lower than expected revenues flowing into state coffers during the first seven-month period of the year.

    "Because more systematic work is taking place, and because (tax) services are exploiting computerization more and more, it hoped that they will post better results than those posted by past governments," the spokesman said.

    [16] Merchant marine and finance ministers brief PM

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis briefed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on issues related to their respective domains of responsibility in separate meetings on Wednesday.

    According to sources, Kefaloyiannis and the prime minister discussed capitalizing on shipping-generated revenue, as well as the financing of major port projects on the basis of the protocol signed with the European Investment Bank.

    Kefaloyiannis, in comments he made to reporters after his meeting with Karamanlis, said that during the summer, 2.5 million passengers traveled through the port of Piraeus, while more than 5 million traveled through the country's ports altogether.

    He stressed that the state guarantees transport safety, noting that most ships are reliable and relatively new.

    "As for the older ships, the state is stepping up inspections to avoid problems as much as possible," he added.

    Next week, Kefaloyiannis is expected to announce a series of measures regarding coastal shipping policy as well as the criteria that will go into effect for subsidizing low traffic density routes.

    Alogoskoufis did not make any comments following his meeting with the prime minister.

    [17] Finance and transport ministers discuss public utilities draft law

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis and Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis on Wednesday discussed the public utilities draft law, issues concerning the privatization of Olympic Airlines and the scheduled flotation of Spata airport.

    Their talks were held in the presence of Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Anastasios Nerantzis and the secretary generals of the two ministries.

    According to transport ministry sources, the basic principles contained in the public utilities draft law were discussed during the meeting, as well as changes the government is preparing to promote.

    Also discussed was the new invoice policy for public utilities, but without any final decisions being taken. Many public utilities are seeking increases for their invoices and services, also in the wake of considerable increases in oil prices in past months.

    However, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos has reassured the public that there will be no increases in bus fares by the end of the year.

    [18] SEB president says banner tourism season will help keep GDP growth at 3.5%

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday received the president of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, with the latter later telling reporters that a projected hefty increase in the number of tourist arrivals this year will keep the economy's growth rate at around the 3.5-percent mark for 2005.

    [19] Heating fuel subsidy a possibility, Development Minister says

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas did not rule out the possibility of providing a heating fuel subsidy to citizens in an effort to offset the impact of exorbitant international oil prices, saying that the government is exploring all options, in comments he made on Wednesday.

    According to market estimates and based on current circum-stances, heating oil may cost more than 0.60 euros/litre this winter compared with last year's rate of 0.46 - 0.48 euros/litre.

    Sioufas also announced that the government will initiate another attempt on a European Union-level to contain the repercussions created by soaring international oil prices.

    The government had previously proposed the reduction of a special fuel consumption tax when international oil prices exceed certain price levels, but the proposal did not meet the approval of the EU ministerial council.

    [20] Analyst: Greek property prices seen rising 5%-6% in 2005

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Greek real estate prices are to rise by an estimated 5%-6% in real terms in 2005, National Bank of Greece said in a market report on Wednesday.

    Fuelling the anticipated rise are strong demand due to relatively high building activity and low interest rates coupled with a correction due to low levels in 2004 and artificial demand linked to new tax measures in the pipeline, the report said.

    At the same time, the Greek property market is not overvalued as in other European countries, and is therefore better equipped to handle a rise in interest rates with no adverse impact on the real economy, it added.

    [21] Olympic Airlines reacts promptly to French newspaper's allegations

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    The Olympic Airlines company reacted promptly to allegations contained in the French newspaper Le Figaro, repeated in a section of the Greek press on Wednesday, and referring to the way with which the national carrier concludes agreements on the hiring of aircraft, together with their crews.

    The company referred in an announcement to a previous announcement made on Tuesday concerning aircraft hirings and criticized newspapers and other media which, as it stressed, draw up lists and deviate from official data publicized by the state-run civil aviation authorities.

    According to the Olympic Airlines' administration, such data is checked for its content, accuracy and expediency and for this reason the company will take all the legal action necessary to protect its reputation and prestige.

    In parallel, it reiterates its assurances to the public that its primary concern is safe traveling for its passengers.

    [22] Stocks rise, fuelled by corporate results

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Stocks finished higher with players buying into blue chips, especially banks, after Alpha Bank announced robust first-half earnings, traders said.

    The Athens general share index closed at 3,231.48 points, marking a rise of 0.80%. Turnover was 205.7 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.99% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.24% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.05% down.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 127 to 121 with 88 remaining unchanged.

    [23] Traffic accidents increase by 17.8 pc in June

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    Traffic accidents increased by 17.8 percent in June, compared to the same month in 2004, according to data provided by the National Statistical Service. In addition, the number of fatalities increased by 11.1 percent, of the seriously wounded by 8.4 and of the slightly injured by 31.7.

    A total of 1,710 traffic accidents occurred all over the country in June this year, which resulted in the death or injury of people. These accidents resulted in 160 people being killed, 232 being seriously wounded and 2,063 being slightly injured.

    During the same month last year, traffic accidents amounted to 1,451 and resulted in 144 fatalities, 214 seriously wounded and 1,567 slightly injured.

    [24] President Papoulias expresses condolences over death of A. Rossios

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    President Papoulias expressed his condolences over the death of Alexandros Rossios, a National Resistance fighter.

    "Alexandros Rossios-Ypsilantis was a popular activist and fighter who was strongly committed to his beliefs. I express my sincere sympathy to his family," Papoulias said.

    [25] President Papoulias visit to Halki, Rhodes

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Wednesday began an official visit to the small Dodecanese island of Halki, where he arrived in the company of Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis as well as noted cardiologist and former health minister Dimitris Kremastinos -- as both men hail from the island.

    In the evening, Papoulias will be declared an honorary citizen of Halki during a special ceremony.

    On Thursday, he will travel to nearby Rhodes in order to inaugurate the 9th International biennial Conference on Environmental Science and Technology -- hosted by the Global Network for Environmental Science and Technology and the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of the Aegean.

    [26] Photographic exhibition of Greek monuments to be inaugurated at the foreign ministry on Thursday

    Athens, 1/9/2005 (ANA)

    The Foreign Ministry and the Greek National Committee UNESCO are jointly organizing an interesting photographic exhibition on the theme "UNESCO World Heritage - Greek Monuments".

    The exhibition will be inaugurated by Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis at 7 p.m. on Thursday at a hall at the Foreign Ministry. The exhibition will consist of black and white photographs from cultural Greek monuments of the pre-classical and classical period, the Hellenistic era and the early Christian and Byzantine period.

    The monuments are registered in the catalogue of the World Cultural Heritage.

    [27] Cyprus government: British presidency counterstatement is unacceptable

    NICOSIA 1/9/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    The Cyprus government branded "unacceptable and unbalanced" a draft declaration presented on Wednesday by the British EU presidency during the Permanent Representatives meeting in Brussels, that was to reply to Turkey's declaration following the signing of the protocol adopting its customs union agreement with the ten new member states including Cyprus, that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

    Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides told a press conference Wednesday afternoon that the draft declaration was deemed "unacceptable and totally unsatisfactory" and warned that negotiations for Turkey's accession will not start if the negotiating framework is not examined and agreed upon.

    On his part, Foreign Minister George Iakovou said the paper presented was "unbalanced and inadequate" and hoped that a new document which will be presented Thursday during the informal EU foreign ministers' meeting in Newport will be better and more balanced.

    "The Cyprus government expects the Presidency to change the document's internal balance and will include what was said by the permanent representatives of Cyprus, France and other representatives who criticized the British counterstatement", he said.

    The setting is now transferred to the informal meeting in Newport, Britain, said Iakovou, who expressed hope that Thursday "we will have a better draft and we will give a fight for our positions".

    During Wednesday's COREPER meeting, the British Presidency submitted a draft political declaration, which aimed at replying to the Turkish declaration. The British document began with the phrase that the "25 welcome the signing of the protocol by Turkey". It also said it looked forward to an indiscriminate implementation of the additional protocol by both Cyprus and Turkey.

    However, the representatives of Cyprus, France, Greece and other states considered the document unsatisfactory, and the majority of the member states pledged they favored a "counter declaration" which should include Turkey's obligation to fully implement the protocol extending its customs union agreement, to note that the Turkish declaration that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus has no legal validity, to point out that Turkey must normalize relations with the Republic of Cyprus and for a monitoring system to be set up to observe the implementation of the protocol by Turkey.

    For this reason, Britain was asked to take back its declaration and to change it in such way as to include the above points, which will be presented Thursday in Newport.

    Cyprus Government Spokesman Chrysostomides said Britain "did not show the necessary impartiality and objectivity, on the contrary an effort was made to import elements of the British policy in the declaration".

    Noting that a new draft declaration will be presented Thursday, Chrysostomides said that if this is not deemed satisfactory then "the negotiating framework of the EU with Turkey will not be examined and before the start of such a discussion on the negotiating framework, the issue of the counter-declaration of the EU in connection with Turkey's declaration must be solved in satisfactory manner".

    "If it is not discussed and no negotiating framework is agreed, then negotiations will not begin", the spokesman underlined.

    Chrysostomides said that such counter-statement must be "clearer and respond to the dignity and principles upon which the EU is based".

    [28] US Congressmen meet Cypriot leaders

    NICOSIA 1/9/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    A ten-member US delegation of Congressmen was received Wednesday by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and held a meeting with House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias.

    The delegation expressed condolences for the recent air crash of a Cypriot airplane, that resulted to the death of 121 people and made a

    symbolic gesture offering President Papadopoulos the US flag that was flying half mast at the US Embassy's building in Nicosia, the day after the air crash.

    The US Congresspersons expressed solidarity with the Cypriot people for their efforts for a just solution of the Cyprus problem and called upon the international community to respect the decision of the Greek Cypriots to reject the Annan plan for a comprehensive solution.

    They also thanked the government of Cyprus for its support in the efforts to combat terrorism and money laundering.

    Head of the delegation, Congressman Tom Davis, said after a meeting with Cypriot House President, that there is now a unique opportunity for a reunification of Cyprus, emerging from Turkey's aspirations to accede the European Union.

    ''We expressed our condolences about the tragic air crash and we discussed about the situation in Cyprus, the efforts to unite the island and the unique opportunity with Turkey seeking accession to the EU and how we can work together with all parties to try to bring about a resolution'', Davis stressed.

    Congresswoman Carolyn Malone noted that the US delegation discussed all that ''needs to be done to earn the respect and support for the majority of Greek Cypriots who voted against the Annan plan''.

    She said that it is encouraging that the Syrian troops left Lebanon, and expressed hope that the Turkish troops in Cyprus would do so as well.

    ''Syrian forces left Lebanon therefore increasing greater opportunities for peace, justice and democracy. It is my hope that the Turkish forces that invaded Cyprus will leave the island so that Cyprus Greeks and Cyprus Turks can work out their differences in a peaceful way'', she said.

    Malone spoke also about the property rights of the Greek Cypriot refugees, and said that they should all have the right to return to their homes, and that this right should be included in the Annan plan for a Cyprus solution.

    About the air crash, she expressed the solidarity of the American people, noting that Cyprus was amongst the first countries that responded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York.

    ''We bring our regards about the great loss of life at the air crash and we are with you in solidarity in this time of great loss. We are also with you in solidarity as Cyprus moves forward a peaceful and just way for reunification'', Malone stressed.

    The US delegation visited Cyprus in the framework of its fact-finding mission in the region regarding antiterrorism.

    They have already visited Morocco and Lebanon and Wednesday they left Cyprus for short visits to Egypt and Israel.


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