Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-12-06
HR-Net News Distribution Manager
[01] President briefed on EU Accession Partnership Agreement for Turkey
[02] Athens satisfied with text in EU-Turkey partnership agreement
[03] Bulgarian president says Athens talks "very substantive"
[04] NATO session confirms EU autonomy on European defense
[05] Greek prime minister, foreign minister discuss strategy in view of Nice
summit
[06] Stephanopoulos inaugurates exhibition on Thrace
[07] Simitis defends gov't economic policies
[08] Council of Industry and Energy Ministers discusses unfair competition
[09] Portfolio investment firms show asset drop
[10] Central bank to release mandatory deposits
[11] Three Euro-MPs, two of them Greek, propose EU subsidies for plant-based
cattle fodder
[12] Vast majority of Greek businesses use IT technology
[13] Athens' first tram lines due end-2003
[14] Greek stocks end lower on profit-taking
[15] Kyriakidis Marble buys producer in FYROM
[16] Venizelos reiterates call for the return of the Parthenon Marbles
[17] Interior minister announces new 'volunteering committee' at prize-giving
event for distinguished volunteers
[18] Conference on Thessaloniki, Plovdiv historical common course on Wednesday
[19] UN envoy to return to Cyprus early next year
[20] UN chief recommends as "essential" the extension of UNFICYP's mandate
[21] Spokesman comments on EU-Turkey partnership agreement
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[01] President briefed on EU Accession Partnership Agreement for Turkey
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Prime minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday briefed President Costis
Stephanopoulos on the text of the EU-Turkey partnership agreement
agreed by EU foreign ministers the preceding day.
The EU Council of Foreign Ministers-General Affairs meeting in Brussels
on Monday approved the "EU Accession Partnership Agreement", which is a
political and economic plan, or "roadmap" for Turkey to follow if it is
to join the EU.
The ministers also endorsed the 15-naton bloc's ambitious plan to admit
a dozen new members during their last meeting before the December 7-9
summit in the French resort town of Nice, as well as a text on setting
up permanent security and military structures under the EU's new common
foreign and security policy.
After his half-hour meeting with the President, Simitis told reporters
that from a study of the partnership text it arose that Turkey must
make every effort towards resolution of the Cyprus issue and must try
to overcome its differences with other countries.
The text, he added, provided that if Turkey failed to live up to its
obligations, then the EU could stop allocating funding to the country.
Simitis described the Accession Partnership Agreement as an
"operational text" that sets out the road that must be followed in
Turkey's relations with the EU and other countries.
"We believe that, between the Helsinki agreement and the Partnership
Agreement, a framework has been created that obliges Turkey to adapt to
the international norms, to international law, and to develop good
neighborly relations with all its neighbors," the premier said.
He said that the partnership accord was "a further step forward from
the Helsinki agreement", adding that "there are neither losers nor
winners".
[02] Athens satisfied with text in EU-Turkey partnership agreement
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
An initial deal on Monday regarding the crucial EU-Turkey partnership
agreement continued to cause mostly positive reverberations among local
and foreign political circles on Tuesday, the same day as Ankara's
emergency talks with the IMF over a financial crisis in the neighboring
country and a related multi-billion-dollar loan entered their "final
phase".
Immediately after the announcement by French Foreign Minister Hubert
Vedrine that the EU's "15" member-states have tentatively approved of
the text, Greek FM George Papandreou cited what he called a "historic
moment" in Turkey's relations with the EU as well as with Greece.
"There are no victors and vanquished, but partners who cooperate," he
said, adding that the text on the partnership agreement should not only
be accepted but the preconditions should also constitute an "acquired
right" for Turkey as well to leading Ankara towards a "minor
revolution" to which Athens could also contribute.
On Tuesday, Cyprus' foreign minister appeared satisfied with the
development, saying after the conclusion of a EU-Cyprus accession
council meeting that the agreement fully reflects the Helsinki summit
decisions.
"Turkey's recent threats and efforts to delete references to the Cyprus
problem from the political criteria chapter effectively proved" that it
was much ado about nothing, Cypriot FM Ioannis Kasoulides said.
He also stressed that any vague points regarding Turkey's
interpretation of the "Lipponen letter" were completely dissolved by
the text approved on Monday.
Karamanlis: Conversely, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis voiced his opposition to the approved text, saying it
weakens the "deficient and vague Helsinki conditions, and rather than
committing Turkey it invites that country to express its opinions as an
equal member."
The ND president also emphasized that what he termed as Turkey's
aggressiveness increased after last December's Helsinki summit, while
he added that "what's celebrated as conditions" in the end turned into
objects of dialogue.
Gov't spokesman: Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, meanwhile,
echoed statements by Papandreou and Kasoulides, stressing Athens'
satisfaction with the text.
He added that the agreement was both in the Union and Greece's
interests, as well as those of Turkey.
"It's in Turkey's interests, as far as it meets and adapts those items
envisioned in the text..." he added.
The agreement: The agreement reached during an EU foreign ministers
council meeting has two references of direct interest to Greece -- The
first concerns Turkey's short-term commitments and anticipates that in
2001 the neighboring country, in the framework of political dialogue
with the Union, must back the UN chief's efforts for a solution to the
protracted Cyprus problem. This reference is in a paragraph entitled
"short-term commitments" and "strengthened political dialogue and
political criteria."
The second is included in a paragraph entitled "mid-term commitments"
and "strengthened political dialogue and political criteria" and
focuses on Turkey's commitment to resolve, in the medium term, its
potential border differences with Greece in a peaceful way and based on
decisions taken at the EU Helsinki summit, once again through resorting
to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
On his part, Papandreou attributed the agreement reached concerning
Turkey's degree of commitment in solving the Cyprus issue and
Greek-Turkish differences to the "ingenuity" of the European Union's
French presidency, which included "controversial" issues in short-term
and mid-term criteria, thereby satisfying Athens' demand for
commitments with a timetable.
"The partnership relation, as a road map for Turkey's pre-accession
course, constitutes a continuation and consequence of Helsinki,"
Papandreou said, adding that "a new era is also opening for
Greek-Turkish relations" and the Cyprus issue.
Yilmaz on Cyprus: Finally, Turkey Deputy PM Mesut Yilmaz reportedly
told his party's parliament group of deputies that on Tuesday that "the
Greek side must not even think that the Cyprus problem can be solved by
Turkey's unilateral retreat."
In an ANA dispatch from Ankara, the former Turkish FM also claimed that
there are circles in "Turkey and in Europe that do not desire Turkey's
EU accession... the (accession) procedure will be led to an impasse in
the event that emotional reactions are used against the accession
processes as a means of internal policy..." he claimed.
In airing Ankara's standing threats over the Cyprus Republic's bright
accession prospects, Yilmaz warned that "Greece and the Greek Cypriot
administration must abandon the dream of a Greek Cypriot accession in
the European Union ... before solving the Cyprus issue it is not
possible for the island to accede as a unified entity in the EU."
Papandreou telephone discussion with Cem: Foreign minister George
Papandreou reaffirmed Greece's willingness to help neighboring Turkey
in its prospects for EU membership and to provide know-how, in a
late-night telephone discussion with his Turkish counterpart Ismail
Cem, ministry officials said Tuesday in Athens.
Papandreou spoke with Cem late Monday, after the EU Council of Foreign
Ministers approved in Brussels the text of the EU Accession Partnership
Agreement for Turkey.
Papandreou reaffirmed Greece's "willingness to contribute in the best
possible way to the new framework in EU-Turkish relations through
enhanced cooperation", and also to provide know-how to the neighboring
Balkan country.
In that context, the next meeting of Greek and Turkish delegations will
be held in the Turkish town of Antalya on December 18, with the
ministry's general secretary for European Affairs Elias Plaskovitis
heading the Greek delegation.
Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told a press briefing that
Greece was "completely satisfied" with the result of the "difficult
negotiations" among the 15-nation bloc's foreign ministers in
Brussels.
He said a "cycle" had been completed and a new one was commencing in
EU-Turkey relations that would give Ankara all the prospects to face
major issues and effect major changes internally.
Beglitis further noted that the conclusions of the EU Helsinki summit
had "political strength" and concerned not only Turkey but all the EU
candidate countries, while the political agreement reached by the
foreign ministers' council on Monday -- at their final session before
the December 17 summit in Nice -- would be formally adopted at the next
ministerial council following approval in early January by the European
Parliament.
[03] Bulgarian president says Athens talks "very substantive"
SOFIA, 06/12/2000 (ANA - B. Borisov)
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov on Tuesday and said talks with Greek
political leaders were "very friendly, open and very substantive," upon
his arrival here, following a two-day visit to Greece, at the
invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.
"We never forget the fact that Greece is our sole neighboring
member-state of the European Union and NATO. This alone is enough to
determine our relations as strategic relations," Stoyanov told the
Athens News Agency (ANA).
"Relations with a European model" exist between the two neighboring
countries, he said, adding that frequent contacts between senior
political and government officials, as well as experts, of the two
countries have become a daily phenomenon at all levels.
"It is about frequent and practical contacts where protocol gives way
to essence," Stoyanov said on arrival at Sofia airport.
A meeting of relevant officials from Greece, Bulgaria and Russia will
be held in Athens on December 20-21, during which the entire spectrum
of issues concerning the further course of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis
oil pipeline will be examined.
A car belonging to the "European Air Transport" (EAT) company driving
on the tarmac at the eastern airport in Athens crashed into a wing of
the aircraft which had brought Stoyanov to Athens, causing slight
damage to the aircraft which will be repaired by Olympic Airways.
President Stoyanov's program was not affected and he left with another
aircraft belonging to the same company.
[04] NATO session confirms EU autonomy on European defense
BRUSSELS, 06/12/2000 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)
NATO's ministerial session convened here on Tuesday and confirmed the
European Union's autonomy regarding European defense and the taking of
decisions exclusively by its members.
Turkey is obtrusively raising again the issue of NATO member-states,
which are not EU, member-states participating in decisions on European
defense, although the question is considered "settled" at European
level.
The issue was handled by the alliance's Defense Planning Committee
where, a proposal by Greece's ambassador at NATO Vassilis Kaskarelis,
to "respect for the autonomy of decisions taken by NATO and EU" was
included in the final communique, while there was a special provision
for "privileged briefing for certain countries afterwards", primarily
when NATO infrastructures will be used for possible EU operations.
NATO's defense ministers discussed the modernization of allied
armaments to enable NATO to meet its new role and needs, but
ascertained that "a great deal of time will be required" due to
economic difficulties faced by member-states. However, they noted that
more and more countries are increasing their defense expenditures.
Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said Greece, which
has the "unfavorable privilege" of having 2.5 times more defense
expenditures than NATO member-states' average, is acquiring a
comparative advantage highlighting it as a decisive factor.
On the other hand, US Defense Secretary William Cohen ex-pressed
concern over the creation of a European military infra-structure,
saying that "NATO could become a remnant of the past if the '15' do not
develop open and transparent relations with it in the framework of the
new common defense policy."
[05] Greek prime minister, foreign minister discuss strategy in view of
Nice summit
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met Foreign Minister George Papandreou
and Alternate Foreign Minister Elisavet Papazoi on Tuesday to discuss
Greece's positions at the upcoming EU Summit in Nice.
The meeting focused on the completion of negotiations to revise the
Amsterdam Treaty.
Also present at the meeting was Greece's representative at the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and members of the premier's staff.
In statements afterward, Papandreou underlined that Greece's goal was
that both itself and the EU should emerge stronger from the union's
institutional reforms.
[06] Stephanopoulos inaugurates exhibition on Thrace
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Tuesday inaugurated
the "Thrace 2000: 80 years of incorporation into Greece" at the
Eleftherios Venizelos hall of the Parliament building.
The exhibition showcases items borrowed from museums and personals
collections, providing the visitor with a historical promenade of the
region of Thrace since the ancient times, commemorating the region's
incorporation into Greece.
[07] Simitis defends gov't economic policies
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday rebutted criticism of the
government's policies, following the country's accession to the
Economic Monetary Union and said that Greece was in the throes of an
economic boom.
Addressing a Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce conference, he
outlined the economic indicators, which have improved over the past few
years, stressing that this success was not achieved at the expense of
public investment in infrastructure or in sensitive social sectors.
He pointed out the recent positive reports on the Greek economy,
published by the European Commission, the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Inter-national Monetary Fund
(IMF), saying that they have never reported such a positive outlook for
the Greek economy.
He added that the government's economic policy has long-term goals and
is ambitious, stable and is not affected by changing conditions.
"We should stop judging the development of the economy based on the
mentality of a gambler ... our guide should not be the everyday
conditions, but our aims," Simitis said.
He rebutted criticism from social groups, the opposition and from
within the ruling PASOK party cadres, saying that there will not be a
collapse of the Greek economy once Greece enters the EMU.
Simitis also accused his critics, saying that social partners were not
active, but considered them selves taken care off, thus they did not
want the changes.
In closing his remarks he called for a change in attitudes, aiming at
long term stability via the establishment of priorities that would
create "those conditions, which will aid the real convergence (with the
rest of the European Union) on a national, regional and social
levels".
Inner cabinet debates economic policy: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on
Tuesday chaired a meeting of the inner cabinet to discuss the
government's economic policy.
Simitis reportedly underlined the importance of accelerating
preparations for the absorption of European Union funds under the third
Community Support Framework.
He also told ministers that the pace of privatization and structural
change was according to schedule.
[08] Council of Industry and Energy Ministers discusses unfair
competition
BRUSSELS, 06/12/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)
The Council of Industry and Energy Ministers convened here on Tuesday
and discussed support for the European Union's shipyards and the policy
of unfair competition applied by South Korea. Greece's positions were
set out by Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and industry
secretary general Yiannis Kalogirou.
It was agreed that if an agreement were not reached until May 2001, the
Council would examine the creation of a suitable apparatus to support
the EU's shipbuilding industries, which are being harmed by the unfair
practice of Korean shipyards.
The Council also ratified the European Commission's proposal on
decentralizing the system of implementing EU competition rules for
businesses with the creation of a network, which will also involve
national authorities.
Christodoulakis said Greece supports the need for modernizing rules and
coordinating their implementation, adding that the recent upgrade and
increase in the duties of the Greek Competition Committee finds the
country ready to implement the system of the decentralized application
of competition rules for businesses.
In a discussion on the oil crisis, Christodoulakis stressed the need
for greater activation by the EU in adopting a policy, which will
safeguard greater stability in the oil market and more competitive
conditions of operation for the fuel market and added that the EU
should have direct dialogue with oil-producing countries.
Christodoulakis also briefed the Council on important steps taken in
Greece in the direction of deregulating the electric power market, the
promotion of natural gas and the development of the regional energy
market with a Balkan dimension.
In a meeting he had with Transport and Energy Commissioner Loyola de
Palazio, latest developments in the deregulation of the energy market
and the new regulation on licenses for the production and procurement
of electric power were examined.
[09] Portfolio investment firms show asset drop
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
The country's 17 portfolio investment firms showed a decline in their
net asset value of 16 billion drachmas to 980 billion drachmas on
December 1 from 996 billion drachmas on November 17, the Union of
Institutional Investors said on Tuesday.
Of all the firms, six showed a premium and the remainder a discount,
the union said in a statement.
[10] Central bank to release mandatory deposits
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
The Bank of Greece, or central bank, on Tuesday announced that it would
gradually release liquidity of 5-6 billion US dollars (around 2.4
trillion drachmas) by March 2002.
It said in a statement that the amount corresponded to the mandatory
deposits held by the central bank, placed there by commercial banks, as
a proportion of their drachma deposits.
The move is an adaptation to monetary policy in the euro zone, which
Greece joins on January 1, 2001.
Under the new ruling, in effect from Tuesday, commercial banks will
only have to deposit 2.0 percent of total deposits in euros or
euro-zone currencies, as they are no longer classed as foreign
currency.
[11] Three Euro-MPs, two of them Greek, propose EU subsidies for
plant-based cattle fodder
BRUSSELS, 06/12/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)
A proposal that the European Union subsidies the cultivation of crops
for use as animal feed, in view of the ban on feeds made of animal
by-products, was presented to the European Commission and the EU
agriculture ministers' council on Tuesday by two Greek Euro-MPs
belonging to PASOK.
The two Euro-MPs, Meni Malliori and Yiannis Souladakis, couched the
proposal in the form of a question to the two bodies, which is also
signed by Europarliament member from Portugal.
Pointing out that 'mad cow' disease, or BSE, had brought the issue of
the quality and composition of cattle feed in Europe into the
spotlight, they stressed that the gradual shift in the composition of
animal feed from plant-based to meat-based products has created hazards
for the health of Europe's citizens.
They ask that the diet of Europe's cattle be changed despite the
conflicting interests of the animal-feed industry, and therefore call
on the ministers' council and the Commission whether they are
considering subsidies for the cultivation of fodder crops.
[12] Vast majority of Greek businesses use IT technology
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
A vast majority of Greek businesses use the latest information
technology and communication systems in managing their businesses, a
survey by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) showed on Tuesday.
Presenting the survey, in the second day of a conference on the Greek
economy in Athens, SEB's chairman Eleftherios Antonakopoulos said that
86 percent of surveyed Greek companies said they used new IT and
communication technologies, while more than 70 percent used new
technology to increase productivity.
An 83 percent of businesses were educating their staff in new
technologies and another 64 percent have implemented restructuring
plans to achieve speedier decision-making.
"These figures show that a significant part of Greece's private sector
has acknowledged the demands created by increased competition,"
Antonakopoulos said.
"Greek businesses need a strong and competitive economy to promote more
drastic restructuring programs," he noted.
Addressing the conference, Yiannis Kapralos, president in the Union of
Industry and Commerce Chambers of Athens, said that small- and
medium-sized enterprises were playing an equally important role in the
country's economic activity and urged the state to take further
supportive measures.
Kapralos urged for the immediate increase in productivity of
manufacturing companies and export-boosting measures.
Michael Cleverley, charge d' affair in the US embassy in Greece,
addressing the conference said that healthy competition and good
economic relations between the US and Europe would benefit the world
economy.
"We expect prosperity and peace from both sides," he said.
"Transatlantic economic relations are vital. American investments in
Europe are growing at an annual rate of 10 percent, which European
companies have invested in 41 of the total 50 states in the US. Total
trade and investment between the US and Europe exceed one trillion
dollars," Cleverley said.
He said that trade relations between Greece and the United States were
also vital. "Bilateral trade has increased in 2000, a trend likely to
accelerate following National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou's economic measures, announced on Monday," Cleverley said.
[13] Athens' first tram lines due end-2003
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Athens expects to introduce its first two tramlines linking the city
center with the coastal suburbs of Neo Faliro and Glyfada in late 2003,
transport and communications minister Christos Verelis said Tuesday.
The first two lines, linking Zappeion off Syntagma Square with the
suburbs of Neo Faliro and Glyfada will commence operation at the end of
2003, provided the relevant timetables were adhered to, Verelis told a
presentation at the Zappeion Hall.
Verelis said that the trams, the completion of the Athens Metro, and
the introduction of additional bus lines, would substantially
facilitate commuting in the Greek capital.
According to data presented by Athens Polytechnic University professor
Antonis Stathopoulos, an estimated 1,500-5,000 commuters would be
served per hour and per each direction by the trams, while double trams
would be placed on routes showing excessive demand.
He said that during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, for example,
double trams capable of carrying 10,000 passengers per hour per each
direction could be placed on the lines.
The project is estimated to cost 100 billion dr., of which the 60
billion dr. required to lay the tram lines had already been secured
from the state budget and the Third Community Support Framework (CSF).
The rest of the funds would come from the private sector, and would be
used to purchase the trams.
The planning and construction of the project will be undertaken by a
subsidiary of Attiko Metro company, which manages the Athens Metro, due
to the experience it has acquired from the operation of the Metro.
[14] Greek stocks end lower on profit-taking
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
A wave of profit taking pushed equity prices lower on the Athens Stock
Exchange on Tuesday, reversing a four-day rally, which pushed the
general index 10.20 percent higher.
Traders said market sentiment remained fragile because of worries over
the course of inflation and the outlook of international bourses.
The general index ended at 3,531.07 points, off 0.29 percent, with
turnover a moderate 88.63 billion drachmas.
The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.06
percent to 2,009.28 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 2.32
percent to 428.59 points.
Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,407.57
+0.39% Leasing: 671.79 -5.50% Insurance: 1,650.82
+0.63% Investment: 1,344.92 +1.13% Construction: 1,406.88 -3.95%
Industrials: 2,166.97 -0.47% Miscellaneous: 3,174.71 -2.65% Holding:
4,252.54 -1.96%
The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 3.42
percent lower at 367.27 points.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 271 to 74 with another 12 issues
unchanged.
National Bank, Hellenic Bottling, Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank and
Piraeus Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.
Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 13,900 Alpha
Bank: 12,565 Commercial Bank: 18,000 Eurobank: 9,495 Piraeus Bank:
5,725 Lambrakis Press: 5,700 Altec: 3,230 Titan Cement (c): 4,660
Hellenic Telecoms: 5,740 Panafon: 2,925 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,770
Attica Enterprises: 3,090 Intracom: 8,900 Viohalco: 4,505 Hellenic
Bottling: 5,860
Equity futures end mixed, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded
on the Athens Derivatives Ex-change finished mixed on Tuesday, in line
with the bourse indices on which they are based.
The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.06 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40
ended 2.32 percent higher.
Turnover was 26.0 billion drachmas.
A total of 6,738 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover
at 21.5 billion drachmas.
On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 2,533 contracts changed hands on turnover of
4.4 billion drachmas.
Bond prices close down in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic
secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in light to heavy trade.
The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.650 percent from
5.615 percent in the previous session.
The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 68 basis points
from 67 basis points a day earlier.
Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 122
billion drachmas from 260 billion drachmas in the session before.
Sell orders accounted for around 86 billion drachmas of trade.
Drachma/dollar rate eases back a little: The drachma eased slightly
against the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market following
a decline in the euro/dollar rate in international markets on Tuesday.
The Greek currency fell to 386.300 drachmas per US dollar at the day's
fixing, from 383.580 on Monday.
The drachmas moved closer to its central parity against the euro
currency at 340.640 drachmas per euro.
[15] Kyriakidis Marble buys producer in FYROM
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
FHL Kyriakidis Marble & Granite announced on Tuesday that it had
acquired 90 percent of Mermeren Kombinat, a marble manufacturer in the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Yugoslavia.
The share buyout for 3.5 billion drachmas was completed last week under
supervision of FYROM's regulatory stock market authorities, Kyriakidis
said in a statement.
It formerly owned 20 percent of the company, which is located in
Prilep.
[16] Venizelos reiterates call for the return of the Parthenon Marbles
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Tuesday called once again
for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece in light of the
announced renovation of the British Museum.
"The renovation of a great museum, such as the British Museum, is an
important event and we welcome it, but of greater importance would be
the symbolic and ideological renovation of the British Museum and this
could only be done via the grand gesture of the return of the Parthenon
Marbles to their natural place, that is Athens, in the new museum of
Acropolis, so as to reconstitute the amputated monument," Venizelos
said.
[17] Interior minister announces new 'volunteering committee' at
prize-giving event for distinguished volunteers
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou announced on Tuesday that the
government would create a National Committee for Volunteer issues, in
view of the official declaration of 2001 by the UN as Volunteering
Year.
Speaking at an awards ceremony for Greek volunteer organizations being
held in Athens, she said that participation in the committee would be
open to all those who wanted to contribute, such as ministries, NGO's,
voluntary associations and others. According to Papandreou, it already
had two secretariats, one governmental and the other non-governmental,
that cooperated with the local UN office and whose aim was to start up
initiatives for volunteering and prepare a legislative framework.
Regarding volunteering in Greece, the minister quoted a survey by the
Citizens Advice Bureau, which showed that only 3.8 per cent of Greek
households are involved in some kind of volunteer organization and 66.4
per cent were not informed on these issues. Education Minister Petros
Efthymiou, who was also present, said that Greek citizens were much
less involved in volunteering than their western European
counterparts.
Both ministers and other government officials were speaking at a
prize-giving ceremony for distinguished volunteer organizations held
this afternoon at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens. The first prize
was awarded to a Greek-American groups of volunteers working with Greek
children receiving treatment at a Boston children's hospital, while the
second was given to a blood-donor's group in Aetoloakarnania.
The states Hellenic Radio organization and the Health and Welfare
ministry organized the award ceremony.
[18] Conference on Thessaloniki, Plovdiv historical common course on
Wednesday
Athens, 06/12/2000 (ANA)
Thessaloniki and Plovdiv will be the focus of a conference of more than
50 scientists from Greece and Bulgaria scheduled to begin on Wednesday
in Thessaloniki.
The "Thessaloniki-Plovdiv on parallel courses 18th-20th centuries"
conference will focus on the similarities of the two cities in
architecture, culture and religion over time.
The city of Plovdiv was first established in the 12th century BC and
has been inhabited continually by Greeks up to the early 20th century,
its historical course has been similar to that of Thessaloniki.
[19] UN envoy to return to Cyprus early next year
NICOSIA, 06/12/2000 (CNA/ANA)
Alvaro de Soto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus,
told a press conference here on Tuesday he would be returning to the
island early in the new year for consultations with the Greek and
Turkish Cypriot sides in a bid to prepare the resumption of proximity
talks.
De Soto, speaking after separate meetings with President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, said the invitation
to talks still stands and noted that he could not foresee any change in
the parameters within which the UN-led talks are being conducted.
The UN top envoy on Cyprus also expressed fundamental disagreement with
some remarks Denktash has made on oral remarks UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan made to the two sides in the latest round of talks in
November.
He said he did not come to Cyprus with high expectations but instead to
"take the pulse of where the parties are just now" and cautioned
against hopes of major developments every time he visits the island,
trips which would be intensified in the future.
Describing his discussions as "thorough", he said these covered "the
state of play and the way ahead", noting that his interlocutors are
understandably preoccupied with other matters, which though not part of
the negotiations as such, nevertheless have a bearing on them.
Reiterating Annan's invitation to talks, he said he could not announce
a precise date and none of the two parties have responded to the
invitation, nor did he seek to get a reply.
"They (the parties) must agree, he (Annan) can only assist," in the
effort to reach a comprehensive settlement, de Soto said very clearly,
having explained again that Annan's oral remarks were not a proposal
but his own vision of issues to be discussed for a fair compromise
solution.
Asked if the UN would make such moves as to accommodate Denktash's
demands for talks between "two states", de Soto replied "the talks are
convened within a certain framework laid down in November last year."
"I cannot foresee a variation as to those parameters," he said, adding
that both parties are well aware of the procedure and the framework of
the talks and that he is aware of Denktash's misgivings on this.
He said Denktash had encouraged him to return to the island frequently
and in this sense consultations would continue, not only here but also
in Turkey.
Replying to questions, he said he came here to "consult with the
parties where we stand and how we can move ahead, to take the pulse of
where the parties are just now, I did not come here with high
expectations" and warned that one should not expect major developments
or sensational announcements by him whenever he visits.
Asked if there would be increased European Union involvement, de Soto
was clear that Turkey's accession and other matters before the EU "are
the responsibility of the EU and talks carried out under the auspices
of the Secretary-General are conducted by the UN."
Alvaro de Soto said it was possible to find a solution through
proximity talks, as it has happened with other conflicts, and repeated
that "face-to-face talks do not seem to be in the cards at this
moment."
Questioned on the different strategic objectives of the two sides, he
expressed hope that the two shared the goal of finding a comprehensive
settlement.
The Greek Cypriot side, in line with UN resolutions, is seeking to
establish a bicommunal, bizonal federation but the Turkish Cypriot side
insists on a confederation of two separate states.
Commenting on Denktash's approach to Annan's oral remarks, he said this
was part of his discussions with Denktash and added "I have expressed
to him my fundamental disagreement with his characterization of some of
the questions that are addressed in the oral remarks," but would not
elaborate.
De Soto was critical once more about leaks to the press of UN
non-papers, which he said hampered the peace effort and were a bad
development but he stopped short of calling those who leak papers
"saboteurs", even though as he admitted the word did spring to mind.
The new UN effort for a settlement in Cyprus opened in December last
year and aims at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the divide
on the island since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of
its territory in 1974.
[20] UN chief recommends as "essential" the extension of UNFICYP's
mandate
NICOSIA, 06/12/2000 (CNA/ANA)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said his urgent call to the Turkish
Cypriot side and the Turkish forces to restore the military status quo
ante at the village of Strovilia, on the south east, has not been
heeded so far, noting at the same time that the impact of restrictions
imposed by the Turkish Cypriots on UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus
(UNFICYP) movement has been significant.
Annan, in his report on the UN operations in Cyprus for the past six
months, acknowledges unilateral measures the Greek Cypriot side has
taken in connection with the issue of missing persons, and notes the
exhumations and identification of remains.
The UN chief recommends as "essential" the extension of UNFICYP's
mandate but draws attention to the shortfall in the funding of the
force.
The report, released on Tuesday, notes increased air violations by the
Turkish military and a drop in military and civilian aircraft
violations by the Greek Cypriot side.
"The situation along the ceasefire lines in Cyprus has remained
generally stable. However, the conditions in which UNFICYP operates
have become more difficult, owing to the restrictions imposed on it by
the Turkish Cypriot authorities and the Turkish forces," the five-page
report said in the seventh part under the title "Observations".
"My urgent call to rescind the restrictions and to restore the military
status quo ante at Strovilia has not, so far, met with a positive
response," he says.
He therefore considers the presence of UNFICYP "essential for the
maintenance of the ceasefire on the island" and recommends that the
Security Council extends the mandate of the force for a further period
of six months until 15 June 2001.
"I am consulting with the parties about the extension and shall inform
the Council in due course," he adds.
On the financial predicament of the force, he says unpaid assessments
amount to some 22,5 million dollars, a sum that represents money owed
to the member states that contribute the troops who make up the 1.210
strong force.
In the part on the question of missing persons, Annan notes the work
done by the first assistant to the third member of the Committee on
Missing Persons (CMP) with the two sides to overcome existing obstacles
and enable the Committee to reach binding decisions and resume its
activities.
He said the first assistant was at the disposal of both sides to assist
them as necessary with the implementation of the July 31 1997
agreement, which he describes as "an important guarantee for the
families of the missing persons."
"The two sides which are solely responsible for its implementation in
1998 provided each other with information already at their disposal on
the location of graves of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot missing
persons," the report adds.
Annan makes a special reference to the process of exhumation and
identification of remains, unearthed in the summer of 1999 from two
cemeteries near Nicosia, a move initiated by the government of the
Republic.
"In addition to other unilateral measures, the Greek Cypriot side has
undertaken exhumations as well as identification of remains," the
Secretary General says, adding that the two sides have not yet been
able to work out ad hoc arrangements for the exchange of the remains.
On the situation in Strovilia, he says the Turkish forces and Turkish
Cypriot security forces moved forward of their ceasefire line and have
since controlled access of UNFICYP to its post in this small hamlet,
inhabited by Greek Cypriots.
The significant impact of restrictions in the movement of UNFICYP means
much longer trips and long detours, the report reads, adding that "the
operational effectiveness of UNFICYP has suffered."
The report notes also the imposing of mandatory additional insurance
for UN vehicles and the requirement to pay for electricity and other
utilities used by the force.
The status quo in the fenced area of Varosha, on the east, continued to
change, Annan says, stressing that he continues to hold the government
of Turkey responsible for maintaining the status quo in Varosha.
The report notes the frequent crossings of the maritime security line
by Greek Cypriot fishing and tourist boats, in the eastern part of the
island.
It also says UNFICYP is aware "of some new acquisitions and replacement
of older equipment during the period" in the paragraph about armaments
on the island.
Annan notes increased contacts between the two communities, saying that
more than 30 events were held in the period under review in the buffer
zone.
On his good offices mission, Annan outlines developments during the
proximity talks, conducted by his Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto and
notes the invitation he has already extended to the two sides for
further talks in late January.
[21] Spokesman comments on EU-Turkey partnership agreement
NICOSIA, 06/12/2000 (CNA/ANA)
The text of Turkey's partnership agreement with the European Union (EU)
is a very important tool which would enable the government to monitor
Ankara's moves with regard to Cyprus and demand from Turkey as much
cooperation as possible with the UN in their attempts to find a
comprehensive settlement, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said
here on Tuesday.
"Should Turkey fail to meet the terms of the agreement, it will find
itself in conflict with it and will have to bear the consequences", he
said, adding that "for the first time Turkey is faced with dilemmas and
can no longer handle matters at will".
The EU-Turkey agreement sets out terms for Turkey, in the context of
the political dialogue, to strongly support UN efforts for a
comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question.
The new UN effort for a settlement in Cyprus opened in December last
year and aims at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the divide
on the island since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of
its territory in 1974.
Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have said they back the UN latest
initiative to find a settlement but announced Monday that the process
of proximity talks had run its course and come to an end. Turkish
Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is seeking recognition of his puppet
regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus before he returns to the negotiating
table.
"I would like to point out that the provision relating to Turkey's
obligations as far as Cyprus is concerned are included in Ankara's
short-term obligations", Papapetrou said, noting that Turkish moves to
avert any reference to Cyprus did not bear fruit.
He said the text of the agreement is neither the best possible document
nor the ideal one but explained that "this process is being used as a
catalyst that can create a momentum towards a settlement in Cyprus".
"This is the first time EU decisions, which place Turkey before
dilemmas (Helsinki), become official in a practical manner, outlining a
time table and with the consent of Ankara, the first time ever", the
spokesman said.
The spokesman was referring to the EU summit conclusions in December
last year in Helsinki when Turkey was formally declared an EU candidate
country but was told to put its house in order, resolve border disputes
and contribute towards a Cyprus settlement.
The Helsinki decisions have now multiplied, are more specific and have
a time limit, he said, noting though that the Cyprus reference is only
one of many relating to Turkey's obligations.
"If Turkey fulfills its promises and cooperates to carry out what the
agreement says, then we shall be dealing with a different Turkey, which
unquestionably will be an easier factor to deal with when it comes to
the solution of the Cyprus issue", Papapetrou said.
Commenting on the reaction of the Turkish side to the agreement, the
spokesman said it has "every reason to distort the text of the
agreement and say it does not set out Ankara's obligations".
"Such an interpretation of the agreement would facilitate Turkey to
slip away from its obligations, especially if this kind of
interpretation comes from us", Papapetrou added.
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