Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis unveils government's energy policy

[02] FM Papandreou holds talks in Riyadh with Saudi counterpart on Mideast crisis

[03] Archbishop to announce $500,000 in food for Palestinians

[04] Defense minister meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America

[05] Greek-Cypriots showed goodwill, not so Turkish-Cypriots, Weston says

[06] Second round of Greek-Turkish 'exploratory talks' begins

[07] EU official and alternate FM discuss Commission reform

[08] EU External Relations Commissioner Patten accused Israel of violating inter’l law

[09] Interior Minister Skandalidis meets EU Commissioner Kinnock

[10] Temporary residence permits to be extended until the end of 2002

[11] PASOK announces latest batch of local gov't nominations

[12] Yugoslav FM visits Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[13] Vartholomeos awarded int'l award for his pro-environment stance

[14] Greek MEP to be awarded Germany's Grand Cross medal

[15] Simitis says report not govt's final proposals on tax reform

[16] Greek-Turkish mining industries discuss cooperation

[17] Greece, China to launch talks on tourism cooperation

[18] Greek ports' piloting rights cheapest in the Mediterranean

[19] EU transport commissioner to Thessaloniki Friday

[20] Water shortages shift westward to Ionian islands, gov't says

[21] Northern Greek cotton farmers debate continuing protest action

[22] Greek bourse down slightly on Thursday

[23] ATHOC president briefs Athens mayor on IOC inspection

[24] 2004 Olympics organizers call international catering tender

[25] Greek minister invited to Downing Street event by Cherie Blair

[26] British minister calls for more willingness to compromise

[27] Cyprus does not accept reference to 'two peoples'

[28] Only one acquis chapter left for Cyprus to wrap up

[01] Simitis unveils government's energy policy

The government's energy policy aims to promote sustained development, with emphasis given to sufficiency and security, and at the same time to strengthen the country's presence in the wider area of Southeastern Europe to achieve peace, security, cooperation and stability in the region, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting to discuss the government's energy policy, Simitis said that the growth plan until the year 2010 envisaged, implementing a new regulatory framework in electricity and natural gas to harmonies Greece with energy standards in the common market and to create preconditions to attract significant private investments in the sector.

The plan also envisages actions to expand and strengthen current electricity and natural gas distribution networks and to invest a total of 5.5 trillion drachmas by 2010, creating 55,000 new direct job positions and 91,000 indirect job positions in the next eight years. ''We respond to growth, we respond to combatting unemployment,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister noted that Greece was reversing its geographical isolation at the edge of Europe and ''evolves rapidly into an energy hub for the Balkans.''

In the electricity sector, the government will pursue development through completion of an interconnection of electricity grids between Greece and Italy, upgrading interconnection between Greece and Bulgaria and linking the country's grid with Central Europe through Bosnia and Croatia.

Simitis noted that Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos recently signed an agreement between Greece and Turkey for the interconnection of electricity and natural gas networks.

''Construction of a natural gas pipeline between Greece and Turkey will supply more natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran before 2005,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister said that the government was seeking to expand cooperation in oil with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with Bulgaria and Russia for the construction and operation of an oil pipeline between Burgas and Alexandroupolis.

''Greece is a strong country. Based on the success of our economic policies and our defense capability, we open new investment ways for Greek businesses in the wider Balkan region. A successful Greek investment presence in the region is establishing the country as an European factor that guarantees economic development, peace and stability in the wider geopolitical region,'' he said.

''Our policy in the energy sector, both in an international and domestic levels, are focusing on humans, the Greek citizen, and is aiming to offer better living standards and to lead to a real social and economic convergence with other European Union countries,'' Simitis noted.

The prime minister said that the government's energy development plan for the period 2002-2010 was a guarantee for the country and its citizens.

Natural gas power plants to be built in Attica: The cabinet on Thursday approved proposals by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos that natural gas fired electricity plants should be built in Attica.

In addition, a tender will be called within three months to find a strategic investor for the Public Gas Company; and more shares of the Public Power Corporation will be floated on the Athens Stock Exchange.

The moves are part of a 10-year government plan for energy and sustainable development

[02] FM Papandreou holds talks in Riyadh with Saudi counterpart on Mideast crisis

RIYADH, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources, the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, was held in a good climate and the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia thanked Papandreou for the efforts made by Greece in calming the situation.

Papandreou and Al Saud held in-depth talks on the situation in the region and according to the same diplomatic sources the Saudi official appeared pessimistic but also critical, saying characteristically that the international community, in particular the European Union and the United States, were not making serious efforts.

Prince Al Saud gave particular emphasis to the repercussions which the prolonged crisis has on the peoples of the Arab countries and expressed particular concern. He also spoke at length with the Greek foreign minister on the contents of the peace plan drafted by Saudi Arabia, underlining the need for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian territories.

According to the same sources, Prince Al Saud was particularly cordial with regard the Greek effort in contributing to a de-escalation of the crisis but in general to the Greek presence in the region in view of Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

Prince Al Saud termed as worthy and good the joint initiative by Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem to visit Israel and Ramallah next week, stating that this initiative with its symbolism can actually contribute in the de-escalation of the situation.

Greek FM holds telephone talks with US, Spanish, Israeli, German FMs: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou ON Thursday he held telephone conferences with U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique, Israeli Foreign Minister Simon Perez and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, sources said.

According to the same sources, Papandreou agreed with Fischer that a delegation of the Greek foreign ministry should visit Berlin, to work on the Fischer plan for the Middle East crisis.

[03] Archbishop to announce $500,000 in food for Palestinians

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The Church of Greece, in the framework of its solidarity for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, will also offer 50,000 euros at an initial stage.

In the afternoon Archbishop Christodoulos met with the Ecclesiastical Affairs director of Israel's Foreign Ministry Gola, at-tended a meeting with the heads of Christian denominations in Jerusalem and also met Deputy Tarzui, who is responsible for the PLO's ecclesiastical issues.

Earlier, Archbishop Christodoulos and his entourage were welcomed by Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos, visited the Temple of the Resurrection and prayed at the Holy Sepulchre for peace in the troubled region of the Holy Lands.

The archbishop said his visit is aimed at expressing the moral and fraternal support of the Church of Greece and the pious Greek people for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in its anxious effort to meet the tough needs of the times.

''We came to make an appeal for peace, an appeal for respect for man, an appeal to the two warring sides of a bloody war with atrocities and the outright violation of human rights,'' he said.

Archbishop Christodoulos and his entourage will leave for Athens on Friday.

[04] Defense minister meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America

WASHINGTON, 12/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Following their meeting, Papantoniou said he presented to the Archbishop, on behalf of the Greek Defense Ministry, a 15,000 dollar cheque for the promotion of social work undertaken by the Greek Church in America.

He said he briefed Archbishop Dimitrios on the talks he had in the U.S., on the promotion of Greece's national issues and on the struggle in combatting international terrorism.

The Archbishop on his part expressed his gratitude for the ministry's cheque and said it was an unexpected gesture.

Defense Minister Papantoniou concludes visit to the U.S.: Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, in a press conference he gave at the close of a five-day visit to the United States, said that U.S. officials did not exert pressure or voice disagreements on issues concerning the European rapid deployment force.

Commenting on the talks he had in Washington, mainly with his U.S. counterpart Donald Rumsfeld and with U.S. President George W. Bush's national security adviser Condoleezza Rice at the White House, Papantoniou said that he was given the opportunity to expound on the Greek positions for the need of ''securing the interests of all the interested parties and for there to be a balance.''

Having assessed that this has not yet been secured, he reiterated that ''it is purely an institutional issue within the European framework.'' He added that ''we did not come here to negotiate but to exchange views.''

The Greek defense minister said that on the Cyprus issue, all agreed on the necessity for the ongoing direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to be utilized for a political solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said that it was agreed ''that there is a historic opportunity for it to be solved in view of Cyprus' accession to the EU.'' He noted that Cyprus will join the EU independently on whether the political issue will be solved.

On Greek-Turkish relations, he said that the negative stance adopted in the past with regard the holding of talks with Turkey was incorrect and said he was in favor of rapprochement with the neighboring country.

He also said that Greece was at the side of the U.S. in the struggle against terrorism.

[05] Greek-Cypriots showed goodwill, not so Turkish-Cypriots, Weston says

WASHINGTON, 12/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

He stressed, however, that the Turkish Cypriot side and their leader Rauf Denktash did not do the same on issues of concern for the Greek Cypriot side.

Weston underlined the ''positive moves'' of both sides, adding that the were smaller that necessary for the arrival at a total solution of the problem and reiterated that there can be no other solution than that of a bizonal bicommunal federation.

He also stressed that the United States adopted the time table of the United Nations where June is considered a significant date and believe necessary the achieving of progress within April and May, since the decisions for the entry of Cyprus in the European Union will be made initially in October and later in December during the EU summit in Copenhagen.

In this framework the United States are still supporting the accession of Cyprus to the European Union and still believe that the accession process is helpful to the efforts toward a resolution and functions as a motive in that direction.

He also said that the U.S. believed that there was strong support within the EU for Cyprus' accession for both the recognized Republic of Cyprus and the northern occupied part.

He added that the United States support the efforts of UN special mediator Alvaro de Soto to ''look for new methods'' in facilitating the negotiation process.

[06] Second round of Greek-Turkish 'exploratory talks' begins

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The first face-to-face session between high-ranking diplomats from the two foreign ministries began in mid March.

The latest initiative was announced by the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, George Papandreou and Ismail Cem, respectively, during their meetings in New York last January and later in Istanbul.

The "exploratory talks" aim to find "points of convergence" that will ostensibly lead to the beginning of a more structured dialogue on how to work out an agreement referring the issue of the Aegean Sea's delineation to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Amb. Anastasios Skopelitis and Prof. Argyris Fatouros head the Greek delegation.

The Greek government has repeatedly stated that both sides retain the right to hold and express their opinions, "which in the current phase will be exchanged within the framework of these exploratory contacts".

[07] EU official and alternate FM discuss Commission reform

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Kinnock said institutional changes in the EU concern ''what Europe does'' as a whole and are directly linked to ''how well Europe carries them out.''

He added that the European Commission's aim is not only institutional modernization required in view of enlargement but, in parallel, the Commission wants to ensure that when enlargement is achieved an effective administration will exist and in which representatives from all countries will participate.

On his part, Giannitsis said in a brief statement the Greek government is and will be in constant contact with the Commission on these important issues.

[08] EU External Relations Commissioner Patten accused Israel of violating inter’l law

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

ND leader Karamanlis holds talks with Commissioner Patten on sidelines of forum:

EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, who is attending a European Peoples' Party forum in Thessaloniki on the theme ''Stability Pact: a new approach'', said on Thursday that the European Union has no intention of withdrawing from the western Balkans even if the situation prevailing in the region improves.

Following his visit to the offices of the Organization for the Reconstruction of the Balkans, Patten said the effort for the reconstruction of the region of the western Balkans is up to now successful, adding that up to 2006 the EU will allocate the sum of 4.67 billion euros.

Patten met on Thursday night with main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, who is chairing the forum, and later addressed a dinner attended by the participants of the forum, the sessions of which will last until Saturday.

Following their meeting, Karamanlis and Patten said they agreed that in order for there to be stability in the Middle East the just causes of the Palestinian people should be met, at the same time stressing that suicide attacks lead to nowhere.

Karamanlis told Patten that Cyprus should join the European Union in the first group of candidate countries and that a political solution to the Cyprus issue did not constitute a prerequisite for the island republic to join.

[09] Interior Minister Skandalidis meets EU Commissioner Kinnock

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Skandalidis stated that Kinnock expounded on the proposals for public administration in the EU and it was ascertained that both Greece and the EU were on the same track.

In reply to a question on the situation in the Middle East, Kinnock said ''we would be stupid to be hypocritical that we have solutions for the Palestinian issue. We are observing with horror what is going on there. We are offering humanitarian aid to the Palestinians but we cannot propose a solution. Such a thing would be utopian.''

Skandalidis said that he had the assurance of Kinnock that there was a stable EU position for Cyprus' accession to the EU independently of a solution to the political issue.

[10] Temporary residence permits to be extended until the end of 2002

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Responding to questions put by Coalition of the Left and Progress deputy Maria Damanaki, Papadimas explained that the measure had been included in the bill for "Improving Civilian Protection" that had been submitted to Parliament, with the debate due to end on Friday.

Damanaki had referred to the huge queues of immigrants seeking five-year "green cards" that were regularly seen outside reception centers, saying that there were simply not enough of these.

Papadimas said the bill would create an opportunity to create and staff more reception centers to deal with immigrants.

[11] PASOK announces latest batch of local gov't nominations

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The ruling party's official nod is pending for candidates in municipalities located in Athens' second election district; municipalities in the first and second Thessaloniki districts; Piraeus proper; municipalities in Piraeus' second election district, Thessaloniki prefecture as well as the "expanded-prefecture" entities encompassing the greater Athens area and the Evros-Rodopi region in extreme NE Greece.

The ruling party's candidate for Athens, Greece's most prestigious and populous municipality, is Christos Papoutsis, the former EU Commissioner and minister. Conversely, main op-position New Democracy is fielding high-ranking cadre and former minister Dora Bakoyianni.

On his part, Laliotis added that the rest of PASOK's nominations and cooperation with other parties will be announced over the next three days, whereas the names of candidates for most of the remaining municipalities in the Athens and Thessaloniki regions will come next week.

In terms of Thessaloniki, PASOK's secretary confirmed that one of the names being considered is that of Deputy Transport Minister Spyros Vougias, a well-known urban transportation expert who ran for the same seat four years ago under the Coalition of the Left's (Synaspismos) banner.

Other minor 'surprises' from Thursday's press conference include PASOK's decision to back one-time ND deputy Nikos Kakalos for prefect in Pieria, should the latter decide to vie for the post, as well as not supporting the current mayor of Peristeri, PASOK member Theodoros Dimitrakopoulos, but local politician Costas Lalenis instead.

Speaking at the press conference, Laliotis called on the current Peristeri mayor not to seek re-election, but to "recognize the demand for renewal, one that is pervasive within Peristeri's society."

Comment on recent polls: Regarding a pair of highly publicized voters' preference polls this week, both showing PASOK trailing ND, Laliotis stressed that such surveys are "not divine law, nor are they a substitute for a popular vote. Citizens' messages are included in polls; along with tendencies and expectations," he said, adding that although the current period is both "difficult and unfavorable" for PASOK, the party is definitely on a "course of improvement and change" to reverse the situation.

[12] Yugoslav FM visits Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

ISTANBUL, 12/04/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

According to an announcement issued at the Fanar later, their talks focused on the present situation in Yugoslavia, relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Serbia and the importance of religion for peace to prevail in the world and the Balkans in particular.

Svilanovic gave the patriarch a personal gift and a gift from the Serb patriarch, while Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos gave Svilanovic an icon of Saint Andrew.

[13] Vartholomeos awarded int'l award for his pro-environment stance

OSLO, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

"His leadership has managed to raise the environmental aware-ness of 300 million members of Orthodox Churches, and challenged religious leaders of all faiths to do the same," Foundation chair Elin Enge said of the decision.

"His All Holiness has a truly global perspective, but is highly critical of the current globalization process. This is reflected in his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos 1999 (Switzerland), where he stated that globalization widens the gap between rich and the poor and undermines non-economic values such as survival and culture," a press release by the Foundation read, before quoting the Patriarch’s stance on globalization:

"Globalization as a means of making humanity homogenous, of influencing the masses and causing a single, unified and unique mode of thought to prevail, will find us opposed," the Foundation quotes Vartholomeos, and adds the religious leader's 'promise' to rally 'progressive' forces for a globalization that encourages diversity, respect and unity.

The jury also cited Vartholomeos' "tireless efforts" to bring attention to the international community's rights and obligations, "criticizing both the over-consumption in the first world countries and the lack of justice that causes growing inequity in developing countries."

The Norwegian environment minister, Borge Brende, will bestow the Sophie Prize to Vartholomeos at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital in June.

The Sophie Prize, one of the world's most generous environment - and development -related awards (US$ 100,000), is inter-national in status and given annually. It was established in 1997 by the Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder and his wife Siri Dannevig to inspire people working towards a sustainable future.

Past recipients include Nigeria's Environmental Rights Action group in 1998; Herman Daly (USA) and Thomas Kocherry (India) in 1999; Sheri Liao (China) in 2000, and ATTAC of France last year.

[14] Greek MEP to be awarded Germany's Grand Cross medal

STRASBOURG, 12/04/2002 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

An announcement by the German government stressed Tsatsos' academic erudition and his valuable role in the discussions on changing EU treaties during the Community's Intergovernmental Conference in 2000. It also emphasized his key contribution in promoting the idea of institutionally establishing European political parties.

The announcement noted that Tsatsos was always open to German positions and approaches on European issues, maintaining constructive contact with those exercising European policy in Germany.

The award ceremony will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels next Tuesday at noon, with the medal handed to Tsatsos by the permanent representative of the German Republic at the European Union, Ambassador Wilhelm Schoenfelder.

[15] Simitis says report not govt's final proposals on tax reform

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting to discuss energy policy, Simitis said that the government had only published the commission's report and noted that the government was seeking for a social dialogue on the issue.

''Everyone must see the proposals, to examine them, to have a public discussion and to discuss the whole issue with the government,'' Simitis noted.

The prime minister said that the government would present its own proposals after the dialogue. ''We hope this could happen by the end of May,'' he said.

''Our goal is clear. We want a more socially fair and more effective tax system, to relieve some of the burdens from workers and pensioners and to support businesses and investments. At the same time, added burdens will be implemented on idle wealth and luxury consuming, while we will continue our battle against tax-evasion,'' Simitis noted.

''We have set our goal to limit or burden off-shore companies' activities, to avoid them being used as tax-evasion centers, and we will achieve this goal,'' he stressed.

[16] Greek-Turkish mining industries discuss cooperation

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

SME's knowledge and expertise, obtained during Greece's participation in the EU (harmonizing legislation, representation in procedures and European bodies, EUROMINES, EUROME-TAUX), was making the union an efficient consultant for the project.

V. Nikoletopoulos, secretary-general of the union, headed the talks with the Turkish union.

The cooperation was regarded as significant, because it could be the base for further cooperation’s in the framework of bilateral agreements between Greece and Turkey.

[17] Greece, China to launch talks on tourism cooperation

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The talks will begin when the deputy president of China's government, Hu Jintao, visits Athens on May 16-17.

The decision was taken during meetings held in Beijing by Deputy Development Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos, who accompanied Foreign Minister George Papandreou on an official visit to China.

[18] Greek ports' piloting rights cheapest in the Mediterranean

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Anomeritis made these comments responding to protests by Greek ship owners over a ministry's plan to implement a new system on calculating piloting rights on commercial vessels.

The minister said Greece had to harmonies its system with international practices, where piloting rights were based on total capacity of a vessel and not on net capacity, as currently the case in Greece and Cyprus.

Anomeritis said the system needed a reviewing since piloting rights have not been readjusted since 1994.

He presented a survey showing that piloting rights in Greek ports were sharply smaller compared with other Mediterranean ports. Arrival, departure and mooring rights' prices for a container ship with a capacity of 8,000 gr, are 267 euros in the port of Piraeus compared with 1,146 euros in Genova, 1,478 euros in Lisbon, 1,685 euros in Trieste and 1,594 US dollars in Istanbul.

Anomeritis, however, acknowledged the need for a consensus with ship owners and proposed the formation of a joint committee to discuss details of the plan.

[19] EU transport commissioner to Thessaloniki Friday

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

De Palacio will also meet Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos during her stay.

On Saturday, she will speak on the Balkans at a forum of the European People's Party, which the leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Costas Karamanlis is due to attend.

[20] Water shortages shift westward to Ionian islands, gov't says

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

He said the government had secured 5.3 billion drachmas (15.55 million euros) for immediate measures to relieve the problems, to be spent on water supply projects in 43 prefectures and 271 districts.

Water reservoirs in the Aegean were full but the problem of drought had now been transferred to western Greece and the Ionian islands, starting from southern Thrace, southern Larissa and Aetoloakarnania.

[21] Northern Greek cotton farmers debate continuing protest action

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The latest reports said a meeting between the farmers and Deputy Agriculture Minister Vangelis Argyris had once more been postponed, with the minister saying he would meet with the cotton growers as soon as he had something new to say regarding their demands.

Argyris will be meeting with the owners of cotton gins on Friday and might possibly meet with the farmers in the days that follow.

Meanwhile, northern cotton growers had blocked access to the road linking Thessaloniki with Veria and Edessa at the Axios River junction since 10:30 on Thursday morning and will disband the roadblock after 19:00.

Earlier on Thursday, a roadblock set up by farmers outside the village of Klidi in Imathia was abandoned, making the Axios River roadblock the only one in northern Greece.

[22] Greek bourse down slightly on Thursday

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.12 percent to close at 2,204.89 points, with turnover a disappointing 73.5 million euros.

The Insurance, Textile and Retail sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.54 percent, 1.52 percent and 1.46 percent, respectively), while the Food-Beverage, Publication and Wholesale sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (0.74 percent, 0.70 percent and 0.53 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.07 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.39 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.33 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 157 to 151 with another 51 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Cosmote, Panafon, Germanos, Alpha Bank, and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity index futures rise: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange showed gains on Thursday, narrowing their discount.

Trade was thin with turnover at 44.2 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.07 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.39 percent.

Bond Market Close: Prices rise in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in moderate trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.52 per-cent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 32 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 1.7 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[23] ATHOC president briefs Athens mayor on IOC inspection

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Two days ago, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also briefed by phone main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis and the other party leaders on the same issue.

[24] 2004 Olympics organizers call international catering tender

Athens, 12/04/2002 (ANA)

Spending on food is estimated at 34 million euros, with 25 million euros of the total destined for services, such as creating kitchens, and the tender winner's payment; and nine million euros for the provision of goods.

The winner will handle three restaurants with a capacity of 6,000 meals an hour, representing 50,000 meals a day or two million means for the duration of the Olympics and Paralympics.

The three restaurants are expected to require 100 tones of food daily.

Catering services at the Olympic village will be used by 24,000 people, or 17,000 during the Olympics and 7,000 during the Paralympics.

[25] Greek minister invited to Downing Street event by Cherie Blair

LONDON, 12/04/2002 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The hostess for the evening will be Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The ''Oxford Philomusica'' was created in 1998 in Oxford, with Greek-Cypriot Marios Papadopoulos as artistic director. Papadopoulos will start off the evening by playing compositions on the piano.

The orchestra works closely with Oxford University's music department and offers students an opportunity to train and acquire experience working with professional orchestra musicians.

The Greek minister, who has been in London since Wednesday, met with Greek correspondents in London earlier on Thursday for an open discussion on domestic issues in Greece and the international political scene.

On Thursday afternoon, meanwhile, Papandreou appeared on the BBC's ''Hard Talk'' program for a half-hour interview that was relayed by satellite to a potential audience of 150 million viewers.

[26] British minister calls for more willingness to compromise

NICOSIA, 12/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

He said that what is needed is ''more courage, more determination and more willingness to compromise,'' pointing out that ''the clock is ticking.''

In statements after a working lunch with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Hain said ''crucial decisions'' will be made at the European Council in Copenhagen and added that ''the time for intensive negotiations is now, in the weeks and months ahead.''

He commended President Glafcos Clerides for ''his determination'' to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem and welcomed ''the assurances' given to him by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf

Denktash ''that he too was determined to make a success of this enterprise'' and said he looks forward ''to Cyprus joining the EU on time as a united island.''

President Clerides and Denktash have been engaged in direct talks since mid January this year with a view to finding a comprehensive settlement.

Replying to a question, he said his talks on Thursday, with President Clerides and later on with Denktash ''have reinforced'' his belief that ''there is a real determination on the part of the leaders of both communities to reach an agreement.''

He said he knew ''there are great difficulties and historic problems but the prize of a united Cyprus joining, everybody's rights protected and both communities' interests at heart is too great to sacrifice.''

Referring to the peace talks, Hain said ''Britain fully supports the talks process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and his Special Representative Alvaro de Soto'', adding ''we believe it offers the only road to a just and lasting comprehensive settlement.''

On Cyprus' bid to join the EU, Hain said, ''Britain has been a strong supporter of Cyprus' EU accession bid from the start,'' and said he knew that Cyprus is on track to complete negotiations this year.

He said, ''we are looking very much forward to the island of Cyprus joining the EU and we are working very hard to achieve that together with everybody concern.''

The minister congratulated Cyprus on the work it is doing to harmonies its legislation with the acquis communautaire.

Referring to bilateral relations, Hain said ''Britain imports more Cypriot goods than any other country and Cyprus imports more British products than from any other trading partner in the world.''

Hain also referred to the Cypriot community in the UK and said, ''It is a very welcome part of our multi-ethnic society, and con-tributes far more to British life and the British economy than its relatively small size would suggest.''

Referring to his meeting with Kasoulides, whom he called a ''good friend of mine, a good friend of Britain's and a very highly regarded minister in Europe,'' Hain said ''we had very very successful discussions.''

[27] Cyprus does not accept reference to 'two peoples'

NICOSIA, 12/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In statements after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Papapetrou also said that at a meeting Hain had with President Glafcos Clerides, the British official promised that Britain would step up its efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the timeframe set by the UN Security Council.

The spokesman said the Greek Cypriot side does not accept nor does it agree wit the use of the term "two peoples" in Cyprus because the Turkish side tends to interpret this reference as reflecting the right of self determination for the Turkish Cypriots, something he said is "totally unacceptable".

[28] Only one acquis chapter left for Cyprus to wrap up

NICOSIA, 12/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The remaining chapter is that of agriculture.

Before flying to Paris to discuss the agriculture chapter, Vassiliou visited Washington where, as he said, US officials reassured him that they warmly support Cyprus' accession to the EU, which is ''the best way'' to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem. They also told him that they are sending this message to Turkey too.

Vassiliou said that on Thursday and Friday, before returning to Cyprus, he would be participating in the InterAction Council on the Future of Europe.

The Council, chaired by former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, will be attended by the former prime ministers of Holland, Australia and Finland, Andries van Agt, Malcolm Fraser and Kalevi Sorsa respectively, as well as the President of the EU Convention for Europe's Future, Valery Giscard d'Estaing.

He added that during all his meetings, he was ''congratulated by everyone on the progress we are making'' and was being told that ''we will accede'' to the EU.

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