Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Three drown as torrential rains pummel Greece

[02] PM at foreign ministry on Tues.; FM to receive de Soto, Anastasios

[03] Cem itinerary for this week's official visit announced

[04] Athens dismisses latest Turkish quips over Cyprus' EU entry

[05] Gov't: Problems with US embassy over anthrax letter resolved

[06] State Department says tests for anthrax prove negative

[07] Greek deputy FM inaugurates trade exhibition in Chicago

[08] EU countries complain for not being invited to 'mini summit

[09] President of the Republic receives Archbishop of Albania

[10] Gov't blames ND for massive Malakasa traffic jam

[11] Papadopoulos asks regional health councils for better results

[12] Synaspismos leader outlines party's position in municipal elections

[13] British finance minister calls for assets of terrorist groups to be frozen

[14] Newspaper links Al Qaeda to occupied territory in Cyprus

[15] Seminar on the role of local government after EU enlargement

[16] Parliamentary budget for 2002 approved

[17] Budget drafting in final stage

[18] Minister says time suitable for social security solution

[19] Athens-quoted contractor signs Olympics media center deal

[20] Greek-Turkish Chamber to meet in January

[21] Greece launches technology foresight program

[22] Greece to forge 10-year tourism policy, minister says

[23] Domestic info-tech grew rapidly in 2000, seen rising further

[24] Greek stocks jump 2.33 percent on ASE

[25] Turkish-flag ship carrying 1,000 illegal immigrants reaches Zakynthos port

[26] Ecumenical Patriarch meets with Armenian president

[27] Minister discusses creation of international university

[28] Athens hosts annual world conference on flight safety

[29] Greek scientists hopeful of new cancer diagnosis test

[30] Government spokesman terms Ecevit's statement as threatening

[31] Ambassador says US support Cyprus' accession to the

[01] Three drown as torrential rains pummel Greece

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Police said a 30-year-old monk drowned Sunday night after his car was swept away by a flash flood in the Mavrosouvala region of Kalamos, outside Athens.

Passers-by immediately alerted authorities, but an EMAK emergency rescue team that arrived on the spot recovered the monk's body, which was trapped in the car.

In a separate incident, the body of a missing 18-year-old Albanian man who was swept away by a water torrent in the village of Asprochori outside Avlona late Sunday night was discovered Monday morning about a kilometer away from the spot where he was swept away.

In a third incident, a 46-year-old woman was fatally injured Saturday night when she was swept off the roof of her home in Lechaina, Ileia prefecture, by storm winds. The woman died en route to the local medical center.

Meanwhile, teams of firefighters were working Monday morning to rescue 16 people trapped in their cars on a mountain road on Mt. Avlonas on the border of Attica and Viotia prefectures.

Inclement weather continued to pummel Greece on Monday for the third consecutive day, with snow in mountain regions, strong winds and storms in eastern and southern Greece, and gale-force winds at sea.

In Athens, tens of basements and ground-floor homes and shops have flooded, while the Fire Department has received more than 200 calls to pump water from flooded buildings.

At the same time, snow chains are required on central road arteries in Arcadia prefecture from Egio to Kalavryta, around Mt. Parnitha, from Almyros, Volos to Anavra, and from Lamia to Karpenissi.

Weekend traffic toll: Sixteen people were killed in weekend traffic accidents throughout the country, Traffic Police said Monday.

They said 16 people were killed and 187 were injured, of whom 41 seriously, in a total of 144 road accidents throughout the country between Friday morning and Sunday night.

[02] PM at foreign ministry on Tues.; FM to receive de Soto, Anastasios

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

A bust of Kranidiotis, who died in a freak aviation accident two years ago while heading to Bucharest for a meeting of Balkan foreign ministers, will be unveiled at the ministry.

Simitis' contacts at the ministry come two weeks after he shifted Tassos Yiannitsis from the labor and social insurances portfolio to the post of alternate foreign minister in the wake of a government reshuffle. One-time minister Yiannis Magriotis also returned to Simitis' Cabinet as the deputy foreign minister, whereas Yiannis Zaphiropoulos was transferred from the national economy ministry to the foreign ministry as a deputy minister.

Conversely, high-profile Foreign Minister George Papandreou remained at the foreign ministry as the Greece's foreign minister.

The premier will also address the ministry's staff and employees.

Meanwhile, Papandreou is scheduled to meet the UN chief's special representative for the Cyprus issue, Alvaro de Soto, at around 1 p.m., as the latter is officially visiting Greece.

Finally, the Greek foreign minister will receive visiting Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios later in the afternoon, with talks expected to focus on Greek-Albanian relations as well as the promotion of an international "all-faiths" dialogue among the world's major religions and civilizations - an initiative vigorously backed by Athens and Papandreou.

Foreign ministry spokesman: Meanwhile, in a press briefing here on Monday, the foreign ministry's spokesman said recent statements by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit -- including a threat to annex the Turkish-occupied portion of northern Cyprus -- do not surprise Athens, as they exemplify Ankara's dead-end policy vis-a-vis the Cyprus problem.

"Promotion of Cyprus' accession process and its harmonization with the Union's acquis communautaire, something that was verified during Romano Prodi's visit to Nicosia, remains our goal," spokesman Panos Beglitis stressed.

[03] Cem itinerary for this week's official visit announced

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

According to an official itinerary released on Monday, President Kostis Stephanopoulos will receive Cem on Wednesday afternoon, before the top Turkish diplomat meets with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis.

Talks with his Greek counterpart, George Papandreou, are scheduled for Thursday morning, with a press conference to follow.

Cem's meeting with Simitis is set for Thursday as well. The Turkish FM will also attend the inauguration of a photo exhibition at the municipal art gallery the same evening, an event co-organised by the Athens and Istanbul stock exchanges.

Agenda: International developments along with bilateral relations following the signing of several "low-impact" agreements between the two governments are expected to dominate talks. Additionally, regional issues related to the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East may arise in the Papandreou-Cem talks.

In terms of bilateral agreements, the two ministers - among the chief architects of a modest, two-year rapprochement between Athens and Ankara - will sign a protocol of cooperation amongst their respective diplomatic academies, a pact that also foresees a three-year training program. Another agreement deals with the establishment of a joint unit to deal with natural disasters.

[04] Athens dismisses latest Turkish quips over Cyprus' EU entry

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

"The Greek government considers that the Cyprus problem, which is a problem of occupation and of violations of International Law, can be solved; and that its resolution is both desirable and possible," government spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters during a regular press briefing here.

He also reiterated Athens' standing position that a solution to the Cyprus issue must in no way constitute a condition for the island republic's EU accession.

[05] Gov't: Problems with US embassy over anthrax letter resolved

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman said that US Ambassador Thomas Miller had acknowledged that the Greek government had been inadequately briefed and promised to cooperate fully with Greek authorities from now on.

[06] State Department says tests for anthrax prove negative

WASHINGTON, 06/11/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

It noted that "early in the afternoon of November 4, the American embassy in Athens received the results of the laboratory tests which confirmed that the bacteria which were found in the diplomatic pouch which had arrived at the embassy on October 31 did not contain anthrax. The embassy briefed the Greek government. Benign bacteria which are not connected with disease, constitute formal surface infection. The embassy was also briefed that a suspicious letter which had arrived last week at the naval base of Souda was examined for anthrax and the results also proved to be negative."

During his regular press briefing, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher reiterated that the results of the tests were negative.

To a question regarding the Greek government's protest to the U.S. Embassy concerning a delay in the briefing of the Greek authorities on the discovery of the suspicious substances, Boucher replied: "I do not know to what extent this is true and because of this I have no comment to make."

[07] Greek deputy FM inaugurates trade exhibition in Chicago

CHICAGO, 06/11/2001 (ANA - M. Psyllos)

Speaking during the inauguration, Magriotis called on Greek-American but also American entrepreneurs to invest in Greece, to develop trade and economic relations and move, through Greece, towards the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek deputy foreign minister said that Greece can pave the way for more extensive cooperation in the business sector.

Also present at the inauguration was the president of Chicago's world trade center, Mill Harpigan, who stressed that the Greek trade delegation was the first foreign trade delegation to visit the United States after the terrorist attacks there on September 11. Also present at the exhibition were Chicago Mayor Dom Daley and other officials.

SAE President Andrew Athens said that despite the terrorist attack in the U.S. on September 11, and the multiple challenges which the U.S. is facing both on the domestic and international front, the SAE's first trade and cultural exhibition abroad shows the determination of the overseas Greeks to bring to pass this "enormous undertaking."

Athens thanked the tens of Greek entrepreneurs who arrived in Chicago from every corner of the planet to participate in the exhibition and to discuss with American companies the development of entrepreneurial initiatives.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Magriotis had a series of contacts with Greek-American entrepreneurs to whom he promised every possible help for them to overcome the problems they are facing in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

[08] EU countries complain for not being invited to 'mini summit

BRUSSELS, 06/11/2001 (ANA / Y. Zitouniati)

As stated by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, the countries which were not invited to the "unexpected meeting" (Greece, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria and Portugal) will proceed in making a joint complaint on a European Union level, arguing that due to the present international situation, the omission of these countries at the meeting does not cement unity against terrorism or strengthens ties in the ranks of the EU.

Papandreou, who came into contact with many of his counter-parts to discuss the issue, added that there was no rule dictating certain member-states to meet if they so wish, but that these actions do not contribute to the creation of a climate of trust and at the same time undermine EU institutions.

Papandreou was in Brussels to participate in the Euro-Med conference which met here for the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Participating also in the conference were Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.

Papandreou told reporters that a new initiative for the resumption of the Mideast peace talks is expected next week in New York.

[09] President of the Republic receives Archbishop of Albania

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Anastasios is the first prelate of the Orthodox Church of Albania to visit Greece since 1937.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos accompanied Anastasios to the Presidential Mansion, where the meeting between the President and the Albanian prelate lasted for half an hour.

Anastasios noted the current problems, which he said have become the problems of all humanity, while he stressed the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, noting that "the Apostolic spirituality, will contribute to the strengthening of the Unity of the Church".

"The Unity of the Church, coordinated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the mutual support of the local churches, should be stressed and become every day life during the third millennium as well," Anastasios said.

"The conscience of all should be strengthened that the Orthodox Church is not a confederation of local churches, but one Holy and Apostolic Church. And that every local church is the expression of this one Church," he added.

Archbishop of All Albania proclaimed honorary professor: Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios on Monday night was proclaimed honorary professor of Piraeus University's International and European Studies Department.

The university's dean, Vassilis Benos, referred to the Arch-bishop's accomplishments, which he said "surpass human potential."

The dean said Anastasios' work encompassed the scientific, clerical, cultural and humanistic sectors. The Archbishop, Benos noted, is mostly acclaimed for his efforts in bringing peoples together.

On his part, Anastasios spoke on the theme "The contribution in the combatting of violence - Immediate interest and duty of the churches".

The Archbishop referred to the 20th century, saying it was one of "violence, wars and genocides".

On the start of the new millennium, he said "we began singing for peace, while we saw violence galloping. We spoke of justice, but injustice is spreading everywhere. The unholy alliance of violence and injustice is capable of creating many sufferings in the world."

However, he noted, "violence can be sparked also from a religious flame, as has been witnessed during the recent (terrorist) attack in the U.S. It is apparent that religion is also implicated."

Present at the ceremony were Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, Piraeus Metropolitan Kallinikos, deputies and local officials.

[10] Gov't blames ND for massive Malakasa traffic jam

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopapas blamed a New Democracy government of 1990-93 for what he called shoddy construction work on the national highway at the Malakasa site, north of Athens. He also said anti-flooding works are currently underway on the portion of the roadway that was submerged under roughly one meter of water on Sunday.

Thousands of vehicles backed up for several kilometers in both direction of the highway between Sunday afternoon and the early morning hours, stranding motorists for up to five hours amid pouring rain.

The state-run railroad utility's affiliated construction firm, Ergose, on Monday also denied press reports that it was overseeing construction works in the flood-plagued site.

In a heated response later in the day, ND deputy Vyron Polydoras laid the blame on Costas Laliotis, who up until two weeks ago was the government's public works and town planning minister before assuming the post of ruling PASOK's party secretary.

"Since the landslide occurred five years ago, PASOK has been making repairs at Malakasa, and it hasn't been able to finish the draining ditch network and anti-flooding works. As a result, a normal rain storm, one that doesn't qualify as an extreme weather condition, closes down Malakasa for 10 hours ... essentially cutting the country in half," he said.

[11] Papadopoulos asks regional health councils for better results

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

While acknowledging that the task was difficult, Papadopoulos urged them to place more emphasis on the quality of services provided and to faithfully follow the instructions of a circular that would soon be sent out by the ministry regarding reception desks for patients at state hospitals.

He also asked them to quickly resolve any practical problems so that evening surgeries could begin to operate in hospitals as soon as possible.

Underlining that any period of grace had essentially ended after the first six months since the reforms were passed had elapsed, the health minister urged the heads of regional health authorities to give the system a greater impetus.

Though there had been some improvements in those six months, Papadopoulos said that more was needed and told regional authority heads that they must work closely, and above all effectively, with hospital managers.

[12] Synaspismos leader outlines party's position in municipal elections

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

He said that the Coalition had no intention of cooperating on a party basis in the three major municipalities or in the supraprefectures where the municipal and prefectural elections take on "a political color."

Constantopoulos said that his party, having clear positions from its previous congress, will support broader movements with self-administrative criteria and where there are trustworthy people, underlining that these initiatives should have a clear objective with regard to regional development and genuine self-administration and secure the prerequisites in order to confront regional and inter-regional inequalities.

[13] British finance minister calls for assets of terrorist groups to be frozen

LONDON, 06/11/2001 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The list also included Greece's "Revolutionary Nuclei" as well.

Brown stated that the organizations named on the list have committed or threatened to commit or to fund terrorist actions, adding that they will not find a safe heaven for their assets in Great Britain.

He noted that he expected of all economic organizations to check their data and freeze their assets.

The provision of economic resources is a basic element of the life of modern terrorism, he said, adding that those that fund terrorism are as guilty as those committing the acts.

He also said that the checks in Britain on the economic activities of terrorists are of the best in the world, adding that the British government is ready to undertake all necessary measures to deprive terrorists of the funds they are based on.

To this point, accounts containing 63 million pounds were frozen, as British authorities believe that they are connected with terrorist organizations.

[14] Newspaper links Al Qaeda to occupied territory in Cyprus

ROME, 06/11/2001 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

The newspaper says that according to a CIA report "Al Qaeda" channeled about 500-700 million dollars through the Turkish-occupied territory in Cyprus over the 1992-1998 period, which were destined for the Balkans.

A total of 21 local banks and 48 offshore companies are currently located in occupied territory. Bin Laden's brothers Hassan and Saleh, who have the bank accounts of three registered offshore companies, are active there, it was added.

But the Turkish-occupied territory in Cyprus is not only the center of the money-laundering and economic activities of bin Laden, the paper said.

According to rumors heard, about 10 of the 200 Arabs or Afghans, who according to "Newsweek", left Kandahar over the past few weeks, passed from there.

If these rumors are to be believed, the Italian paper writes, the Moslem volunteers going from Europe through Zagreb and Sofia to the "holy war" being carried out in the mountains of Afghanistan gather in an Islamic academy in occupied northern Cyprus.

[15] Seminar on the role of local government after EU enlargement

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in the conference, which will continue on Tuesday, are officials from EU member-states and EU candidate countries. The conference was organized by the interior and public administration ministry, the EU regions committee and local authority unions.

Speakers stressed the role of local and regional authorities and said these should have an enhanced role in the enlarged EU. Other points stressed were the creation of a large internal market that would help provide solutions to problems concerning employment and the environment and common measures on quality of life issues.

Interior minister Costas Skandalidis, in his address to the conference, noted that there had to be a balanced distribution of power, responsibilities and roles on a local, regional, national and European level.

Problems in this process, he said, were how to ensure equal participation of smaller countries, how to preserve the cultural identity of each nation and how to deal with 'differences' in the context of European convergence.

After Skandalidis, the conference was addressed by the interior ministers of countries seeking to join the EU, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary and Lithuania, who outlined their efforts to harmonies their institutions with those of the EU.

[16] Parliamentary budget for 2002 approved

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Problems concerning the amount of parliamentary compensation was the center of the debate, in view of the incompatibility of the professional and parliamentary capacity, which will go into effect from 2003.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis thanked the deputies for recognizing his efforts.

[17] Budget drafting in final stage

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and his staff are expected to decide on their final provisions of the new budget in the next few days following the latest forecasts made on the impact on the world economy from a global economic slowdown by the EU's Finance Ministers' Council, and international organizations IMF and OECD.

Provisions will include the economic growth rates for this year and 2002 and revenue and spending growth rates in the new budget.

The Greek government tends to adopt a lower growth rate for 2001 and 2002, compared with forecasts made in a pre-text of the budget made shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Economy ministry's latest forecasts call for a growth rate of 4-4.1 percent this year, down from an initial 4.6 percent, and 3.8 percent for 2002, down from 4.0 percent.

The ministry will adjust accordingly its provisions for state revenues and spending, with the most likely scenario calling for an annual revenue growth below 7.4 percent, which was the initial forecast.

The government will seek further spending cuts, around 100 billion drachmas, to achieve a budget surplus of around 1.0 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), down from an initial target of 1.3 percent next year.

[18] Minister says time suitable for social security solution

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said a discussion on a clear basis is necessary to seek a clear solution and spoke of the need for a joint effort for a just and viable social security system.

He reiterated to ADEDY the view, which he has been stressing ever since he assumed his duties, for a sincere dialogue, cooperation and understanding with the purpose of securing agreements between the ministry, trade unions and employers' unions.

ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyros said he appreciates the spirit of cooperation shown by the (ministry's) new leadership. He added that on the social security issue solutions based on a public system securing solidarity between generations and implementing the principles of redistribution and universality should be sought.

Papaspyros was positive over the prospect of a dialogue and underlined the need for steadfast and longstanding solutions to be pursued.

[19] Athens-quoted contractor signs Olympics media center deal

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Signing for the government was Deputy Culture Minister Nassos Alevras, who is responsible for Olympics projects handled by his ministry.

The budget for the project, which involves construction of two high-rise buildings in Maroussi, near the Olympic Stadium, is 14.8 billion drachmas.

The facility, which is to include an existing building owned by Helexpo, a state trade fair organizer, will be the hub of media operations for the games.

The building will also house support services for media provided by the national Olympics organizers.

[20] Greek-Turkish Chamber to meet in January

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Fotiadis was opening a two-day meeting in the northern town of Alexandroupoli of senior customs officials from the two countries.

He called for greater cooperation between Greece and Turkey that could help in the battle against smuggling, as well as boost bilateral trade ties.

[21] Greece launches technology foresight program

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said the program was aiming to sensitize Greek society, public opinion makers and economic planners over technological developments and their impact in the next 15-20 years.

The program will contribute to the work of the country's research, scientific and business potential, with a time schedule between now and the years 2015 and 2021.

The program's final aim is to create a know-how and an applications center in Greece.

[22] Greece to forge 10-year tourism policy, minister says

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Playing a special role in the project would be the National Tourism Council, whose composition should remain stable in order to achieve continuity, Tsohatzopoulos said on the sidelines of a tourism trade fair in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

[23] Domestic info-tech grew rapidly in 2000, seen rising further

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

According to the survey, the market is likely to grow to 1.3 trillion drachmas in value in 2003 against 1.0 trillion drachmas in 2001.

Seen rising briskly are computer sales and Internet use, aided by inflows from the European Union's Third Community Support Framework package of funds, the 2004 Olympics to be hosted by Athens and a government project to boost the information society.

The rising trend will hold for at least the next six years, the survey said.

At the same time, the global economic slowdown that hit mainly the new economy coupled with the Athens bourse's sharp decline acted as a brake on the investment plans of many sector companies, especially the subsidiaries of multinationals.

But although quoted information technology firms saw their net profits adversely affected, most nevertheless saw a major rise in sales, the survey said.

[24] Greek stocks jump 2.33 percent on ASE

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Traders said sentiment was boosted by prospects of more positive business developments and hopes of a new round of interest rate cuts in the US and in Europe in the next few days.

A positive trend in international bourses also encouraged buying interest in the Greek market.

The general index ended 2.33 percent higher at 2,590.10 points, with turnover a moderate 65.7 billion drachmas, or 192.9 million euros.

The Publication, Construction and Wholesale sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (6.70 percent, 5.27 percent and 4.36 percent, respectively), while the Bank sector gained only 1.35 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.87 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 3.34 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index soared 4.22 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 335 to 17 with another 12 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Sex Form and Pavlidis.

Equity futures move higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday moved higher in volatile trade, traders said.

Changing hands were 10,067 contracts on turnover of 61.6 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 1.87 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks gained 3.34 percent.

Bond prices edge up in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 4.77 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.1 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for over half of turnover.

[25] Turkish-flag ship carrying 1,000 illegal immigrants reaches Zakynthos port

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

More than 200 of its "passengers" were taken to the local hospital as they faced health problems, while doctors provided healthcare for the six of the women aboard the ship that are pregnant.

At press time the rest of the illegal immigrants were still on board the ship, having, however, requested to be allowed by the port authorities to disembark. Some of them said to officials that they paid up to 3,000 US dollars for the trip, sources said.

According to sources the illegal immigrants, among which there are 150 children, will be given temporary shelter in the local gymnasium and hospital.

Officials said that early on Monday a 60-metre vessel, was spotted running adrift off Keri, Zakynthos, in 7-beaufort winds by another vessel sailing nearby at about 2:00 a.m., and the island's port authority was immediately notified.

The local authorities were put on alert and the Greek passenger ship "Zakynthos" was immediately dispatched, and towed the vessel to port.

The sources said a problem with the ship's anchor, which could not be raised, was slowing down the towing operation.

By order of Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, in collaboration with Zakynthos MP Dionyssis Gouskos, an operation was set up to provide medical and medicinal aid to any illegal immigrants facing health problems and requiring medical attention.

[26] Ecumenical Patriarch meets with Armenian president

YEREVAN, 06/11/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Patriarch arrived in the city to declare the end of celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Armenians' Christianisation.

The Armenian president reassured Vartholomeos of the good relations between the Church and the state in Armenia and underlined that the Armenian Church has contributed to maintaining national identity.

Vartholomeos gave the Armenian president an icon of the Apostle Andrew, the founder of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

[27] Minister discusses creation of international university

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

Paschalidis said in a statement that the method of implementing the idea was examined which concerns the creation of an international university in Thessaloniki with the purpose of receiving students from countries in southeastern Europe.

He reminded that a relevant announcement was made by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Thessaloniki on September 8, adding that he is in continuous contact with Education Minister Petros Efthymiou on the issue, since the education ministry is responsible for taking relevant decisions.

Paschalidis further said the examination of the issue through a feasibility study will be pursued and that the international university's faculties and programs will concern two languages, English and Greek.

[28] Athens hosts annual world conference on flight safety

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

The representatives of the Athens-based foundation said that there were plans to make air travel even safer, with initiatives and indications to the plane manufacturers.

The press conference was given within the framework of the annual world conference on flight safety, being held in Athens with the participation of 500 delegates from forty countries.

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis will address the conference on Tuesday.

The foundation is a section of the Washington-based Foundation on Flight Safety.

The Foundation on Flight Safety comprises elite members of the civil aviation industry and provides a neutral and objective platform where issues can be discussed concerning flight safety. It has about 840 members from 142 countries. It also includes 270 airline companies which belong to IATA, that is about 90 per cent of the world airline transport potential.

The Foundation on Flight Safety in SE Europe not only cooperates with the countries of the region, that is Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Slovenia, but also exchanges information with these countries concerning the safety of flights.

[29] Greek scientists hopeful of new cancer diagnosis test

Athens, 06/11/2001 (ANA)

The test will be in a position to detect changes in the levels of certain proteins in cells, locating pre-clinical damage one or two years before the appearance of the first clinical symptoms.

The scientists believe that they will be ultimately able to create such a test and contribute to the struggle against lung cancer with a safe diagnosis long before serious damage to cells appears.

The test is expected to be used initially for people prone to such a threat such as smokers.

[30] Government spokesman terms Ecevit's statement as threatening

NICOSIA, 06/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said here on Monday Turkey should get aligned with the international law, European Union principles and the Copenhagen criteria adding that this would serve both its own and Turkish Cypriot interests.

Invited to comment on Ecevit's statements to Turkish daily "Milliyet" that Turkey could annex the northern part of Cyprus, it occupies since 1974, if Cyprus accedes the EU, the spokesman said Ecevit's statements "reveal that Turkey is in a state of dilemma that she herself has created."

He said the EU "has sent out clear messages" as regards Turkish threats and recalled statements by European officials that a possible annexation of the occupied north to Turkey, would bring an end to Turkey's European orientation.

The spokesman said Turkish aspirations for a confederation in Cyprus have been scattered, adding that as time flies the dispute between those who argue against Europe such as Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and those who argue for Europe will increase and Turkish dilemmas will grow "until it's time for her to take painful decisions."

"The EU sends out the message that the Cyprus Republic will accede the EU as a whole and that Turkey clashes the EU decision," Papapetrou said.

Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit told the Turkish daily "Milliyet" that two tracks were possible for an integration of Turkey and the self-styled puppet regime in the occupied territory of Cyprus: "total annexation or establishment of an autonomous status" for the self-declared state, recognized only by Ankara.

Last year Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash abandoned UN-led talks on Cyprus demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus before he returns to the UN-led peace talks.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[31] Ambassador says US support Cyprus' accession to the

EU NICOSIA, 06/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press after a one-hour long meeting with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Bandler said their discussion focused on "a lot of important subjects" as President Clerides departs on Tuesday for New York where he will address the UN General Assembly and will meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the Ambassadors of the five UN Permanent Members and other officials to discuss the Cyprus question.|

Invited to comment on Turkish Premier Bulent Ecevit's statement that Turkey could annex the occupied by Turkish troops part of Cyprus to mainland Turkey if Cyprus accedes the EU, Bandler said the US "support the accession of Cyprus to the EU and think that this accession process can be an incentive for a just and endurable settlement in Cyprus."

The US Ambassador added his country also supported the decision taken by EU leaders in Helsinki in 1999, that a solution to the problem is not be a precondition for Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Replying to a question on the prospects for the resumption of UN-led talks on Cyprus, Bandler said "that's the point" and recalled the recent visits on the island of US State Department's Special Coordinator on Cyprus Tomas Weston and UN Secretary General' Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro De Soto and said the latter was now in Ankara "to work on this."

"There will be further discussions in New York in and around the General Assembly," the US Ambassador said.

Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit told the Turkish daily "Milliyet" that two tracks were possible for an integration of Turkey and the self-styled puppet regime in the occupied territory of Cyprus: "total annexation or establishment of an autonomous status" for the self-declared state, recognized only by Ankara.

Last year Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash abandoned UN-led talks on Cyprus demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus before he returns to the UN-led peace talks.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

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