Read the Treaty of Sevres (10 August 1920) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Thursday, 28 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-12-13

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

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

December 13, 2005

CONTENTS

  • [01] Papandreou says PASOK's credibility a primary criterion for victory in next election
  • [02] Gov't spokesman responds to PASOK's criticism
  • [03] Former OEK president denies charges, gov't seeks investigation
  • [04] Labor minister meets Supreme Court Prosecutor over Emfietzoglou charges
  • [05] EU foreign ministers take no decisions on fiscal prospects
  • [06] EU foreign ministers council takes no decision on FYROM accession candidacy status, foreign ministry announcement says
  • [07] Bomb blast outside ELTA on Syntagma Square causes extensive damage, three people injured
  • [08] Government on Syntagma blast, police response
  • [09] Gov't will not tolerate corruption, ND secretary says
  • [10] Cabinet, KYSEA meetings to take place on Tuesday
  • [11] Greece united in foreign policy on Turkey, former PM Mitsotakis says
  • [12] Independent MP Mantouvalos appears before investigator probing trial-fixing ring
  • [13] Municipal and prefectural elections have general political character, KKE leader says
  • [14] Country has entered austerity cycle of indeterminable duration, Coalition party leader says
  • [15] Central bank urges more structural change to the economy
  • [16] Average harmonized inflation at 3.5% in 2005
  • [17] Trade unions stage strikes protesting gov't reform
  • [18] Civil aviation workers to join 48-hour strike
  • [19] Development minister discusses energy, trade cooperation with Israeli, Chinese, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina envoys
  • [20] National Bank president urges businessmen in northern Greece to continue what they are doing successfully
  • [21] Ignorance key cause of problems in IFRS adoption
  • [22] Six of 10 Greek workers employed in Attica in 2004, Hellastat finds
  • [23] Aegean Airlines buys eight Airbus A-320
  • [24] Macedonia-Thrace minister inaugurates Polis Convention Centre in Thessaloniki
  • [25] Coca-Cola HBC may launch offer for Cyprus franchise
  • [26] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise
  • [27] Top N17 terrorist again files motion to recognize 'political dimension' of committed crimes
  • [28] November 17 terror group still a threat, former premier Mitsotakis says
  • [29] Mitsotakis tours Papageorgiou hospital, calls it 'model' for health service
  • [30] President Papoulias inaugurates political cartoon exhibit
  • [31] Forces of evil acting in undermining way in country, Archbishop Christodoulos says
  • [32] Seminar focuses on intellectual property theft
  • [33] Onassis Foundation to host significant post-Byzantium exhibition in NYC
  • [34] Greek Olympic Games know-how in Beijing
  • [35] EU text on Turkey calls on Ankara to fulfill obligations
  • [36] Cyprus closely monitors Turkish actions, says government
  • [37] Cyprus to enter Eurozone provided social state is not sacrificed
  • [38] EU Commission: opening Ledra street important measure
  • [39] UN: Construction at Ledra Street should cease

  • [01] Papandreou says PASOK's credibility a primary criterion for victory in next election

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou told foreign correspondents in Athens on Monday that his party's credibility will, in large, part, determine its election victory in any upcoming poll.

    Speaking at a Foreign Press Association of Greece luncheon, the former foreign minister said the current Karamanlis government's "untrustworthiness" is demonstrated by the fact that it has not fulfilled its pre-election promises since coming to government in March 2004, while charging that the government is also rudderless.

    In answer to several topical questions, he said a high-profile draft bill being forcefully promoted by the government to reform and restructure various state-run utilities is not a reform but only part of cursory measures. Additionally, he said the ND government's reforms so far have failed, while adding that the reform packages disrupt labor relations.

    He again referred to what he called a "Scandinavian model" for state sector enterprises, saying he's in favor of both "flexibility and security", whereas whatever changes must be implemented with negotiations.

    The government recently unveiled a draft bill that, among others, ends civil servant-like tenure for new hirings at state-run utilities (telephony, power, water etc.) that are both listed and not listed on the bourse.

    In response to a bevy of questions involving church-state relations, Papandreou said each side's role should be distinct, whereas his PASOK party will soon be in a position to table proposals delineating each side's role. Along those lines, he again expressed his opposition to a recent decision upgrading church-run tertiary education institutions.

    Meanwhile, asked about his party's position regarding the prospects of allowing the marriage of gays in the country -- an idea that has generated a caustic reaction by the Church of Greece -- Papandreou said PASOK is studying a proposal for a future "cohabitation pact" that will relate to heterosexuals as well as homosexuals.

    Asked about recent high-profile statements over his party's "renewal" -- a phrase initially inferred as affecting a handful of top PASOK cadres that held top ministerial positions in the previous Simitis governments - Papandreou said every cadre is judged by his political presence. He added that PASOK, in government between 1981-1989 and 1993-2004, has proceeded with more radical internal changes than the ND government has made during its 11 years as the main opposition.

    [02] Gov't spokesman responds to PASOK's criticism

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Monday urged main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou to abandon his tactics of 'irresponsible populism', responding to the latter's criticism voiced during a press conference earlier in the day.

    "Serious politics are constructive not destructive, they provide solutions to citizens' and society's problems," Roussopoulos said.

    "It's completely irresponsible to say 'yes' - in general and vaguely - to change and reform without defining the changes and reforms nor explaining how you intend to accomplish them," he added.

    [03] Former OEK president denies charges, gov't seeks investigation

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The former head of Greece's Workers' Housing Organization (OEK) Angelos Economopoulos on Monday denied allegations appearing in the press, saying that the charges of graft against him were "100 percent false and groundless".

    Economopoulos, who resigned over the weekend in the wake of the press reports, stressed that he had personally asked Labor Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos to ensure that the public prosecutor initiated an in-depth investigation into the affair.

    He said that he had resigned for reasons of propriety and in order to facilitate the work of the minister and the government.

    Concerning the substance of the charges, Economopoulos said that all OEK projects had been assigned to contractors through tenders in which all legal procedures had been observed and that none had been assigned directly.

    The same was true for the construction firm "Mechaniki" run by Prodromos Emfietzoglou, who had won a contract through a tender for a project that was now being carried out normally under the supervision of a team of civil engineers, the former OEK chief added.

    Economopoulos said that he had asked OEK's accounts office to prepare a full report on the invoices submitted by Athens-listed Mechaniki and all cheques paid out to the company, in order to fully demolish the fabricated claim that payments had been delayed.

    He also denied that there had been any complaint from Mechaniki or that Emfietzoglou had at any time either contacted or requested anything of him, while hinting that political scheming lay behind the attack against him.

    [04] Labor minister meets Supreme Court Prosecutor over Emfietzoglou charges

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Panayiotopoulos - who accepted the OEK president's resignation last Saturday - met with a Supreme Court deputy public prosecutor earlier on Monday to discuss the emerging scandal and the charges against Economopoulos appearing in the press.

    As he left the Supreme Court in the morning, the minister stressed that neither he nor the prime minister's office had received any letters from Emfietzoglou or his company complaining about Economopoulos.

    Commenting on the affair during the regular press briefing, meanwhile, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reiterated that no letter of complaint from Emfietzoglou had been received by the government, which he said was following its standard policy of ensuring a full investigation into all allegations, indications or evidence of corruption.

    "A government would be lacking in seriousness if it pretended not to understand, not to hear and did not investigate. If some have become used to such practices, it is not the way of New Democracy's government," he stressed, saying that Panayiotopoulos had "an obligation" to investigate the matter.

    [05] EU foreign ministers take no decisions on fiscal prospects

    BRUSSELS, 13/12/2005 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    The European Union's foreign ministers convened here on Monday, but took no specific decisions on the issue of the EU's fiscal prospects and on whether the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) should be granted accession candidacy status. Greece was represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis.

    In the first case, the British EU presidency postponed the presentation of new proposals on EU budgets for the 2007-2013 period until Wednesday. In the second case, France raised reservations, considering that at the present stage necessary economic and institutional conditions which would allow the EU to enter the process of a new enlargement. Consequently, both issues will be discussed at the EU summit do not exist.

    As regards the FYROM issue, diplomatic sources said that Greece listened favorably to France's objections, despite the fact that EU documents related to FYROM's European prospects have included Greek aims on the issue of finding a mutually acceptable solution to the problem of the country's name and although speaking on the issue during the meeting, British Foreign Minister and Council President Jack Straw made a statement that was very satisfactory for Greece.

    Straw pointed out in his statement, which was recorded in the meeting's official minutes, that until a final solution to the problem is found the only name acceptable for the EU is Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

    [06] EU foreign ministers council takes no decision on FYROM accession candidacy status, foreign ministry announcement says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The foreign ministry announced that no decision was taken during the European Union's foreign ministers council in Brussels on Monday on whether the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will be granted accession candidacy status, while the issue will be examined again during the upcoming European Council.

    The announcement said that Greece will make its decision in the framework of its wider policy on the Balkans, jointly considering all parameters during the upcoming European Council at the same time.

    Wider concern existing in Europe on the policy of further EU enlargements is known, the announcement added.

    The foreign ministry's announcement pointed out that in any case, however, FYROM will need the support of every member-state, and evidently that of Greece as well, during its long and difficult European course.

    [07] Bomb blast outside ELTA on Syntagma Square causes extensive damage, three people injured

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    A home-made time-bomb exploded outside the ELTA postal office, located next to the Finance Ministry, in central Syntagma Square at dawn Monday, following an anonymous warning telephone call to an Athens daily, causing extensive material damage and injuring three people. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

    The three injured persons were taken to Erythros Stavros Hospital. Two of them have been released, while the third - more seriously injured - remains in hospital where he underwent surgery. However, his condition is not critical, according to doctors.

    The strong explosion occurred at 6:08 a.m. on the corner of Mitropoleos and Nikis street, outside the ELTA branch, following a call at 5:40 a.m. by an anonymous caller to the Athens daily Eleftherotypia warning of an impending powerful explosion "at a ministry on Syntagma Square". The newspaper immediately alerted the Athens security police operations centre, which urgently alerted in turn the police guards outside the Finance ministry and cordoned off the wider surrounds.

    The caller did not claim responsibility for the attack on behalf of any organization.

    As the wider area around the ELTA and next-door ministry were immediately cordoned off, no serious injuries resulted from the powerful explosion. Early reports said that two persons -- a man cleaning a store window and a woman passer-by -- were lightly injured by glass shards. Police said the explosion and ensuing soundwave shattered the windows of cars and shops and buildings -- as high as the 8th floor -- in the area.

    Eyewitnesses told police that at 5:00 a.m. two young men left a fast-food delivery motorcycle outside the ELTA building. The home-made explosive device was hidden in the motorcycle's metal box in which food deliveries are transported.

    According to the Fire Department's investigators, the mechanism did not appear to be connected to several propane canisters which had been left out on the street near the spot of the explosion throughout the night. Exposed propane canisters are usual in the area, as they belong to the shops and are left outdoors for pickup by companies that supply the shops with new canisters.

    The area continued to be cordoned as of late Monday morning as police bomb disposal experts and Fire Department experts combed the area for clues and evidence.

    Two subsequent callers phoned Eleftherotypia after the explosion, but no claim of responsibility has been made on behalf of any group.

    [08] Government on Syntagma blast, police response

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Monday refused to make what he called "off-the-cuff speculation" concerning the bomb blast that rocked Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens at dawn on Monday morning.

    He stressed that the police had made announcements and that an investigation was continuing.

    Roussopoulos underlined that the attack was an "important issue" and that police had intervened promptly after they were alerted to the bomb's presence.

    He pointed out that the warning call received by the newspaper "Eleftherotypia" had reported that the bomb was placed outside the Finance ministry, which was on Karageorgi Servias street, while the bomb had actually been placed outside the Economy ministry that was on Nikis Street.

    [09] Gov't will not tolerate corruption, ND secretary says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Ruling New Democracy Secretary Evangelos Meimarakis reiterated the government's zero tolerance policy regarding corruption in comments he made on Monday.

    "No matter how many cases [of corruption] there are, they do not reverse the political volition of [Prime Minister] Costas Karamanlis and of New Democracy for zero tolerance of such phenomena," he said.

    "The government's political volition is a given and its quick reflexes reinforce New Democracy's image for zero tolerance," he added.

    [10] Cabinet, KYSEA meetings to take place on Tuesday

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The inner Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, will meet on Tuesday morning to discuss working hours in the public sector.

    According to government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, the cabinet meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) to discuss ratification of the procurement of 30 F-16 fighter aircraft by the air force.

    [11] Greece united in foreign policy on Turkey, former PM Mitsotakis says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Greece is united in its foreign policy concerning Turkey, former prime minister and ruling New Democracy party (ND) honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis said in an interview with the Thessaloniki-based newspaper Aggelioforos, the second part of which appeared in Monday's edition of the newspaper.

    He said that Greece has unity in its foreign policy, with respect to Turkey, adding that the disagreements existing between the two mainstream parties -- ruling ND and main opposition PASOK -- were on matters of tactics and not on the crux of the policy line.

    "I consider it a great benefit, and I am certain that Greece will continue with this policy, regardless of the internal developments in Turkey," the former premier said.

    Mitsotakis spoke well of Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but indirectly advised Greece's prime minister Costas Karamanlis not to schedule his planned official visit to Ankara at the present time, given the conjunctures, noting that, during his own tenure as prime minister, he had not gone ahead with his scheduled visit to Turkey because, "although everything had been prepared, I had set progress in the Cyprus issue as a prerequisite for the visit, which was not forthcoming from the Turkish side".

    Mitsotakis further opined that Karamanlis was continuing on the road he had himself forged in Greek-US relations, recalling that in his days in government the US would seek Greece's opinion on regional issues in addition to bilateral matters, although they did not employ the term "strategic partner" at the time.

    [12] Independent MP Mantouvalos appears before investigator probing trial-fixing ring

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Noted defense attorney and independent Parliament deputy Petros Mantouvalos was let go without restrictions on Monday following his statement before a special appellate-level magistrate heading an unprecedented trial-fixing investigation into the country's independent justice system.

    In exiting the courthouse, Mantouvalos appeared unfazed by the development, saying he expects "at least an apology by those that implicated me..."

    Earlier, Volos-area lawyer Nikos Emmanouilidis was ordered to remain in the country after posting a 40,000-euro bond following his appearance before the same judicial investigator. The probe has so far focused on nearly a score of judges and lawyers.

    Mantouvalos, elected on ruling New Democracy's ticket in the March 2004 from Piraeus' 1st election district before resigning recently from the party's Parliament group and declaring himself an independent, was stripped of his Parliamentary immunity from prosecution last week. Mantouvalos, in fact, called on fellow deputies to vote in favor of the lifting, stressing that he wanted to clear his name in any subsequent investigation.

    The well-known attorney came under scrutiny after judicial investigators discovered that a lawyer/associate employed at Mantouvalos' law firm deposited roughly 7,000 euros into the bank account of a judge, Evangelos Kaloussis, who was later cashiered and is currently jailed on bribery and trial-fixing charges.

    Mantouvalos is being investigated for felony bribery of a judicial officer and money laundering allegations.

    [13] Municipal and prefectural elections have general political character, KKE leader says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, addressing an event organized by the party's local branch in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Monday said that the municipal and prefectural elections, due to take place on October, have a general political character.

    Papariga stressed the need for the two mainstream New Democracy and PASOK parties to lose strength in the local elections for the benefit of tickets to be supported by KKE.

    The KKE leader pointed out that a political atmosphere will be created in this way that will allow the disengagement of forces from the big parties and a popular counter-attack.

    [14] Country has entered austerity cycle of indeterminable duration, Coalition party leader says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos, addressing a conference organized by his party on Monday on the state budget for 2006, said that the country has entered an austerity cycle of indeterminable duration.

    "The budgets in this country, particularly since the early '90s, obey a tough antisocial doctrine: they support profits and capital accumulation firmly, they privatize public enterprises and services, increase social inequalities, downgrade social expenditures, dissolve labor relations, swell unemployment and widen poverty," he said.

    The Coalition party leader spoke of an unreliable budget that lacks transparency and has chronic structural problems.

    Alavanos said that austerity begins from public administration and the wider public sector, but also spreads to the private sector as well and deals a blow at public investments and the social state, meaning the social and development functions of the state which should be supported.

    [15] Central bank urges more structural change to the economy

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The governor of the central bank, Nikos Garganas, said on Monday that more structural changes were needed in the economy.

    "Both the current government and its predecessor took major steps in this area, although this has not been enough," Garganas said in Thessaloniki, where the Bank of Greece's general council held a meeting, also hosting a luncheon for northern business representatives.

    "The unemployment rate remains unacceptably high despite the fact that the average rate of growth in the last six years is 4.0%. This shows that the problem is structural, that is to say linked to a lack of flexibility in the economy," he noted.

    Joblessness was running at an average 10% in the first half of 2005.

    The central bank governor also said that the current account deficit was disquieting.

    "According to the new presentation of data, which excludes the capital transfer balance, it had fallen last year to 6.3% of gross domestic product from 7.2% in 2003, and is expected to increase again this year to touch 7.5% of GDP. A figure around 7.0% of GDP for a number of years shows that the country has a major competitiveness problem," the governor said.

    Beyond strengthening competitiveness and productivity, emphasis must be laid on timely measures to tackle the problem of an ageing population.

    "This means a policy is needed to increase the birth rate," he noted.

    A high public debt, which was 109.3% of GDP in 2004, coupled with an anticipated increase in spending linked to the ageing population, made fiscal adaptation imperative.

    The public debt as a proportion of GDP is targeted to fall to 60% by 2015 at the soonest, when spending on pensions will begin to rise as a percentage of GDP.

    [16] Average harmonized inflation at 3.5% in 2005

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Garganas said that average harmonized inflation in 2005 would stand at 3.5% from 3.0% a year earlier, welcoming the fact that the rate had been contained, despite soaring global oil prices and an increase in Value Added Tax rates along with other indirect taxes.

    But core inflation, which excludes energy and non-processed foodstuffs, would fall slightly to 3.2% from 3.4% in 2004.

    "Concerning GDP in terms of the data currently at our disposal, we estimate a figure of about 3.5% this year," the central bank governor said.

    Finally, he sent a message to the government and to unions on upcoming wage negotiations.

    "It is especially important that both government incomes policy for state workers and collective bargaining between the social partners in coming months should contribute to nominal increases of average gross earnings in the private and public sectors in 2006-2007 that are compatible with the need to attain price stability," Garganas said.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the bank's council meeting, the head of the Federation of Greek Industry, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, reported that major problems for business included red tape, a lack of town planning, and delays in issuing permits.

    [17] Trade unions stage strikes protesting gov't reform

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) and the civil servants' union ADEDY have announced strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, protesting against the government's effort to reform and restructure public corporations (DEKO).

    The two trade unions have announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday, while GSEE has called a 24-hour strike exclusively at DEKO on Thursday.

    Wednesday's strike means inconvenience for mass transport users. With the exception of the electric railway ISAP and the Metro, which will operate from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., all other means of public transport will not service passengers.

    The unions are opposed to the bill aimed at overhauling state-run enterprises, and are particularly opposed to article 14 which does away with collective bargaining.

    The bill will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday.

    [18] Civil aviation workers to join 48-hour strike

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Civil aviation workers are to join a 48-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece on December 14-15 to protest against a government bill that would allow state corporations to work along private sector lines.

    Also taking part are staff at Olympic Airways.

    Air traffic controllers are to stage a four-hour work stoppage on Wednesday.

    Severe disruption is expected in flights.

    [19] Development minister discusses energy, trade cooperation with Israeli, Chinese, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina envoys

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Development minister Dimitris Sioufas met separately Monday with the ambassadors to Greece of Israel, China, Ukraine, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, for talks focusing in boosting bilateral cooperation with those countries in several sectors, including energy, research and technology, industry, and trade.

    With Israeli ambassador Ram Aviram, Sioufas discussed cooperation in the sectors of research and technology, and energy.

    During his meeting with Chinese ambassador Tian Xuejan, Sioufas also discussed prospects for further development of industrial cooperation between the two countries, in view of preparations for Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' imminent visit to China in January 2006. In that framework, it was agreed that further meetings would take place with all the agencies involved in order to examine the sectors presenting prospects for further cooperation.

    The Chinese ambassador stressed Greece's role as an energy hub and as a springboard to the Balkans, SE Europe and the EU member countries for Chinese enterprises.

    With Ukraine ambassador Valeriy Tsybukh he discussed cooperation in the natural gas sector, and the envoy briefed the minister on the agreement reached for the transport of Russian natural gas via Ukraine.

    The Ukraine, Tsybukh said, places special importance on Greece as a strategic partner, especially in the energy sector.

    With the new Bosnia-Herzegovina ambassador Milovan Blagojevich, Sioufas discussed prospects for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations. The new envoy placed great importance on the establishment of the Energy Community and Greece's particular role in the completion of negotiations and the signing of the Treaty on October 25 in Athens.

    [20] National Bank president urges businessmen in northern Greece to continue what they are doing successfully

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    National Bank President and Greek Bank Union President Takis Arapoglou urged businessmen in northern Greece on Monday night to continue to do what they have been doing successfully so far, placing emphasis on innovation, information and the society of knowledge.

    Arapoglou was addressing an event in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on the official presentation of the five-volume book titled "History of enterprise in Thessaloniki", while speaking to reporters he also expressed the view that Thessaloniki can become the economic centre of the wider region.

    "This cannot be done with offices and employees but with funding control and with strategic and appropriate coordination," he added.

    [21] Ignorance key cause of problems in IFRS adoption

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Greek companies are having problems adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and that is due primarily to ignorance, President of the Accounting Standards and Audits Committee Panagiotis Zafiropoulos explained during a seminar hosted by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

    According to Zafiropoulos, Greek companies failed to prepare for adoption of IFRS despite an extension which pushed back the 2003 deadline as set by a European Union directive.

    However, he noted that Greece is not alone in this since most countries around the world have faced similar problems.

    Zafiropoulos explained that the adoption of IFRS is mandatory only for companies listed on the stock exchange and their subsidiaries, but added that in Cyprus, after a relevant agreement, all companies have adopted the international standards.

    Constantinos Karamanlis, member of the Accounting Standards Council and president of the relevant legislative committee, provided an overview of the benefits companies can look forward to as a result of IFRS, such as a reduction in the cost of borrowing, data analysis, and training, while company information will become more reliable.

    He added that the adoption of IFRS will not significantly affect small companies or accountants.

    On his part, auditor Manos Pilidis referred to the difficulties companies face, such as insufficient literature available on the subject in Greek, an increase in the volume of accountancy work and confusion resulting from frequent revisions to existing IFRS.

    [22] Six of 10 Greek workers employed in Attica in 2004, Hellastat finds

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Six out of 10 workers in Greece were employed by businesses based in Attica in the year 2004, according to a study carried out by Hellastat that was released on Monday.

    The study was carried out using a sample of 550,000 employees, or roughly 20 per cent of the total of employees throughout the country.

    It also found that the Attica-based businesses in question accounted for 75 per cent of total earnings by 'Societe Anonyme' (A.E.) and 'Limited Liability' (E.P.E) companies in Greece and 87 per cent of total profits in the year 2004.

    According to the study, there was a significant concentration of both the workforce and employment in Attica, given that unemployment figures in and around the capital were lower, in spite of efforts to boost enterprise and employment in other regions of Greece.

    Excluded from consideration by the study were banks, insurance companies and state-run public utilities like Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), the Public Power Corporation (PPC) and Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) because of their great size and the geographic dispersion imposed by their activities - even though these companies also showed significant concentration in the Attica prefecture. Altogether, these employed more than 50,000 people in 2004, the majority of which worked within the Attica prefecture.

    Presenting the survey, Hellastat also noted that eight out of 10 of the businesses surveyed employed 50 people or less in 2004 - one of the criteria used by the European Union to define small or very small businesses, the other being businesses with an annual turnover less than ¬ 10 million.

    Businesses based in Attica also enjoy higher average return on capital - estimated at around 3.7 pct for 2004 - relative to their country cousins and the rest of the Greek economy, where the average rate of return on capital is about 2.5 pct.

    In some regions and sectors, meanwhile, this average can drop to negative figures. The service sector on Crete and the Ionian islands, for instance, recorded average returns on capital of -4.1 pct and -8.5 pct in 2004, respectively, which were chiefly due to poor performance by hotels.

    [23] Aegean Airlines buys eight Airbus A-320

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Aegean Airlines on Monday signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of eight of the global manufacturer's A-320 aircraft.

    "This is one of the largest purchases in Greece's air transportation sector. It was preceded by many months of negotiations on the terms of the contract and on the choice of engines," Aegean's chairman and managing director, Theodoros Vasilakis, told a news conference.

    Delivery of the jets, which are gradually to replace Aegean's existing fleet of Boeing 737s, will begin in 2008.

    Neither Vasilakis nor Airbus' chairman and managing director, Gustav Humbert, revealed the purchase price. According to Vasilakis, the reference price for each aircraft is 58 million US dollars, but a discount was awarded.

    [24] Macedonia-Thrace minister inaugurates Polis Convention Centre in Thessaloniki

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Nikos Tsiartsionis inaugurated the Polis Convention Centre in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, on Monday night, which had begun operating in May.

    Speaking to the Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency, the managing director of the Polis SA company Evripidis Karavassilis said that the project's total budget amounted to 10 million euros, while procedures to expand the existing centre with a new wing will begin during the next 10 months. It will be an investment totalling seven million euros that will be completed in a period of 18 months.

    The new convention centre in Thessaloniki is located at a distance of six kilometers from Macedonia international airport and 15 kilometers away from the city's centre. It has space covering a total area of 6,000 square meters; it has a capacity of 3,000 people and provides outdoor parking facilities for 500 motorcars.

    [25] Coca-Cola HBC may launch offer for Cyprus franchise

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. said on Monday that it is considering making a public offer, directly or through one of its affiliated entities, for the acquisition of up to 100% of the share capital of Lanitis Bros Public Limited.

    Lanitis is engaged in the production, distribution and sales of commercial beverages and holds the franchise for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Cyprus. It also has a range of fruit juices, dairy products and other beverages, the Greek firm said in a statement.

    Lanitis has been listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange since October 2001.

    Coca-Cola HBC, which said that it expects to make a further announcement concerning the possible offer by December 15 2005, is one of the world's largest bottlers of products of The Coca-Cola Company and has operations in 26 countries serving a population of approximately 540 million people.

    Its shares are listed on the Athens Exchange, with secondary listings on the London and Australian Stock Exchanges; and the firm has American Depositary Receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

    [26] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The Athens share index closed at 3,538.44 points, showing a rise of 0.73%. Turnover was 202.4 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.74% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.75 higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.79% up.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 153 to 128 with 50 remaining unchanged.

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): OTE (2865)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 182.7 million euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2015): 3.61% yield

  • German benchmark 10-year bund: 3.41%

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2015 (1.0 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 2.1 bln euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates: Tuesday

    Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

    U.S. dollar 1.202

    [27] Top N17 terrorist again files motion to recognize 'political dimension' of committed crimes

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    More motions were on the agenda Monday at the ongoing appeals trial of convicted "November 17" terrorists, with the defense attorney for one of the most notorious N17 members, arch-assassin Dimitris Koufodinas, again attempting to have her client's role in several assassinations, bombings and robberies classified as "political crimes".

    In again unveiling a line of defense unsuccessfully used in the first instance trial, defense attorney Ioanna Kourtovik claimed that the "political nature" of the crimes committed by N17's members mandates, under the Greek constitution, a trial by a mixed judge-juror composition. The current appeals process is overseen by a five-judge appellate-level tribunal.

    She further added that a specific constitutional article she cited affords a defendant charged with politically inspired crimes protection from state retribution by the very authority he was opposing by taking up arms against it (state).

    The "political crimes" defense, nevertheless, was unceremoniously dismissed by the first instance trial's three judges, who subsequently handed down guilty verdicts against 15 defendants, ranging from eight years to multiple life sentences for the most prolific assassins within the ultra leftist terror gang's fold, such as Koufodinas.

    The attorney added that her client, a self-described beekeeper that reportedly never left the east Mediterranean country but instead lived comfortably in and around Athens under an assumed name for some 20 years, accepts his participation in the terror group and assumes "political responsibility" for his actions. Nevertheless, Kourtovik said, Koufodinas does not accept the "criminal dimensions" of the charges.

    "He will not say where he participated, nor will he attempt to persuade where he did not participate," the attorney said of Koufodinas.

    One exception to the continuing "political crimes" line of defense was defendant Pavlos Serifis' statement, who told the court that considerations over the "political dimension" of N17's crimes belongs to historians.

    Moreover, Serifis, whose health has reportedly deteriorated in prison due to advanced multiple sclerosis, again reiterated his condemnation of terrorism and his hope that the court rules on the basis of constitutional principles.

    [28] November 17 terror group still a threat, former premier Mitsotakis says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The threat from the terror group "November 17" has not been eliminated, former prime minister and honorary New Democracy president Constantine Mitsotakis said on Monday in Thessaloniki, in comments on the bomb blast that rocked Syntagma Square around dawn, injuring two.

    According to the former premier - whose son-in-law Pavlos Bakoyiannis had been a prominent political victim of the urban guerrilla group's trademark execution-style killings in the late 1980s - several members of the terror band are still at large.

    "November 17 has not been wiped out. It continues to exist as a threat. Because a large part of it - or at least a part of it - is still outside, it is free and, in consequence, the threat of terrorist exists," Mitsotakis stressed during a visit to Papageorgiou Hospital in the city.

    The former premier underlined that the state must make every effort to exterminate even the last vestiges of terrorism and that there must be no tolerance toward it.

    According to Mitsotakis, the early morning blast had not been intended to claim victims but had nevertheless done great damage to the country.

    "An explosion like that, in Syntagma, that is broadcast by CNN as a top story, is naturally very damaging for Greece. On the other hand, we receive much worse press than we deserve. Because I do not believe that these vestiges of terrorism are very major, but, as things stand today in a world that is sensitive and excessive [with respect to terrorism], these things are inflated," he said.

    Given the situation, even these "vestiges" of terrorism had to be eradicated, Mitsotakis added.

    [29] Mitsotakis tours Papageorgiou hospital, calls it 'model' for health service

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Former premier Constantine Mitsotakis was full of praise for Thessaloniki's Papageorgiou hospital after a tour on Monday, describing it as a model of cooperation between the private and public sector.

    The honorary president of the ruling New Democracy party and noted that he had personally laid the foundation stone as premier in 1993 underlined that he was very happy with what he saw during his visit and that the hospital was "absolutely successful".

    He also stressed that the hospital's success was entirely due to the "dedication, ability and sacrifices made by the Papageorgiou family," while vindicating his policy of public/private-sector cooperation.

    "This hospital has managed to combine the National Health Service ESY, university clinics and private clinics. It is for me a perfect model and a source of hope. In this hospital, both costs and performance are measured. This may perhaps upset the staff because they have to work more than - they essentially wouldn't work - in the public sector. But we must realize that this is a vital matter for Greece. When we say that Greece must become competitive, this is what we mean.

    "We must work more, we must measure performance and give credit to those who work and remove those who do not work. Assessing cost is a big problem in our country, which in recent years has slid not only into corruption but also into wanton spending," he said.

    Among those present was one of the original benefactors that had helped found the hospital with a donation of $30 million, Nikos Papageorgiou, who remembered that 15 years earlier Mitsotakis had urged him and his brother to take charge of the hospital's construction themselves in order to ensure that it was completed.

    The policy paid off according to the hospital's management and medical staff, who noted that it now had 800 beds instead of the 250 originally planned. It also operated at 100 percent capacity without overcrowding and the degree of satisfaction among patients was very high, at 80 percent. They said additional staff will be recruited in January to allow it to operate all services.

    [30] President Papoulias inaugurates political cartoon exhibit

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias inaugurated a political cartoon exhibit organized by Hellenic Parliament in Athens on Monday.

    Papoulias, along with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, toured the exhibit and spoke with the 29 participating cartoonists.

    In a brief address, Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki noted that "a political cartoon is equal to a thousand political and social commentaries."

    She added that political cartoons are a form of social and political checks, an integral party of democracy.

    Psarouda-Benaki referred to cartoonists' talents, saying that they have the capacity to quickly and wittily respond to current events, expressing public opinion in the process.

    "The myths, prejudices, images and stereotypes of a people are imprinted in cartoons," she said.

    In closing, Psarouda-Benaki awarded 88-year old Vassilis Christodoulou an honorary medal for his work as a cartoonist.

    Since 1948, Christodoulou has created 140,000 cartoons which have appeared in major newspapers and magazines.

    On the sidelines of the exhibit, the work of Greek cartoonist Bost is also on display.

    Born Mentis Bostantzoglou in Istanbul in 1918, Bost is considered to have significantly influenced the art of political cartoons in Greece.

    Also attending the inauguration were Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos, Parliament Vice President G. Tragakis, Deputy Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, former Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and other officials.

    [31] Forces of evil acting in undermining way in country, Archbishop Christodoulos says

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, addressing the congregation at Agios Spyridon Stadiou Church in Athens on Monday, said that today "we see that the forces of evil are acting in an undermining way in this country and are trying to dechristianise Greece, to create a new order in our society so that nobody will remember God and the Church in a few years time."

    He added that "they will tell you not to talk because you are dividing the people, you are creating disarray in society and you are being the cause of social unrest, while everything is going well and smoothly."

    Archbishop Christodoulos further noted that "in our country, however, some people are acting in such a way so that we shall lose what we have, because they think that what they had once read as students applies today as well, while in Europe it is changing."

    Lastly, Archbishop Christodoulos said that "the enemy is no longer before the gates but within the gates during the difficult times we are experiencing and which we shall experience."

    [32] Seminar focuses on intellectual property theft

    ATHENS, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis on Monday called for the creation of a coordination body to assist the government in stamping out intellectual property theft, particularly in terms of software and bootleg CDs, speaking during a one-day seminar organized by the foreign ministry in Athens.

    According to figures announced at the seminar, the problem is particularly acute in Greece, where software-pirated products account for a whopping 62 percent of the relevant market, as opposed to a 35-percent average in the European Union as a whole.

    Greek authorities have been faced with the scourge of bootleg CDs being hawked on practically every commercial street in the east Mediterranean country for several years.

    [33] Onassis Foundation to host significant post-Byzantium exhibition in NYC

    NEW YORK, 13/12/2005 (ANA)

    The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation's long-awaited exhibition "From Byzantium to Modern Greece: Hellenic Art in Adversity, 1453-1830", will open here on Wednesday at the foundation's Manhattan headquarters.

    Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis will be on hand to inaugurate the exhibition, as will his predecessor, current MP Evangelos Venizelos. The deputy minister will give a press conference on Tuesday.

    According to a press release issued by the foundation, the exhibition will features artifacts from the Benaki Museum in Athens that detail the evolution of Greek art and culture during the roughly four centuries of tumultuous change under Venetian rule and dour Ottoman occupation. Some 137 works from all areas of artistic production -- icons, paintings, woodcarvings, metalwork, embroidery, costumes, jewellery, and pottery will be on display.

    The exhibition runs from Dec. 15 to May 6, 2006.

    [34] Greek Olympic Games know-how in Beijing

    BEIJING, 13/12/2005 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

    Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia arrived in Beijing last Sunday, accompanied by a number of Greek ministry experts, to present the government's complete proposal to facilitate the excellent holding of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Consequently, cooperation between Greece and China regarding the Beijing Olympic Games has entered its final stretch.

    The success of the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 constitutes, as conceded by the Chinese authorities, the guarantee that Greece can provide its know-how worthily in the sector of organizing as China has already started to prepare itself for the great event.

    Petralia, speaking about Greece's experience to millions of Chinese through interviews with China's two biggest television networks Beijing TV and China Central Television, said that the Olympic Games open a window to the world.

    The interest of the Chinese government in Greece's experience and in the way it can benefit from it was made clear during the minister's first visit last July and by the signing of a memorandum on the creation of an Olympic Cooperation Committee between Greece and China, but primarily by the decision taken by the Chinese authorities to make Greece the theme country at the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Petralia thanked the Chinese government publicly for this great honor, stressing that the official visit by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in January will seal the excellent relations existing between the two countries and will promote bilateral trade exchanges.

    Results of the Greek first division soccer championship matches played over the weekend and Monday:

    OFI Crete - AEK Athens 0-1

    Levadiakos Livadia - PAOK Thessaloniki 2-2

    Apollon Kalamaria - Akratitos Athens 3-0

    Xanthi - Kallithea Athens 2-2

    Ionikos Piraeus - Egaleo Athens 4-1

    Panathinaikos Athens - Iraklis Thessaloniki 2-2

    Panionios Athens - Atromitos Athens 2-0

    Olympiakos Piraeus - Larissa 4-0

    The point standings after thirteen weeks of play:

    Olympiakos 33 points

    AEK 32

    Xanthi 24

    Panathinaikos 24

    PAOK 20

    Ionikos 18

    Iraklis 18

    Larissa 16

    Egaleo 16

    Atromitos 15

    Apollon Kalamaria 15

    OFI 12

    Panionios 12

    Levadiakos 11

    Kallithea 8

    Akratitos 7

    [35] EU text on Turkey calls on Ankara to fulfill obligations

    BRUSSELS, 13/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    The General Affairs Council adopted in Brussels on Monday the European Commission proposal for the revised EU-Turkey relations. Cyprus was represented by Foreign Minister George Iacovou.

    According to Iacovou, the text approved maintains in its entirety the acquis contained in the statement of 21st September as well as the negotiating framework adopted on 3rd October. In addition, "we managed to strengthen it in many points," the minister added.

    This way, there is reference to Turkey's obligation to respect and implement the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

    The EU had officially approved on 21st September the counterstatement of its 25 members to the Turkish unilateral declaration of not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus.

    In his statements, Iacovou said that all references on Cyprus are included in the short term priorities, meaning two years. The reference on the statement of the 21st of September for the first time after its adoption into acquis communautaire, even as a footnote, is by itself, a positive development, the minister added.

    In the text on the EU-Turkey relations the letter "ensure" was added on a Permanent Representatives Committee level which changes the framework that existed so far, since Turkey is invited to make sure it will grant its continued support in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, implying that for the first time something more is demanded from Turkey. The previous documents, including the Committee's, had merely called on Turkey to continue supporting the efforts of the Secretary-General.

    It added that it is Turkey's obligation to create a better climate to find a solution, that is to take specific actions to create a better climate, the minister added.

    Furthermore, Turkey's relations with all member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, must be normalized, since Ankara is called to take specific steps towards this.

    As regards the Protocol of the Ankara Agreement, the statement of the 21st September is being reminded as well as that the EU will examine within 2006 whether Turkey has proceeded with its implementation.

    Iacovou said that Turkey will have to make up a national plan that will include specific deadlines on the measures it intends to take to fulfill its priorities.

    It is clear, said Iacovou, that surely Turkey will have to include in its action plan what specific steps it intends to take to fulfill its obligations regarding Cyprus which are described as "short term priorities."

    Concluding, the foreign minister said that one of Nicosia's aims is Turkey's date with the EU to take place within the forthcoming EU Austrian Presidency so that Ankara will speed up implementing its obligations.

    [36] Cyprus closely monitors Turkish actions, says government

    NICOSIA, 13/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    The Cyprus government continues to closely monitor the Turkish actions at Ledra Street and other areas and is taking all the right measures, Government Spokesman

    Kypros Chrysostomides said here on Monday, noting that the UNFICYP statement, that the

    constructions at the area of Ledras Street by the occupation force do not contribute to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, will be utilized.

    The spokesman pointed out that the Turkish occupation troops actions in Cyprus will be monitored as part of Turkey's negotiating framework and its EU relations, and its whole attitude will be evaluated by the EU during 2006.

    Commenting on reports that the Turkish actions at Ledra Street and other areas aim at delimitating the illegal regime in advanced positions, the spokesman said that "there are violations in other areas too, and the Turkish side does indeed have aspirations in these areas too."

    He noted the government is "closely monitoring the situation and taking the right measures."

    Regarding Ledra Street, he said the "government has raised the issue at the UN and has granted all information it has in its possession.

    We want to believe that the peace force, which is responsible for maintaining the ceasefire line and the status quo, will act according to its mandate and will prove the necessary, as the case may be, determination."

    "We believe that the violations of the military status quo from the occupation army and the occupation army's aggressive behavior are in full contrast with the obligations undertaken by Turkey against the EU or the obligations imposed on Ankara by the EU," Chrysostomides added.

    The spokesman expressed hope that Turkey will act in a European manner, in the end, and will promote efforts for a Cyprus solution.

    [37] Cyprus to enter Eurozone provided social state is not sacrificed

    NICOSIA, 13/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    The Cyprus government's aim is to enter the Eurozone in 2008, provided the social state will not be sacrificed, President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos said here Monday.

    Asked if the aim of the government is to enter the Eurozone by 2008, President Papadopoulos said "that's what our pre-election program says, provided that with the introduction of euro we will not sacrifice our social state."

    To a question if there is a possibility of postponing the introduction of the Euro if it is ascertained that the social state will be sacrificed, the Cypriot president said that "this will become evident from the index and our economy's progress."

    "I do not think there is any Cypriot citizen who says that there should be austerity by undermining social grants and the social state to enter the Eurozone," the president underlined.

    To a remark that the issue at stake is the welfare of the numbers and the welfare of the citizens as well, the President replied "this is what we have been doing all along, and I think it is feasible with the right planning and organizing our economy."

    Invited to comment on left wing party AKEL's suggestion to postpone accession to the eurozone for a year, President Papadopoulos replied:" there is no conflict on the issue."

    "The aim is 2008, if we achieve it," President Papadopoulos concluded.

    [38] EU Commission: opening Ledra street important measure

    NICOSIA, 13/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    A European Union Commission spokesperson in Brussels has described "important" a prospective opening of a crossing point at Ledra Street, in the divided capital of Cyprus Nicosia.

    "We hope that Ledra Street will be opened soon, as it is an important confidence building measure between the two communities," the spokesperson said, responding to a CNA question on the matter.

    The spokesperson also noted that the Commission trusts "UNFICYP's assessment on the practicalities, since UNFICYP are the competent authority."

    The comment came in the wake of a deadlock caused by a unilateral decision of the Turkish Cypriot side to build a bridge on the Turkish occupied side of Ledra Street, where a crossing point was to open by mutual consent of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides.

    The crossing point is to facilitate movement between the island's northern Turkish-occupied north and the southern government-controlled part of Cyprus.

    A total of five crossing points operate along the ceasefire line to facilitate movement of people to and from the occupied areas, at the Ledra Palace Hotel, in Nicosia, Pergamos and Strovilia, on the east, Ayios Dometios and Zodia, on the western suburbs of the capital.

    According to police records, thousands of Cypriots cross daily by car or on foot the dividing line, most of them Turkish Cypriots.

    [39] UN: Construction at Ledra Street should cease

    NICOSIA, 13/12/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    UNFICYP has declared that construction undertaken by the Turkish side at Ledra Street, in Nicosia, should cease and both sides should resume efforts to find mutually acceptable arrangements for the opening of Ledra Street crossing, a spokesman for the UN Secretary General has said.

    ''The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has said that it is unable to support or facilitate the opening of the proposed crossing at Ledra Street, in the heart of Nicosia, in the absence of the consent of both parties," the spokesman underlined.

    The spokesman added that UNFICYP's view is that while construction undertaken by the Turkish side is outside the buffer zone, being to the north of the ceasefire line, it should cease."

    At the same time he stressed that "both sides should resume efforts to find mutually acceptable arrangements for the opening of Ledra Street crossing."

    The Turkish side began construction work in a unilateral move, as efforts were underway to open a sixth crossing point between the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus and the southern government controlled part of the island.

    The Cyprus government has proposed an end to all construction and a dialogue to find a way out of the current deadlock in efforts to open another check point.

    A total of five crossing points operate along the ceasefire line to facilitate movement of people to and from the occupied areas, at the Ledra Palace Hotel, in Nicosia, Pergamos and Strovilia, on the east, Ayios Dometios and Zodia, on the western suburbs of the capital.

    According to police records, thousands of Cypriots cross daily by car or on foot the dividing line, most of them Turkish Cypriots.


    Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
  • Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    ana2html v2.01 run on Wednesday, 14 December 2005 - 10:13:51 UTC