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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-25Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>November 25, 2003CONTENTS
[01] Simitis details progress of ongoing 550mln-euro Balkan reconstruction planAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis detailed the economic and political dimensions of Athens’ ambitious 550-million-euro Balkan reconstruction and development plan during an address in Thessaloniki on Monday.“Peace and stability in the Balkans cannot exist without their European vocation,” Simitis said, before focusing on the plan’s implementation over the past year and a half in six countries: Serbia/Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Greek premier reiterated that Athens’ plan is based on three initiatives, including private investments, which will absorb 20 percent of the total package. The second initiative deals with low-cost projects being overseen by the Greek diplomatic missions in each of the aforementioned countries (1 percent of the total), while a third initiative – which comprises the lion’s share of the program – deals with the financing of major projects. “Today we’re in the plan’s 18th month (of existence) with 29 private investments and 29 small projects already being implemented, while out of the 23 major infrastructure projects proposed by the Balkan countries and approved by Greece, six are in the process of implementation,” Simitis said during an address at Thessaloniki’s Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Commerce. Regarding the fund for smaller projects, Simitis estimated that funding will be absorbed well ahead of 2006, when the plan is set for completion. As far as the major projects (79 percent of the total) he said that the government’s monitoring committee has already approved 23 proposals, citing roadworks included in the Pan-European road network, the renovation of a government building in Sarajevo and the modernization of the Danube River port of Lom, Bulgaria. Financing for the latter will begin in late 2003 or early 2004, he said. [02] Balkan chambers urge for free trade zone pact in SEEAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The results of economic cooperation in the Balkans do not fully reflect real possibilities, while economic relations can be strengthened beyond the dominance of traditional trade transactions, creating new higher levels of cooperation and joint ventures, particularly in the sectors of services, banks and insurance.This was the conclusion of a general assembly of the Union of Balkan Chambers (ABC), held in Podgorica, Montenegro. Greece was represented by the Central Union of Greek Chambers (KEEE), headed by its secretary-general Nikolaos Voulgarakis. The assembly urged for closer regional cooperation in the Balkans, through signing free trade pacts, monitoring the implementation of such deals and creating a free trade zone in Southeastern Europe aiming to achieve a wider European integration and probably the accession of these countries in the European Union. The assembly also agreed that ABC members should harmonize the role of duties of national chambers with the EU standards, to restructure their activities and enhance training and consultancy operations. The ABC assembly agreed to call on national governments to offer incentives for raising levels of cooperation, to speed up free trade pacts, to remove technical barriers and to adopt EU regulations. [03] Romania's EU prospects dominate alternate FM's talks in BucharestBUCHAREST, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Romania’s European Union prospects dominated meetings here on Monday during a working visit by Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis.The latter stressed that his talks with Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Dan Geoana covered bilateral cooperation “so that accession negotiations are completed by the end of 2004 so that membership comes in 2007.” On his part, Geonna said afterwards that Yiannitsis’ visit comes in the wake of a recently published Commission report on Romania and Bulgaria’s progress towards EU accession ahead of the upcoming Summit in Brussels. Both sides, meanwhile, reportedly agreed to form a work group at the foreign ministers’ level and diplomatic delegations to Brussels to promote Bucharest’s accession course, with the Romanian minister citing a desire for a “step beyond those of the Thessaloniki (EU) Summit”. Bilateral relations, among the closest and most economically robust in the Balkans, were also discussed by the two men. Yiannitsis earlier spoke to the European Institute of Bucharest on the topic of “Globalization and the Future of the EU”. Yiannitsis was later honored by Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase with the country's Grand Order of Honor medal for the Greek government's support for Romania's EU accession course. European Integration Minister Vasile Puscas stressed, meanwhile, that his country will proceed as rapidly as possible with reforms in order to join the Union in 2007. Yiannitsis was due back in Athens later in the evening. [04] Gov't dismisses reports of foreign military presence during 2004 GamesAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The government and the defense ministry’s leadership on Monday reiterated that there was no issue of a foreign military presence during next year’s eagerly awaited 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, responses directly tied to last week’s terrorist attacks in neighboring Turkey and local press speculation here over recent days.Speaking from the northwest Greek town of Grevena, National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou denied press reports, some citing a “NATO presence”, in fact. Conversely, he noted that foreign law enforcement agencies are currently participating in security planning and intelligence-sharing ahead of the Games. A government spokesman, in response to press questions during a regular briefing the same day, mostly echoed the defense minister’s statements, reiterating that Greek authorities are working with a seven-nation advisory group convened by Athens to cover Olympic security planning and preparations. Papantoniou was in the mountainous town of Grevena to inaugurate a new recruit-training centre, a project funded to the tune of four million euros by the western Macedonia regional authority. [05] Scotland Yard's assistant commissioner discusses Olympic Games securityAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Scotland Yard's assistant commissioner responsible for special operations David Veness visited the public order ministry on Monday for talks with Public Order Minister George Floridis and Greek Police chief Fotis Nasiakos on security measures to be applied during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.According to reports, the assistant commissioner will have another meeting with Floridis and Nasiakos on December 8, while the reports also said the ministry's plans will not be changed because measures decided have taken all possible risks into consideration and their amendment is unnecessary. The meeting had been scheduled 35 days ago and was held as part of the Greek Police's cooperation with the seven-member Olympic advisory group headed by Britain. [06] Cyprus President speaks to ANA ahead of Athens visit on TuesdayNICOSIA, 25/11/2003 (ANA/G. Leonidas)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will arrive in Athens on Tuesday morning for an official three-day visit and for consultations with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and leaders of Parliamentary parties.In a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on the occasion of his visit to Greece, President Papadopoulos said ''I express my great pleasure over my official visit to Greece, at the invitation of the President of the Greek Republic Mr. Constantine Stephanopoulos.'' ''I attribute very great importance to the talks I will be having this time as well, both with the President of the Hellenic Republic and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Costas Simitis,'' Papadopoulos added. President Papadopoulos also stressed that ''as it is natural, the Cyprus issue and possible developments, the course of Cyprus in the European Union and the further strengthening and development of the bilateral relations of our two countries will be the focal point of our talks.'' Meanwhile, an announcement by the Greek foreign ministry in Athens said that President Papadopoulos, in the framework of his official visit to Greece, will sign the Proclamation of Personalities for support for the concept of the Olympic Truce at noon on Tuesday in the presence of President Stephanopoulos. [07] PM to meet visiting Iceland counterpart this weekAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to meet visiting Iceland Prime Minister David Oddsson on Tuesday morning, government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced.At 13:30 on Tuesday, the prime minister will head a meeting with Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, while in the evening he will attend a dinner being given by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos in honor of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos. On Wednesday at 11:00, Simitis will meet Papandreou to pre-pare for a meeting with the Cypriot delegation at noon, which will be led by Papadopoulos. On Thursday, the premier will take part in an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on the economy and on Friday he will begin a visit to Thiva to inaugurate the city's new hospital. [08] PM says Greek government will support compromise on German sanctions issueAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis, speaking in Thessaloniki on Monday, said the Greek government will support a compromise at the discussion due to take place at the ECOFIN meeting on Monday night concerning the imposition of sanctions on Germany for exceeding the fiscal deficit.''Germany also has its arguments. The Greek government believes that we must not go ahead with confrontations, but with a kind of compromise,'' Simitis said in an address to an audience of businessmen and diplomats on the Greek Balkan Reconstruction Plan. [09] Interior minister says PASOK party shall win elections againAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Costas Skandalidis, addressing an event organized by the prefectural committee of the ruling PASOK party in the Athens district of Peristeri on Monday night, said PASOK shall win the elections again because it owes it to the people and the country.Focusing on the country's ''strong foundations'' in its course towards 2008, Skandalidis referred to the strong and competitive economy, the rates of development and foreign and security policy. The minister further said that after the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the prefecture of Attica will be a metropolitan centre and western Athens a strong prefectural area. In addition, with the Attiko hospital, the Metro, the Attiki motorway, expanses of greenery and other projects to be carried out the citizens' quality of life will be upgraded. Skandalidis also underlined that the next four-year period belongs to the party by right because this is primarily in the interests of the country. [10] Coalition leader launches twin attack on two Mitsotakis seen taking softer stance on return of Samaras to NDAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, the honorary president of main opposition New Democracy, on Monday appeared to soften his stance to the possible return of his one-time foreign minister Antonis Samaras to ND, in statements to the TV station Antenna.This is the first time that Mitsotakis has not categorically ruled out the return of Political Spring party leader Samaras, whom he holds responsible for bringing down his government in 1993 by robbing ND of its slim one-seat majority. Mitsotakis had earlier fired Samaras as foreign minister because of his handling of the Macedonia issue. On Monday, the former premier said his position on Samaras' return was not binding for the party and ''has as much weight as my own opinion and position''. Mitsotakis' associates stressed, however, that his position had not changed, while Mitsotakis himself accused Samaras of ''changing the flow of events'', hinted that financial interests were behind the move and said that this was something he could not forgive. So far, there has been no response from ND headquarters and Samaras himself has avoided statements on the issue. According to sources, there are mixed feelings within ND to the prospect of Samaras' return. Other sources, meanwhile, claim that Samaras has been approached by the ruling PASOK party but has refused. [11] Parliament rejects ND's proposal for transparency in party financesAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)A draft law on transparency in party finances, public contracts and the media submitted by the main opposition New Democracy party was rejected by the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary majority on Monday.ND leader Costas Karamanlis addressed Parliament in support of his party's draft law. The proposal was also voted by PASOK's Thessaloniki Deputy Kyriakos Spyriounis, as well as by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) voted against. Karamanlis spoke of ''a course of dangerous decline for the country'', based on reports by ''International Transparency'', the European Bank, the European Commission and the Auditing Council, resulting in the ''huge plundering of the state and of the taxpayers' money.'' The ND leader further said the government ratified conditions which provide support for untransparency: At the Stock Exchange, the media and the selling of public property. Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis conceded that the problem of corruption and transparency is indeed serious, but ND's proposal is far from tackling it. On the question of control for the compliance of parties and deputies with election legislation, a committee already exists which includes judicial functionaries, he added. Later in the evening, government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced that by decision of Prime Minister Costas Simitis Kyriakos Spyriounis was expelled from the PASOK party's Parliamentary Group. [12] 'Salonica 7' soon to be brought to trial or released, gov't saysAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday said the justice system would soon reach a decision on whether the "Salonica 7" will be released or ordered to stand trial.The seven were arrested and remanded in custody during incidents at anti-globalization protests taking place in the city of Thessaloniki during the EU summit last June. Several of the prisoners went on a hunger strike while in prison to protest against their detention. The spokesman noted that the seven were very far from exceeding the maximum period of detention allowed before sentencing, which was 18 months. [13] Return of political stability in Georgia of primary importanceAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Greece said Monday that it was of primary importance for political stability to return to Georgia.Asked to comment on the recent developments in Georgia, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that at this time it was of ''primary importance for Georgia to return soon to the road of political stability.'' He added that Greece and the European Union backed the territorial integrity of Georgia and were in close contact, monitoring the developments. The preservation of territorial integrity, particularly in regions that influence the more general balances, was the EU's firm policy and principle, Beglitis added. [14] Finance minister says Olympic Games will have positive repercussions on economyBRUSSELS, 25/11/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, addressing the European Political Studies Centre here on Monday, expressed certainty that the 2004 Athens Olympic Games will have positive repercussions on the Greek economy and without unfavorable results appearing in the fiscal sector.Replying to a questioner on the repercussions on the Greek economy from the Olympic Games' cost, the minister said the Games, an event of great importance according to the size of the Greek economy, will play a catalytic role in the country's development and will not constitute a factor creating ''fiscal headaches.'' Christodoulakis said the cost of Olympic Games projects, amounting to 4.6 billion euros and exceeding three percent of Greece's GDP on an annual basis, has been decided to be funded by the budgets of 2003 and 2004, assessing that there will be no repercussions for the budget of 2005. The finance minister expressed support for the Stability and Development Pact to strengthen the coordination of economic policies and the credibility of monetary union. Christodoulakis further said emphasis must be given in the eurozone to the quality of public finances with the reorganization of public expenditures and the modernization of labor markets with the purpose of improving the competitiveness of the European economy. [15] FinMin to attend Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetingsAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Monday was due to participate in a Eurogroup council of finance ministers and in an ECOFIN meeting on Tuesday in Brussels.The Eurogroup council, including finance ministers from the eurozone countries, was expected to discuss economic developments and macro-economic policies by member-states and procedures against France and Germany over their excessive fiscal deficits. The ECOFIN meeting on Tuesday will discuss a draft directive on the harmonization of transparency demands related with publishers' listed shares in regulated markets, a code of ethics on taxation in the 10 East European countries accessing the EU, reduced VAT factors in the European Union, amendments in list of indices to be used in the European Commission's spring economic report, a implementation of an EU stability and growth pact. The ECOFIN meeting will also discuss preparations over a forthcoming European Summit in Brussels in December. [16] Big pocket money buys alcohol, tobacco for Greek youthsAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Kids' big pocket money was largely responsible for increased alcohol and tobacco consumption, along with bad nutrition and behavior by Greek children and youths, INKA, Greece's largest consumer group said on Monday.In its report, INKA stressed that Greek youths ranked 1st in consumption of tobacco and alcohol in Europe, while the relation between alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption was linked at a rate exceeding 70 percent. The report showed that frequent visits to cafeterias and bars was directly linked with the maximizing of adopting these health-hazardous habits by Greek youths. INKA also said that young people with systematic athletic activities were smoking less, although consumption of alcohol remained high. [17] Tourist bus owners announce three-day strike from WednesdayAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Greek tourist buses' owners on Monday threatened a three-day strike from Wednesday, 26 November, protesting against the government’s unfulfilled promises to meet the sector's demands.Representatives of the sector, speaking to reporters, said that a meeting with Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Transport Minister Christos Verelis on Tuesday was crucial for the future of the union's mobilizations. [18] Flight Stewards Union calls two 48-hour strikesAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The Olympic Airways Flight Stewards Union has called two continuous 48-hour strikes from November 28 to December 1.The stewards, who have decided to exercise the right of disagreement and not go to the Olympic Airlines company being established, are protesting ''the ultimatum by OA's flight exploitation general director, who is calling on the stewards to go to the new company and sign individual labor contracts'', as they said in an announcement. The Flight Stewards Union's board is speaking of a ''state of terrorism'' by OA's management concerning the taking to court of all participating in incidents taking place at the OA's board meeting on October 20, while the process of pensioning off pilots is termed ''selective handling.'' [19] Greek stocks end Monday's session 0.84 pct higherAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks ended the first trading session of the week higher in the Athens Stock Exchange with sentiment encouraged by a positive trend in other European markets. Buying interest focused on banks and telecommunication stocks.The general index rose 0.84 percent to end at 2,1235.27 points, with turnover a moderate 98.4 million euros. The Cement and Food-Beverage sectors were the only ones to suffer losses (1.32 percent and 0.53 percent, respectively), while the Base Metals (2.35 percent), Construction (1.89 percent) and Publications (1.80 percent) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.88 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.66 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.16 percent. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 200 to 94 with another 57 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Alpha Bank, Public Power Corporation, National Bank of Greece and Football Pools Organization. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover 61 mln euros on Monday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Monday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of November 24 2003 Parities in euro Banknotes Foreign Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,191 1,164 [20] Police arrest suspected killer of motorcycle copAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Police on Monday announced the arrest of a young man believed to be responsible for the death of a motorcycle officer in the police 'Z' squad, who was fatally injured after falling off his bike during a police pursuit.According to eye-witnesses, officer Panagiotis Dimou, 33, lost his balance after he was kicked by a motorcyclist he was pursuing on the night of November 16 on Vass. Constantinou Avenue. The pursuit was initiated after the suspect ignored a signal to pull over. Zografou resident Christos Dimopoulos, 23, was detained and charged with the officer's death on Monday. The young man admits that he was pursued by two officers on the night of November 16 but denies that he deliberately kicked Dimou or that there was any contact between them. Police, however, claim to have evidence and plentiful witness accounts showing the opposite. Dimopoulos was charged with intentional manslaughter committed in a calm and clear state of mind and traffic code violations and was remanded in custody until Thursday morning, when he is to make his plea before the 9th Regular Examining Magistrate. [21] Verdict in N17 trial to be announced on Dec. 8Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court trying 19 suspected ''November 17'' terrorists on Monday set December 8 as the date on which it will hand down its verdict in the case, after the conclusion of the high-profile trial that lasted 162 sessions over several months.Presiding judge Mihalis Margaritis declared the end of the trial after the last of the prisoners addressed their rejoinders to the court, ending with the alleged leader of the terror band Alexandros Giotopoulos. Giotopoulos, who faces over 960 charges of inciting and carrying out terrorist hits, insisted that there was no evidence to back the charges and said a guilty verdict in his case had been ''pre-decided''. ''Theoretically, the court has the power to issue a historic ruling. But, after all that has happened over the past eight months, I have no illusions and no such hope,'' he said. Alleged second-in-command Dimitris Koufodinas, who has admitted he was a member of N17, appeared equally certain of the court's decision. ''You will find us guilty based on the right of victors. For us social struggles are neither innocent nor guilty, simply necessary.'' Many of the 19 defendants on trial face multiple charges, ranging from intentional manslaughter to membership of a terrorist group. The public prosecutor has recommended the acquittal of Yiannis Serifis, because of a lack of evidence linking him to the group after 1983, and bank clerk Anestis Papanastasiou. Based on the anti-terrorist law, there is no jury and the verdict will be passed by the three-member panel of judges that made up the court. Sentencing is expected to take place a few days later. [22] PASOK Eurodeputy issues message in light of Int'l day for battered womenBRUSSELS, 25/11/2003 (ANA/V. Demiris)PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou on Monday issued a message in light of Tuesday's celebration of the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.''The Nov. 25th, International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women, is dedicated to the women that are falling victims everyday to violence, by the social, family and work environment,'' Karamanou said. [23] Egyptian embassy to host event for Mt. Sinai monastery in AthensAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The Mt. Sinai Foundation and the HEDA non-governmental organization organize on Nov. 26 an event celebrating the name day of the Mt. Sinai's Monastery St. Aekaterini, showcasing the spiritual and cultural treasures protected within the confines of the oldest Greek Orthodox Monastic Community.The event will take place in the Egyptian embassy and will be under the auspices of the Archbishop of Sinai Damianos and Egypt's Ambassador to Athens Dr. Magda Shahin. The 17-century old monastery is unique, not only because of its age, but also because it is a rare example of an unharassed place of solace, which was protected by all invaders of the region, even Mohammed and Napoleon. Its library houses the second largest collection of ancient Greek manuscripts, while its collection of holy icons - the only to survive intact the iconoclastic period of the Middle Ages in the east - is not only the largest but also the most significant in the world. This cultural treasure trove is guarded by the monastic community of the Greek Orthodox Monastery and the Egyptian government. [24] Quake measuring 5.2 points on the Richter scale jolts CreteAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)An earthquake measuring 5.2 points on the Richter scale occurred in the sea region south of the island of Crete on Monday at about 5:50 p.m.The epicenter of the quake was in the sea region about 364 kilometers south of Athens. [25] Stephanopoulos participates in event of ''Hope-Elpida'' ClubAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Monday participated in a celebration commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the bone marrow transplant unit operating at the St. Sophia Children's Hospital of Athens.The ''Hope-Elpida'' club organized the event and its President Marianna Vardinoyianni thanked all those that stood by the efforts and struggles of the philanthropic club. Some 260 children received the services of the unit in the past 10 years, she said, adding that the next step and target will be the creation of the first children's oncology hospital in Greece. Health and Welfare Minister Costas Stephanis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni were also present at the event. [26] Physics dept. at Thessaloniki Univ. reports widespread vandalismAthens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)Widespread vandalism and the theft of laboratory and office equipment was reported on Monday by the physics and mathematics faculty of Thessaloniki’s Aristotelian University, following a weekend party at the port city's downtown campus.According to reports, some 100 people took advantage of the on-campus party to break into the building housing the faculty, leaving behind them tens of thousands of euros in estimated damages and flyers calling on students to join them again for another “party of destruction”. Among the losses is a large part of the school’s archives, according to reports. [27] Fees for US visas payable at Piraeus Bank from Dec. 1Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)The US embassy in Athens on Monday announced that as of Dec. 1, 2003 visa applicants must pay for application fees at any Piraeus Bank branch in Greece before their visa interview at US consulates in the country. The visa application fee is currently US$100, or roughly 90 euros.According to the embassy, once paid, the fee is good for one year regardless of changes in the exchange rate. The payment receipt, with the applicant’s name on it as it appears on his/her passport, is presented on the day of the visa interview. Payments are not transferable between applicants and are not refundable. The US embassy in Athens, nevertheless, will continue to offer walk-in visa services for same-day interviews and visa processing. For more information, contact the non-immigrant visa section at the US embassy at (210) 72.02.445 between 3 and 5 p.m. Complete information regarding the US visa process is also available on the embassy’s webpage at www.embassy.gr [28] Security Council extends UNFICYP mandateUNITED NATIONS, 25/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for another six months, ending on June 15.Resolution 1517, adopted unanimously on Monday, ''welcomes the report of the Secretary General of 12 November 2003 on the UN operation in Cyprus and in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness''. It expresses concern ''at the further continuing violations by the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces at Strovilia and urges them to restore the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000''. It ''urges the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to rescind all remaining restrictions on UNFICYP''. The Security Council notes that ''the government of Cyprus has agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions ïn the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 December 2003''. Furthermore it reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus and in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions. The Security Council ''requests the Secretary General to submit a report by 1 June 2004 on the implementation of this resolution''. The resolution welcomes and encourages UN efforts to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations. UNFICYP arrived in Cyprus in March 1964. UN-led efforts to reunite the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, have so far failed. 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