Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek economic growth rate exceeded expectations in 2003, FinMin says

[02] Premier confers with ministers ahead of Crete visit

[03] Simitis, Junger, Dehaene most suited for Commission presidency, Delors says

[04] ND presents health program, promises revision of National Health System

[05] FM Papandreou holds talks with PM, PASOK secretary, says new momentum exists

[06] British former minister tables motion in support of Papandreou candidacy

[07] Coalition party leader discusses political multiformity with TV council chief

[08] Gov't on Turkish press report over continental shelf

[09] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

[10] Press conference on reuniting of Parthenon Marbles attended by Robin Cook

[11] Flurry of foreign ministry contacts this week; Israeli ministry

[12] Bosnian presidency trio to sign 'Olympic Truce' this week

[13] German president receives Kalavryta delegation

[14] Rally in Athens on Jan. 31 on occasion of European Day of Action against racism

[15] Greek ambassador to US refers to Greek foreign policy priorities, Olympic Games

[16] US Embassy closed on Monday for Martin Luther King's Birthday

[17] Greek FinMin says new Capital Market Code based on EU directive

[18] Gov’t to launch phase 2 of SMEs' financial support program

[19] Greek stocks jump 1.48 pct on Wednesday

[20] Olympic Torch relay route inside Greece unveiled

[21] Olympic media village area to become new Athens suburb

[22] Onassis Foundation sends aid for Iran quake victims

[23] President Papadopoulos to meet Prodi in Brussels

[24] Prodi to tell Ankara of EU preference for a united Cyprus

[25] Pat Cox welcomes formation of new 'government' in occupied north

[26] Irish EU presidency seeks commitment from parties

[27] Government to terminate free transport for Turkish Cypriots

[28] European Ombudsman to visit Cyprus in March

[01] Greek economic growth rate exceeded expectations in 2003, FinMin says

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Commenting on a dialogue process that began with social agencies aimed to expanding government support towards less developed classes, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that the ruling PASOK party's new program, to be presented ahead of the elections, would include new directions and prospects, while he stressed that the Greek economy has the ability to support convergence, social cohesion and effectively combat poverty.

The party's new program, the Greek minister said, has the ability to cover new social benefits based on forecasts of improved fiscal conditions in the country from 2005.

"We are constantly progressing and this fact dismisses arguments by those supporting an austere policy after the elections," Mr Christodoulakis said.

The Convergence Charter is a dialogue framework to be thoroughly debated by the society and could lead to new policies, the minister noted.

Mr Christodoulakis said that Greek economic growth rate exceeded expectations in 2003, recording a 4.2 percent rate last year up from a 3.8 percent forecast in September.

Greek per capital income accounted for 76 percent of the European average, ranking Greece in the 14th position among EU member-states. "We are very close the 80 percent rate target set by the government," he stressed.

Greek Purchasing Power Units totalled 88 percent of the European average, while Greek productivity reached 94 percent of European average, Christodoulakis said.

[02] Premier confers with ministers ahead of Crete visit

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

After the one-hour meeting, Verelis told reporters that matters concerning Simitis' visit to Crete on Wednesday and Thursday were discussed.

He said the premier was briefed on the new airport at Kasteli, Heraklion, and on the draft law being advanced for construction of the airport under the system of co-financing.

Verelis explained that the new airport would broaden the island's air transports sector, thus substantially contributing to the further development of Crete's tourism sector.

The new airport will replace the existing Nikos Kazantzakis airport.

Verelis further said he had briefed Simitis on the transport and communications projects currently underway on the island.

[03] Simitis, Junger, Dehaene most suited for Commission presidency, Delors says

Brussels 15/01/2004 (ANA-G. Daratos)

Delors, who presided over the Commission for a decade and is the inspirer of the single European market, EMU and the euro, replying to press questions, said that Simitis, who had recently stated that he would not seek re-election as prime minister, was now ''free to assume'' the Commission helm.

The term of the current Commission, headed by Italian former premier Romano Prodi, expires in October. The European Council Summit, which will convene at end-June immediately after the European Parliament elections, will select the new Commission President for a five-year term.

[04] ND presents health program, promises revision of National Health System

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

According to the program, presented by ND officials George Souflias, Nikitas Kaklamanis and party leader Costas Karamanlis, insured citizens will have the right to select a doctor freely.

It also anticipates a national collective labor agreement for private doctors and dentists with social security funds and a family doctor, while urban health centers will be created and hospital units will be organized on selected islands.

In addition, performance and effectiveness incentives will be provided for staff and private clinics in hospitals will be abolished, as well as the list of prescribed medicines.

The institution of one-day treatment at hospitals will be extended to all hospitals, the institution of treatment at home will be established, intensive care units will be increased and patients' rooms will have one to four beds.

Speaking during the presentation of the program, Karamanlis said he is ready to proceed with changes demanded by citizens for a new Greek vision with consensual reforms aimed at a creative transition from the old to the new and from the past to the future.

Karamanlis said the citizens demand changes in economic and social policy, in the state and in the way of governance which secure a better quality of life for all, without exceptions and discriminations.

''All this cannot be changed by those in possession of power for a quarter of a century. The experience acquired by citizens does not allow any illusions for them. Last-minute admissions and promises distributed before the ballot box can only be faced by citizens as mockery and an attempt at deception,'' he said.

Karamanlis further said what is being shown as a national health system is neither national nor a system but organized chaos and stressed that health is the resounding proof of the PASOK system's failure.

The ND leader also promised to be present in the effort to combat drugs and placed emphasis on the handling of problems resulting from traffic accidents.

Karamanlis further spoke of an agreement of honor with citizens, stressing that he is investing in the sense of trust which is the key to the new era.

The ND leader will be visiting President Kostis Stephanopoulos at noon on Thursday to discuss the issue of the political confrontation framework.

Health Minister Costas Stefanis said in reply that all that Karamanlis has announced on the issue of health was generalities and usual wishes and promises of high quality services.

He added that all that is being presented as an innovative initiative already constitutes either a current reality or an immediate prospect of this government.

Stefanis also said ND is distorting the issue of hospitals' alleged debts and deficits and of mismanagement with the uncontrolled awarding of procurements and noted that constructive dialogue is acceptable.

[05] FM Papandreou holds talks with PM, PASOK secretary, says new momentum exists

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou said dialogue with the citizen begins from Thrace, northern Greece, which he will tour over the weekend with the purpose of highlighting problems faced by citizens and shaping the new priorities of PASOK's program which will result through dialogue.

He added that in a private discussion with Simitis, foreign policy issues were examined in light of next week's visit to Athens by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

The foreign minister said developments regarding the issue of Cyprus have entered a new course and expressed hope that a solution to the Cyprus issue can be achieved, but this depends on the will of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot side.

Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris, referring to the meeting, said the party's course towards the congress was examined, as well as in light of the election period.

Hytiris said the top priority is contact and dialogue with the people, adding that what is leading the government and PASOK at the present stage is the momentum emerging in past days and an effort is being made to enable PASOK to live up to the demands and the hopes of the people.

He also said issues concerning names to be used to complete PASOK's election tickets were not discussed at the meeting, but stressed that the relevant committee has formulated its proposals and the issue will be raised at the Executive Bureau.

In another development, Papandreou met with PASOK's election program chief Alekos Papadopoulos who spoke of a ''change in policy'' which will be explained to the people soon and will appear in the program to be tabled at PASOK's congress for approval.

Papadopoulos said the general program framework has been completed and noted that during the period until the special congress ''Papandreou and other cadres will proceed with a substantive and original dialogue during which many of the major issues concerning Greek society which do not have to do with the past or today, but with the prospect of a decade at least, will be dealt with.''

Papadopoulos also said his candidacy in the imminent elections is a foregone conclusion.

FM Papandreou discusses elections campaign with PASOK campaign chief Pangalos: Foreign minister George Papandreou met Wednesday with the ruling PASOK party's election campaign coordinator Theodoros Pangalos to exchange views on the course of the electoral campaign.

Pangalos, the head of PASOK's Central Elections Committee, told reporters after the meeting that substantial progress had been achieved, but added that ''we will fight to the last moment''.

Pangalos, a former foreign minister himself, spoke of his ''very frank and long-standing relations'' with Papandreou, who served in the past as alternate foreign minister under Pangalos, and their "very good" cooperation.

Questioned on the new faces that would prospectively staff PASOK's campaign, Pangalos did not rule out new faces from the new PASOK leader's environment entering the campaign.

To a question on the "tones" of the campaigning period, Pangalos said that a good campaign period with calm tones was anticipated, provided main opposition New Democracy party ceased its talk of "high priests of special interests and scams".

Pangalos said that he, himself, had never verbally attacked anyone unless in self-defense, adding that the road of tension had been selected by the ND leader himself.

[06] British former minister tables motion in support of Papandreou candidacy

London 15/01/2004 (ANA-L. Tsirigotakis)

The motion's text notes that the House congratulates Papandreou on his candidacy for the PASOK leadership and wishes him success in the coming elections.

It further stresses the work carried out by Papandreou for improvement of Greece's relations with its neighboring countries following decades of tension, and acknowledges his strong support for the European Union and the efforts for a resolution of the Cyprus issue.

[07] Coalition party leader discusses political multiformity with TV council chief

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

The talks came a day after main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis visited the Council.

During the talks, Constantopoulos told Laskaridis that the Council must appear determined and solvent in its role and that its very entity is being judged by public opinion during the current election stage.

Laskaridis said the Council has already sent a directive to radio and television stations on the objectiveness of news and the equal treatment of parties, despite the fact the Council cannot yet exercise the duties provided to it by law in such cases because the election period has not yet begun officially.

[08] Gov't on Turkish press report over continental shelf

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

In other comments during his regular press briefing, spokesman Christos Protopapas said the “foreign ministry has a minister, one who is following developments”, a reference to FM George Papandreou’s pending accession to the ruling PASOK party’s helm – in place of Premier Costas Simitis, all ahead of the March 7 elections.

In other statements, Protopapas said a “multi-faceted Turkish mobility” in the neighboring country’s foreign affairs will be discernible during this period, although he cautioned that it will not be substantive.

“Turkey is attempting to improve its image and formulate the best possible conditions for its European course. For this to happen, however, it must take real initiatives,” he said.

[09] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

The 22 Turkish aircraft entered the Athens FIR without submit-ting flight plans, which constitutes an infringement.

They were recognized and intercepted by Greek warplanes, while in five cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

The reports said five of the Turkish aircraft were armed.

Turkish corvette spotted between Greek territories: The Greek coast guard reported on Tuesday that a Turkish naval corvette was spotted in the morning between the northern Aegean island of Thassos and the Mount Athos promontory in northern Greece, albeit in international waters.

Coast guard vessels were dispatched to the area to closely monitor the small Turkish warship’s movements, while the navy general staff and the merchant marine ministry were also notified, the coast said.

The Turkish vessel bore markings of “F500”, the coast guard reported, adding that it did not violate territorial waters.

[10] Press conference on reuniting of Parthenon Marbles attended by Robin Cook

London 15/01/2004 (ANA/L.Tsirigotakis)

The head of the new movement, Peter Chequin, presented the results of an opinion poll held on a nationwide scale in Britain in December on the question of whether or not people agree with the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

Percentages ranging between 71 and 81 percent agree with the return of the Marbles and on the question of whether the British government should commit itself now, that it is Olympic Games year, on their return, 73 percent replied yes.

Moreover, an exit poll carried out among visitors to the British Museum, where the Marbles are being displayed, on the question of the Marbles' return produced a 67 percent yes response.

''These majorities are so big that they leave no margin for politicians to take different decisions. The solution of the return of the Marbles will make all, both politicians and public opinion, to feel winners,'' Cook said.

Cook reiterated what he had said in an article in the newspaper Evening Standard on Tuesday that a decision to return the Marbles to Greece would be a very positive beginning for London's candidacy to host the Olympic Games in 2012.

Professor Pantermalis also participated in the press conference, presenting the specifications of the new Acropolis Museum and making special reference to the hall destined to house the Parthenon Marbles in the event they are returned to Greece.

Also present at the press conference were Greece's new Ambassador to London Anastasios Skopelitis and Cultural Olympiad President Evgenios Yiannakopoulos.

At the end of the press conference, representatives of the ''Reuniting the Marbles'' movement went to the British House of Parliament, together with Cook, where they met with 60 Parliamentarians from all parties to whom they explained the aims of their campaign to have the Parthenon Marbles returned to Greece.

Culture minister in UK; Marbles reportedly on the agenda: Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos departs for London in the next few days for talks with his British counterpart, a meeting expected to touch on the sensitive issue of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Athens in time for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

Venizelos spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, where he referred to the widespread support amongst the British citizenry for a return of the Classical Era friezes and sculptures – a standing demand by the Greek government and classicists the world over in recent decades.

Venizelos’ initiative follows former British foreign secretary Robin Cook’s recent full-page article in “London's Evening Standard” on Tuesday, where he calls on the British government to return the Marbles to Greece in light of an opinion poll according to which 80 percent of Britons agree with their repatriation.

Athens has reportedly tabled an array of schemes and compromises to reunite the Marbles with the structure from which they were blatantly sliced off, the Parthenon on the Acropolis.

[11] Flurry of foreign ministry contacts this week; Israeli ministry

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis on Wednesday received the Russian ambassador to Athens, Andrey Vdovin.

Talks revolved around pending financial issues, while the Greek side also called on Moscow to give precedence to the signing of a memorandum for the long-delayed Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project.

Moreover, Russia’s contribution towards efforts at solving the long-standing Cyprus problem based on the Annan peace plan, as well as Athens’ interest in commercial activities in the southern Caucasus region, were discussed.

Both men also touched on a possible new agreement allowing for an easier visa-issuing regime for Russian citizens, one based on Schengen Pact requirements, of course.

Finally, Deputy FM Andreas Loverdos met with a group of local entrepreneurs on Thursday at the Athens Commercial and Industry Chamber of Commerce as part of preparations for Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos’ official visit to Lebanon later this month.

Earlier, Loverdos received the ambassador of Lebanon to Athens, W. Habib, for talks ahead of the Greek president's visit to Beirut.

[12] Bosnian presidency trio to sign 'Olympic Truce' this week

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

All three top Bosnian officials are due to sign the high-profile declaration to observe the idea of an “Olympic Truce”. Statements to the press will follow.

[13] German president receives Kalavryta delegation

BERLIN 15/01/2004 (ANA/P.Stangos)

The delegation, headed by Kalavryta Metropolitan Ambrosius, Kalavryta Mayor Athanassios Papadopoulos and Ioannis Andropoulos, an eye-witness of atrocities committed in Kalavryta by Nazi occupation troops, discussed with Rau a proposal by the Kalavryta municipality for the joint creation with the German side of a ''House of Peace'' in Kalavryta, as a youth hostel.

The album from Rau's visit to Kalavryta was issued by the Kalavryta municipality in December 2003 to commemorate the 60th anniversary since the atrocities.

The German president, whose tenure ends on June 30, promised to bring the matter to the attention of the government and parliament for the securing of the necessary funds.

Rau had visited Kalavryta accompanied by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos to formally apologize on behalf of the German people for the most extreme act of violence perpetrated by German occupation troops against Greeks.

[14] Rally in Athens on Jan. 31 on occasion of European Day of Action against racism

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

For the purpose of an outcry to be heard against ''Europe For-tress'', to bureaucracy which creates problems to economic immigrant families and to the deportation of immigrants, as the Greek Social Forum and the Genoa 2001 Initiative have stated, representatives of associations and immigrant communities, trade unions, anti-racist organizations and human rights organizations, held a meeting at the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) offices on Wednesday to discuss ways of action. At the same time, they discussed the problems faced by immigrants concerning the renewal or issue of residence and work permits and condemned bureaucracy.

[15] Greek ambassador to US refers to Greek foreign policy priorities, Olympic Games

WASHINGTON 15/01/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Savvaides also focused on the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and spoke of relations of trust and joint initiatives developed with the US and of Greece's constructive role in the stabilization, democratization and restructuring of the Balkans.

The ambassador further referred to Cyprus' accession to the EU and to the significance of a solution to the issue of Cyprus benefiting all, stability in the eastern Mediterranean and to Turkey's European prospects.

Elaborating on the Athens Olympic Games, Savvaides gave a detailed account of preparations being made for the event, placing emphasis on the issue of security and to priority given to the issue with the spending of 800 million dollars for security infrastructure and equipment and with close cooperation with seven countries and with the United States in particular.

[16] US Embassy closed on Monday for Martin Luther King's Birthday

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

[17] Greek FinMin says new Capital Market Code based on EU directive

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, speaking to reporters, said that the code never envisaged offering amnesty to criminal actions related with stock market activities. Mr Christodoulakis stressed that with the new code the Greek government was introducing a European directive on market abuse. ''We are the first EU country to adopt this directive, proof of the government's strong will to combat stock market abuse,'' the Greek minister said.

Mr Christodoulakis noted that the new code envisaged sharply higher penalties for market abuse cases, with the ceiling of penalties imposed rising to 10 million euros from three million euros currently.

[18] Gov’t to launch phase 2 of SMEs' financial support program

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, the Greek minister stressed that the decision to launch a second round, worth 255 million euros, was taken after the successful completion of the first round of supporting SMEs in the country.

The program was implemented in coordination with Greek banks which have set up special offices to service SMEs and to offer consultancy services to customers.

[19] Greek stocks jump 1.48 pct on Wednesday

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

The index ended 1.48 percent higher at 2,482.35 points with turnover a heavy 256.9 million euros.

Buying activity focused on blue chip stocks. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 186 to 125 with another 49 issues unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of January 14 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,279 1,250

[20] Olympic Torch relay route inside Greece unveiled

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Athens organizers (ATHOC) on Wednesday said the route’s selection was based on six criteria: security, population, proper infrastructure, historical or cultural aspects as well as geographical position.

The Olympic torch-lighting ceremony will take place on March 25 in ancient Olympia, before departing for the Peloponnese and Saronic islands over a seven-day period. The Olympic Flame is scheduled to arrive at Athens’ all-marble Panathinaikos Stadium afterwards and its delivery to ATHOC. The flame will remain at a specially built altar at the stadium until June 4 before embarking on a 33-city journey to all five continents around the world.

The flame will return to Athens on July 9.

The route was presented during a ceremony at ATHOC's headquarters on Wednesday.

[21] Olympic media village area to become new Athens suburb

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

Ilida, the new suburb, is located to the north of Athens next to Maroussi.

The media village built by Lamda Development is due for completion in April.

[22] Onassis Foundation sends aid for Iran quake victims

Athens, 15/01/2004 (ANA)

[23] President Papadopoulos to meet Prodi in Brussels

BRUSSELS 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The European Commission announced that the meeting would be held at its headquarters.

It is considered certain that during the meeting the two will examine the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

Prodi is also scheduled to visit Turkey on January 15-16 where he will meet the country's political leadership.

The President of the Commission has asked all acceding countries to notify him by the end of February the names of the Commissioners they intend to propose.

[24] Prodi to tell Ankara of EU preference for a united Cyprus

BRUSSELS 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Prodi and Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen will pay a two-day official visit to Ankara, Thursday and Friday, and during meetings they will point out that a solution in Cyprus on the basis of a UN proposal will greatly facilitate Turkey's European aspirations.

''During the first visit of a Commission President in Turkey for the past 40 years, Romano Prodi will repeat the strong wish of the European Union to welcome Turkey as an equal and respected member. He will praise the changes undertaken by the Turkish government to meet the EU accession criteria and will call for the continuation and implementation of these reforms,'' a Commission press release said.

''Mr. Prodi will also stress the strong preference of the EU for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU on May 1, following a settlement based on the UN peace plan, and insist on the benefits of such an outcome for Turkey,'' it added.

Prodi and Verheugen will meet President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the National Assembly Bulent Arinc, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and the president of the Peoples Republican Party, the main opposition party in Turkey, Deniz Baikal. He will address the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and hold a speech at the Bogazici University in Istanbul.

According to the Commission, the visit takes place at a crucial moment for Turkey, as in nine months time the Commission will present a report on the progress made by Ankara towards meeting the political criteria for EU accession, and will make a recommendation to the European Council who will decide, at its meeting in December 2004, on the possible opening of accession negotiations with Turkey.

On Cyprus, the European Council, at its meeting in Brussels, stated that a settlement of this issue based on the plan submitted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ''would greatly facilitate Turkey's membership aspirations.''

The Commission considers that the window of opportunity is still open for a comprehensive settlement before May 1, thus allowing for the accession of a united island.

[25] Pat Cox welcomes formation of new 'government' in occupied north

STRASBOURG 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In a statement here on Wednesday Pat Cox said that the ''agreement on a new administration is a clear acknowledgement of the will of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot community for a solution which will enable a reunited and a reconciled Cyprus to join the European Union on May 1''.

''I therefore urge all parties and their leaders, in both communities, to make a renewed and determined effort to engage together with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and to realize the Annan plan, as a matter of the utmost urgency," Cox noted in his statement for Cyprus.

[26] Irish EU presidency seeks commitment from parties

STRASBOURG 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In his address to the European Parliament to present the presidency program, Ahern gave his full backing to the pivotal role UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan plays in the Cyprus peace effort.

On Turkey's EU accession course, he welcomed efforts to fulfill the necessary criteria with a view to a decision to be taken at the European Council next December.

''I am convinced that the accession of Cyprus continues to provide the context for a comprehensive settlement, which would enable the accession of a united island on May 1,'' he said, and welcomed the signs of progress in recent days.

As Presidency, he added, ''we will support the central role of the United Nations Secretary-General in this process.''

''I urge all parties in the period ahead to demonstrate conclusively their commitment to negotiating a settlement on the basis of his proposals,'' he added.

[27] Government to terminate free transport for Turkish Cypriots

NICOSIA 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The spokesman said, after a Cabinet meeting, that free transport for organized groups of Turkish Cypriots would continue until April 30.

Free transport was introduced last year after the Turkish Cypriot occupation regime partially lifted restrictions on free movement to and from the northern Turkish occupied areas of the Republic.

The spokesman said the Cabinet decided to continue to offer free transport to Turkish Cypriots from the check points, on the dividing line, to various areas on weekdays and weekends until the end of this month.

He said free transport for organized groups of Turkish Cypriots on weekdays, weekends and holidays will continue until April 30, provided an application for free transport is submitted to the relevant authorities of the Republic in good time.

[28] European Ombudsman to visit Cyprus in March

NICOSIA 15/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

CNA has learned that Diamantouros will have a very busy schedule of meetings, including high-ranked members of the government as well as Cyprus Ombudswoman Eliana Nicolaou.

His visit to the island is part of his ''accession tour'' to all ten new EU countries, in order to raise awareness of citizen's rights in the run-up to accession.

Diamantouros will also discuss cooperation ways with his national counterparts of the ten acceding countries.

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