Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-03
HR-Net News Distribution Manager
CONTENTS
[01] Gov't says inflation poses threat to competitiveness, employment
[02] Greece calls for action plan to preserve environment, V. Papandreou says
[03] N17 suspect Savvas Xiros leaves hospital for prison
[04] Gov't: Chrysohoidis not tapped for party secretary, reports 'a fiction'
[05] Interior ministry: Updated voter rolls completed
[06] Germany should make war reparations for Hortiatis, President says
[07] US State Dept. coordinator for the Cyprus issue in Turkey
[08] Gov't to unveil last package of tax reform plan on Tuesday
[09] PM due in Thessaloniki for TIF inauguration this week
[10] Main opposition leader meets merchants' federation presidium
[11] Merchant Marine minister meets top labor representatives
[12] Thessaloniki mayor backs Tues. boycott
[13] Greece, China seek closer tourist cooperation
[14] Wholesale prices' index unchanged in July
[15] Port of Piraeus to focus on passenger, tourist business
[16] Greek stocks extend losses for fourth consecutive session
[17] Another boatload of migrants intercepted near Symi; Turkish patrols assist
[18] Court rejects suspected terrorist's request for bail
[19] 5th Conference of the Orthodox Church begins in Istanbul
[20] Hannay pledges Britain's support
[21] Chief negotiator with EU optimistic on Cyprus report
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[01] Gov't says inflation poses threat to competitiveness, employment
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Monday that inflation linked
to introduction of the euro could pose a threat to the competitiveness of
domestic products and, in the long term, to employment.
''This phenomenon must not continue,'' Christodoulakis told reporters.
The minister was asked to comment on complaints about a wave of price
increases since April that has driven consumer groups to call a boycott of
stores on Tuesday.
The groups have also asked the public to briefly turn off the electricity
supply in their homes and refrain from using telephones at 2200 hours in
another protest on the same day.
In addition, Christodoulakis said that the country needed a long-term
exports strategy, as the sector contributed single-digit revenue to the
national economy.
Also on Monday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis was quoted as saying that
inflation was a major issue, and needed careful handling.
The president of the Association of Greek Industry, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos,
told reporters after a meeting with the premier: ''There was an identity of
views, which is that inflation is important and that we have to pay
attention to it.''
Finally, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told reporters that
consumers had the right to act when imbalances appeared in the market, in
reply to a question on Tuesday's boycott call.
At the same time, the minister said it would be senseless to call a freeze
on rates charged by public utilities as markets had been deregulated; and
price hikes by the Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation lay within the
margin of inflation.
Rounding off drachma figures into euros had added half a percentage point
to inflation, higher than a forecast of two tenths, Tsohatzopoulos added.
PM welcomes progress in economy but calls for price restraint: Prime
Minister Costas Simitis on Monday welcomed progress in the economy,
especially robust growth, but he also called for price restraint.
The premier was speaking at separate meetings with trade groups including
the Association of Greek Industry and Association of Exporters of Northern
Greece.
The government's economic policy centered on maintaining high growth rates,
improving competitiveness, containing inflation and making full use of new
technology, Simitis said.
At the same time, the overall state of the economy was good, despite a
lasting global recession.
''Reflecting the positive direction of the economy are long-standing growth
rates that are more than double the European Union average, and which are
not only due to inflows from the EU's Third Community Support Framework
package or projects underway for the Olympic Games,'' Simitis was quoted as
saying at one of the meetings.
Competitiveness and exports needed toning up, inflation should be
contained, and price restraint was required, although recent upward
inflationary pressures were circumstantial, he added.
Finally, a new exports strategy should be adopted due to introduction of
the euro in January, with business extending beyond goods to services,
especially in southeastern Europe, the prime minister said.
Opposition parties blast gov't over price hikes: The main opposition New
Democracy party on Monday sharply criticized the government for a wave of
price hikes in the consumer market.
''The government has so far been unable to create the right conditions for
healthy competition, quality control and legal checks to prevail in the
market, so that prices may be restrained,'' the party said in a statement.
In addition, the Coalition of the Left and Progress criticized the
government for urging consumers to complain about the price increases,
denying responsibility for the phenomenon.
''The spread of inflationary pressures despite a policy of incomes
restraint shows that we have inflationary profits and not wage inflation,''
Nikos Constantopoulos, the party's leader, told reporters on Monday.
Greek trade reject criticism of excessive price rises: The National
Confederation of Greek Trade (ESEE) on Monday reiterated that any price
increases by its members this year have not exceeded the inflation rate.
Speaking to reporters during a new conference, ESEE chairman, Christos
Folias, said that a boycott announced by Greek consumer groups for Tuesday,
3 September, was a first sign of reaction and noted that the Confederation
was supporting the decision as a "communications move" but not as a sign of
protest against Greek trade practices.
Mr. Folias said that ESEE would soon begin a dialogue with consumer groups
in an effort aimed to improve consumer confidence in the market and urged
for the need to print one and two euro banknotes.
He urged for an enhanced role of the competition committee and said that
the public sector was the first to begin price increases after the
introduction of the euro currency.
[02] Greece calls for action plan to preserve environment, V. Papandreou
says
JOHANNESBURG 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou here on Monday
said that Greece believed that the international community had been invited
to conclude a global agreement with binding time-schedules, a specific
action plan and the necessary implementation 'tools'.
'Pursuant to the World Conference in 1992, the models of non-viable
development lead to a serious environmental downgrade and increases in
poverty', the minister said.
'We cannot accept that two billion people on this planet live in absolute
poverty' she added.
'Greece believes that the implementation plan to be decided here in
Johannesburg should recognize the significance of boosting the
institutional scope for viable development on an international, national
and local level', she said.
'As a member of the EU, the first power in developmental assistance
world-wide, Greece is resolved to pay its role in the process for assisting
developing countries to most effectively improve their economies, their
social and environmental policies', Vasso Papandreou said.
'Finally, I would like to say that Greece is taking seriously into
consideration its obligations and commitment before the international
community. We have forged a strategy for sustainable development and we are
in the implementation process. We meet our global obligations and I
reassure you that during the first half of 2003, during the Greek
presidency of the EU, we will maintain close collaboration with our
European partners toward the materialization of the Johannesburg
resolutions', the minister concluded.
[03] N17 suspect Savvas Xiros leaves hospital for prison
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
The man whose capture following a botched bomb attempt in late June
initiated the unprecedented investigation into the notorious 'November 17'
terrorist group, with up to 15 suspects arrested so far, was transferred on
Monday from his hospital room to a maximum-security cellblock at an
Athens-area prison.
Sometime church mural painter Savvas Xiros, 42, passed through the gates of
Korydallos prison just after noon, appearing slimmer than photographs
depicted him in the past, slightly limping and wearing special prescription
glasses.
He sustained serious eye injuries and almost lost part of his right hand
when a makeshift explosive device went off at the port of Piraeus on the
evening of June 29. That incident and his subsequent statements to
investigating magistrates resulted in a massive multi-felony indictment
against him.
According to reports, Savvas Xiros may be placed in a one-person cell in
the same bloc as his two brothers, Christodoulos and Vassilis, both of whom
have also been charged as members of the lethal urban terrorist group.
''N17'' suspect seen at Piraeus one month before June's botched bomb
explosion: A coast-guard officer on Monday told investigating authorities
that one month prior to the botched-bomb explosion incident at the port of
Piraeus late last June, he had spotted 'N17' suspect Savvas Xiros together
with another unidentified man at the port surveying the area.
Lazaros Sasloglou, assigned to the port-authority traffic police sector, in
his testimony said that one month before the 27 June botched explosion he
had approached two strangers staring at two parked police cars with
conventional license plates and that after he asked them to leave they
questioned him about the security of the area claiming that they were
planning to travel and park their car there.
He also said that the two had been previously staring at a nearby office
building housing several shipping companies including that of
Vardinoyiannis and Livanos, as well as bank offices such as City Bank,
Royal Bank of Scotland and ABN.
Sasloglou said that they boarded an unlicensed vehicle, which they claimed
belonged to someone else, while to his inquiry the driver's licenses he
replied that he had forgot to take it with him. According to Sasloglou, he
let the two men go because he did not have a way to alert the desk about
them.
The officer recognized Savvas Xiros as being one of the two men.
The alleged terrorist was gravely injured on June, when a bomb he was
carrying to place in a storefront in Piraeus exploded in his hands and was
subsequently apprehended by coast guard officers. Xiros is facing a total
of eight criminal charges for allegedly taking part in 85 terrorist actions
of the murderous ''November 17'' terrorist organization.
On a related note, reacting to allegations made by opposition ND deputy
Vyron Polydoras about ruling PASOK party having in the past being the
political 'husk' of terrorism, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on
Monday launched strict criticism against 'wandering story-tellers', as he
called them, 'who go from TV channel to TV channel making groundless
allegations'.
Press ministry criticizes media handling of 'N17' story: Press Minister
Christos Protopapas on Monday roundly condemned the handling of the
'November 17' story by certain sections of the media, accusing them of
succumbing to sensationalism and entertaining wild scenarios to push up
ratings.
He decried what he called 'wandering storytellers' who hopped from channel
to channel supporting unfounded arguments regarding the notorious terrorist
group and its activities.
''They would be quaint if they were not referring to the very serious
affair of terrorism. The phenomenon is becoming dangerous,'' he added.
He also refuted press reports that a car found near the scene of the
explosion that injured suspected terrorist Savvas Xiros belonged to the
Greek intelligence service EYP, pointing out that it actually belonged to
the Pireaus prefectural authority.
Claims such as these, or of supposed links between PASOK and N17, were an
unacceptable trivialization of the very important effort to crack down on
terrorism, as recognized by all foreign governments, he added.
Finally, Protopapas referred to the allegations of a link between PASOK and
N17 made by main opposition New Democracy section head Vyron Polydoras,
challenging ND to state clearly whether it supported Polydoras' views or
not.
The media's overall handling of the case was also criticized by press
ministry general secretary Dimitra Spiliotopoulou in the local paper
"Erevna", who said that many of the mass media had been unable to resist
the temptation to name names and incriminate unsuspecting citizens,
violating their right to a good name and reputation, which was perhaps the
most basic element of human dignity.
[04] Gov't: Chrysohoidis not tapped for party secretary, reports 'a
fiction'
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday denied press reports
that Prime Minister Costas Simitis was grooming Public Order Minister
Mihalis Chrysohoidis to become PASOK's next party secretary, dismissing
them as 'fictions'.
[05] Interior ministry: Updated voter rolls completed
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
The government announced on Monday that new updated voters' lists have been
completed ' in light of the October municipal and prefectural elections --
something that effectively eliminates the decades old paper booklets used
by voters to cast their ballots.
Following a meeting of a bipartisan committee, Interior Minister said the
final number of eligible voters stands at 9,856.453 ' a number just less
than the 11-million population Greece recorded during a 2001 census, but
one that includes tens of thousands of eligible expatriate Greeks and their
offspring.
A figure of 9.2 million of eligible voters was given for the previous voter
lists.
Skandalidis also said there were 66,000 double entries, which have been
detected and noted on voter rolls.
Municipalities, prefectures and first instance courts will begin receiving
the updated voters' lists next Monday, whereas they will be displayed over
the Internet beginning on Tuesday.
Voters will also be able to find out their specific voting precinct by
dialing 1464 after Sept. 23.
[06] Germany should make war reparations for Hortiatis, President says
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Monday said that as a
moral vindication for the victims of the Nazi occupation of Greece, Germany
should make reparations for the damages caused.
Stephanopoulos was on a visit at the northern Greece village of Hortiatis,
northeastern of Thessaloniki, to attend the events held in commemoration of
the Holocaust of the village's population during the German occupation.
[07] US State Dept. coordinator for the Cyprus issue in Turkey
ISTANBUL 03/09/2002 (ANA ' A. Kourkoulas)
US State Department special coordinator for the Cyprus issue Thomas Weston
held talks in Ankara on Monday with Turkish leadership, saying afterwards
that Washington does not have its own plan for a Cyprus resolution, but
only a few observations over what can be used to reach a settlement.
[08] Gov't to unveil last package of tax reform plan on Tuesday
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
The Greek government is expected to unveil its proposals on a third and
last package of a tax reform plan on Tuesday.
The decision was taken during a meeting between Economy and Finance
Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Deputy Ministers Apostolos Fotiadis and
George Floridis.
According to ministry sources the package will include measures for the
reform of the income tax system.
The tax reform package will be discussed during a cabinet meeting before
its presentation by Economy and Finance minister.
Ministry sources said the measures would include raising the tax-free
income to more than 10,000 euros for wage earners and pensioners,
increasing tax discounts for every child and a 20,000 euros tax-free for
families with three children.
The highest tax factor of 40 percent will remain unchanged while the
package is expected to include a reduction of a special consumption tax on
fuel for industries.
[09] PM due in Thessaloniki for TIF inauguration this week
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis
and finance ministry deputy ministers on Monday to discuss planned tax
reforms in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair, government
spokesman Christos Protopapas announced on Monday.
The prime minister then had a meeting with the Federation of Greek Industry
(SEB) shortly after noon and with the Panhellenic Exporters Association at
14:00.
On Tuesday, Simitis is to head a cabinet meeting to discuss the tax reforms
and economic policy, after which he will be making announcements.
On Wednesday morning, the prime minister will visit President of the
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, returning to his offices for a meeting with
the Russian ambassador to Athens at 12:00, while on Thursday he is
scheduled to meet Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis at 13:00.
The prime minister is due in Thessaloniki on Friday for the inauguration of
the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he will deliver the keynote
address, while on Saturday he will inspect public works in the city, dine
with party officials at lunch and meet with Thessaloniki social and
business groups in the evening.
On Sunday morning, the prime minister will visit TIF and is due to hold a
press conference at 13:00.
[10] Main opposition leader meets merchants' federation presidium
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis met the presidium of the National
Confederation of Greek Commerce (ESEE) on Monday, in the framework of his
contacts with productive classes before the Thessaloniki International
Fair.
Another aspect discussed at the meeting was the wave of price hikes that
has recently been observed.
After the meeting, ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos blamed the
government for spiraling prices, saying that its economic policy led
nowhere while fuelling inflation and rising prices.
If Prime Minister Costas Simitis was unable to change his policies, he
added, he should at least stop toying with workers politically and trying
to lay the blame on producers and business, particularly when the
government had itself fuelled the wave of price rises through the large
public utilities.
ND developmental policy coordinator George Salagoudis accused the
government of failing to apply the rules and conditions that led to healthy
competition and to enforce checks that would ensure that legality and
quality prevailed in the market, so that prices could be restrained and
problems avoided.
ESEE president Christos Folias, also a New Democracy MEP, stressed that the
laws of supply and demand should determine prices rather than other
mechanisms that would need to be monitored by the state. He also stressed
that the state could not blame the productive classes when it had been the
first to raise prices through public utilities. It was not possible for
public utilities to raise their rates while others did not, especially when
commerce had provenly raised prices only marginally, he added.
[11] Merchant Marine minister meets top labor representatives
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Merchant Marine Minister Giorgos Anomeritis on Monday met with a delegation
of the Panhellenic Marine Federation and the President of the General
Confederation of Laborers in Greece Christos Polyzogopoulos.
The minister informed the labor representatives about a new law provision
to be integrated into the finance ministry's pension bill, which will be
tabled before the Parliament within the next few days.
[12] Thessaloniki mayor backs Tues. boycott
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Thessaloniki incumbent Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos stressed on Monday
he will most certainly participate in Tuesday's call by consumer groups for
a nationwide boycott, especially against state-run and affiliated entities.
'Thessaloniki's mayor will also participate in this specific event of
resistance, especially against the state, as it is primarily responsible;
it's the one that raised prices at PPC (the power utility), OTE (the
telephone utility), the water company, and at the post offices. Let me
simply mention that just for rounding off drachmas into euros, the Greek
Post Office raised prices by 10 percent,' he charged.
[13] Greece, China seek closer tourist cooperation
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
The Chinese ambassador to Greece, Mr. Tang Zhenqi, on Monday visited
Greece's National Tourism Organization chairman, Yiannis Patelis, to
reiterate his country solid wish to further develop bilateral tourist
relations.
The two men discussed expanding cooperation fields and the exchange of
visits between tour operators and business delegations from Greece and
China.
The two countries are in an advance state of talks to sign a bilateral
tourist agreement.
[14] Wholesale prices' index unchanged in July
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Greece's composite wholesale prices' index was unchanged in July from the
previous month, National Statistics Service said on Monday.
The wholesale price index had recorded a 0.8 percent decline in the same
period last year, NSS said in its monthly report.
The composite index rose 0.7 percent in July 2002 compared with the same
month in 2001, while it recorded an average increase of 2.2 percent in the
period January-July this year from the same period in 2001.
[15] Port of Piraeus to focus on passenger, tourist business
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis said on Monday that Piraeus
could be classed as a passenger and tourist port from October 1 when cargo
traffic would shift to the nearby ports of Keratsini and Elefsina, as well
as Lavrio to the east.
The minister was inaugurating construction of a new passenger terminal at
Piraeus which is to have a capacity of six to eight ferries. The new
facility includes two flyovers and extensive parking space, due for
completion in June 2003.
[16] Greek stocks extend losses for fourth consecutive session
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Greek stocks came under pressure on the first trading session of the week
on Monday reflecting a negative climate in international bourses, in the
Athens Stock Exchange.
The general index fell 1.39 percent to 2,099.59 points, extending its
decline for the fourth consecutive session.
Blue chip stocks were badly hit, with Alpha Bank falling 2.98 percent,
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization off 2.21 percent, Cosmote down
2.18 percent and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling off 3.63 percent.
Turnover was a low 70.6 million euros.
The Textile, Food-Beverage and Wholesale sectors were the only ones to end
higher (0.57 percent, 0.28 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively), while
the Insurance (2.34 percent), Telecommunications (2.0 percent) and IT
Solutions (1.91 percent) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of
the day.
The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.52
percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.68 percent, while the FTSE/ASE
SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.04 percent.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 225 to 84 with another 43 issues
unchanged.
The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization, Viohalko, Sex Form, and Coca-Cola HBC.
Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 76.2 mln euros Monday
Equity Index Futures:
* FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At slight premium
* Underlying Index: -1.52 percent
* FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At slight premium
* Underlying Index: -0.68 percent
Stock Futures:
* Most Active Contract (volume): Alpha Bank (450)
Day's Market Turnover: 76.2 mln euros
Bond Market Close: Turnover at 1.3 bln euros Monday
* Day's Turnover: 1.3 bln euros
* Most Active Bond: 10-yr, expiring 5/2012 (140 mln euros)
* Benchmark 10-year bond spread over bund: 35 bps
Owners of Athens bourse, derivatives market to merge: Athens Stock Exchange
SA and Athens Derivatives Exchange SA are to merge into a single company,
under the name of the first, market authorities said on Monday.
The merger, whose plan has been approved by the development ministry, will
ease operations, authorities said in a statement.
[17] Another boatload of migrants intercepted near Symi; Turkish patrols
assist
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
Another four illegal immigrants were arrested on the eastern Aegean island
of Hios Monday morning, only hours after a coast guard vessel intercepted
and turned away a wooden craft loaded with Afghan migrants off another
Greek island.
According to the coast guard, the four Afghans detained on Hios had landed
on the island on Friday along with another three men arrested a day later
on Saturday.
Earlier, the wooden vessel identified as the 'Nardelen' was spotted and
stopped between the small Dodecannese island of Symi ( north of Rhodes) and
the Turkish coast by a Greek patrol boat before dawn. The migrant-laden
vessel ' reportedly carrying 10 men, three women and seven children -- was
subsequently turned back towards the nearby Asia Minor coastline with the
assistance of the Turkish coast guard, reports state.
Gov't spokesman : Meanwhile, in statements related to the serious illegal
immigration problem, the government spokesman on Monday agreed that
conditions at temporary detention centers for illegal migrants in Thrace '
near the land border with Turkey in northeast Greece ' were 'certainly not
ideal'.
Speaking to reporters at his regular press briefing, spokesman Christos
Protopapas stressed that 'there are problems, and we're constantly trying
to improve living conditions for illegal immigrants, however, the Greek
government has found itself faced with a situation for which it wasn't
obligated to be in a state of readiness.
'We are trying to deal with the problem; conditions are better that those
offered in other countries, while Greece, nevertheless, is by far first in
terms of democratic conditions,' he added.
[18] Court rejects suspected terrorist's request for bail
Athens, 03/09/2002 (ANA)
An Athens appellate court on Monday rejected a request for postponement of
incarceration submitted by Avraam Lesperoglou, a suspect arrested on
terrorism-related charges in 2001, but released later the same year after
an appellate court annulled a lower court decision acquitting him of the
attempted murder of a police officer in Athens on October 24, 1982.
Lesperoglou, 49, who has for the past month been remanded in custody at
Athens' Korydallos prison after his arrest on 3 August, has been convicted
by a first instance court and sentenced to 17 years in prison. A split 4-3
appellate court ruling on October 24, 2002 overturned that conviction, to
be in turn thrown out by a Supreme Court prosecutor.
On October 24, 2001, Lesperoglou was acquitted on charges of accessory to
murders carried out by the left-wing terrorist group ''Anti-State
Struggle'' in the spring of 1985, including that of public prosecutor
George Theofanopoulos on April 1, 1985, two security guards in the robbery
of an armored car belonging to the Credit Bank outside a supermarket in the
Athens district of Galatsi on May 6, 1985, and three police officers in a
clash with police in the Athens district of Gyzi on May 15, 1985.
Lesperoglou was serving a jail sentence of three and a half years imposed
by a court martial for evading military service, while on March 27, 2001 an
appeals court overturned a 17-year sentence imposed on him for the
attempted murder of police officer George Psaroudaki during a 1982 burglary
attempt, after doubts arose as to whether he had taken part in it.
Lesperoglou had been released from prison in November 2001 after a martial
court accepted a petition for his parole after serving three-fifths of a 3
1/2-year sentence for dodging conscription.
In June 2001, Lesperoglou was additionally sentenced to seven months
imprisonment for using a false passport and possessing forged official
stamps when he was arrested at Athens airport in December 1999, after 16
years on the run, but was cleared of the additional charge of illegal entry
into Greece.
A new trial has been set for Sept. 9.
[19] 5th Conference of the Orthodox Church begins in Istanbul
ISTANBUL 03/09/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Addressing high-ranking clergymen of the Ecumenical Patriarchate meeting
here at Phanar on Monday, Archbishop of America Dimitrios said that it was
a blessing to belong to the Ecumenical Patriarchate which has for centuries
cultivated and spread a model of Orthodox Christian ethics.
Elaborating on his introduction speech ''The purpose of the Church and
Christian life and their practical impact on contemporary man'', Dimitrios
said that The Patriarchate harmoniously combined the purpose of the Church
with the original orthodox ethics. Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on
Sunday opened the works of the Fifth Conference of the Orthodox Church.
[20] Hannay pledges Britain's support
NICOSIA 03/09/2002 (ANA/CNA)
Britain's Special Representative for Cyprus Lord David Hannay said the
British government would do everything it could to ensure a positive
outcome in the UN-led direct talks for a comprehensive settlement on
Cyprus.
In a statement released before his departure from Cyprus today, Lord Hannay
says "we are in a period of interactive consultation and negotiations which
will determine whether or not a comprehensive settlement is reached this
Autumn".
Regarding his contacts, Hannay, who arrived last Friday, says he had "long
and useful talks with the two Cypriot leaders and members of their
negotiating teams" and with the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on
Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.
He assured that the British government "will do everything it can to ensure
that the outcome of this process is a positive one".
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied
its northern third. Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot
leader Rauf Denktash have been engaged in UN-led direct talks since January
this year with a view to find a settlement.
On Friday, Clerides and Denktash will meet the UN Secretary General in
Paris to find ways to chart the way forward at the talks de Soto has been
conducting for the past eight months.
[21] Chief negotiator with EU optimistic on Cyprus report
NICOSIA 03/09/2002 (ANA/CNA)
Chief Negotiator for Cyprus' accession to the European Union, George
Vassiliou, said he was optimistic that their port, which will be presented
by the European Commission in October on Cyprus' accession, will be very
positive.
Speaking after being received by President Glafcos Clerides, Vassiliou, who
leaves for Brussels tomorrow to discuss the report with European officials,
said he will be briefed on the draft report, which will be the basis for
the recommendation report on accession which the European Commission will
make.
"I believe that from the information we have and from what we have already
discussed, we are on the right track. I feel optimistic that we will
finally have a very positive report on Cyprus", Vassiliou told reporters.
During his stay in Brussels, Vassiliou will meet with various European
officials, including Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen. Commenting
on Friday's informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, Vassiliou
said the discussion went well, adding that it was "positive" for Cyprus.
Asked to comment on statements by French Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dominique de Villepin that the EU prefers a reunited Cyprus to enter the
EU, Vassiliou said "it is not a matter of what we want, but a matter of
what is feasible, and bearing in mind the very negative attitude of the
Turkish side".
He added that what the EU should consider "is to what degree our attitude
helped the accession prospect, while the Turkish attitude was negative".
Asked if there were any problems in discussions on a Common Agricultural
Policy within the EU, Vassiliou said that the issue would be raised in
Warsaw before the end of September. He expressed optimism that any problems
will be overcome.
Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998.