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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-06

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

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

April 6, 2004

CONTENTS

  • [01] DHSY party leader has telephone conversation with Greek PM
  • [02] PASOK party delegation meets President Papadopoulos
  • [03] FM Molyviatis, US ambassador Miller discuss Cyprus developments
  • [04] DM attends EU defense ministers' conference in Brussels
  • [05] Deputy DM attends launching of new missile boat at Elefsina Shipyards
  • [06] Thoughts of Greeks abroad with the people of Cyprus as Easter approaches
  • [07] President in Kavala region for Easter Sunday
  • [08] Archbishop Christodoulos speaks of globalization at Police Academy
  • [09] Greek fiscal deficit to reach 2.95 pct in 2003, FinMin says
  • [10] Gov't to examine constitutionality of giving tenure to contract employees
  • [11] Greek dye-work sector steadily shrinking, report
  • [12] Agriculture minister holds talks with French counterpart in Paris
  • [13] Greek car sales jumped 35 pct in March, yr/yr
  • [14] Aegean Airlines says passenger traffic up 36 pct in 1st qtr
  • [15] Intracom shareholders approve share buyback
  • [16] EFG Eurobank Ergasias to give 0.60 euro dividend for 2003
  • [17] Stocks rise, fuelled by markets abroad
  • [18] Gov't releases funds for Athens Olympics projects
  • [19] ATHOC chief briefs PM on progress of preparations for the Olympic Games
  • [20] Olympic budgets the focus of economy ministry meetings
  • [21] Health ministry to hire ambulance staff in light of Olympic Games
  • [22] Gov't to provide extra electricity for islands during Olympics
  • [23] Wash. Post on Olympic preparations
  • [24] 2nd volume of book on veteran leftist leader Florakis unveiled
  • [25] Contraband cigarettes destined for FYROM seized in Thessaloniki port
  • [26] Government parties to decide independently on Annan Plan
  • [27] Greek and Turkish Cypriot parties discuss island's future
  • [28] Poettering: It is up to the people to decide on Annan plan
  • [29] Irish EU Presidency:Decision on Annan plan rests with people of Cyprus

  • [01] DHSY party leader has telephone conversation with Greek PM

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

    Democratic Rally (DHSY) party leader Nicos Anastasiades had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday morning, whom he briefed on the climate prevailing in Cyprus and on ''which are the prevailing views'' concerning the referendum to be held on April 24.

    Speaking after a meeting with the President of the European Peoples Party's European Democrats Hans-Gert Poettering, Anastasiades said the Greek prime minister told him that he will clarify his position on the Annan plan after the Easter holidays and that the Greek Council of Political Party leaders will convene on the issue of Cyprus after Easter.

    The DHSY party leader said he requested a telephone conversation with Karamanlis to be informed on ''when the Council of Political Party leaders will convene and to exchange some thoughts.''

    Asked whether the participation of Cypriot parties in the Council is being considered, Anastasiades said ''it does not appear to be possible'', adding that ''it is an institutional body which does not allow such a thing.''

    Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will address the Cypriot people on Wednesday night, it was announced on Monday.

    According to information announced by the Cyprus Broad-casting Corporation's (RIK) television station, the address will be broadcast at 8 p.m. and in which Papadopoulos will announce his decisions and explain with details and arguments his position in light of the referenda which will be held on April 24, explaining the pros and cons of a ''yes'' and a ''no'' vote to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

    [02] PASOK party delegation meets President Papadopoulos

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

    A delegation of the main opposition PASOK party, currently in Cyprus for a briefing by the state and political leadership on the assessment of the Annan plan in light of the April 24 referendum, met with President Tassos Papadopoulos on Monday.

    No statements were made after the meeting.

    The delegation, headed by Foreign Affairs and Defense co-coordinator Anna Diamantopoulou and including former defense ministers Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Yiannos Papantoniou held talks with Leftwing AKEL party Secretary General Demetris Christofias at the party's offices earlier in the day.

    The delegation also met former President Glafcos Clerides and was due to meet the leaders of other parties later in the day.

    [03] FM Molyviatis, US ambassador Miller discuss Cyprus developments

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The developments in the Cyprus issue, as well as matters of bilateral and international interest were discussed Monday during a meeting between Greek foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and US ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller.

    In statements to the press after the meeting, Miller expressed optimism that, in the 19 days remaining until the holding of simultaneous referenda in Cyprus on UN secretary general Kofi Annan's plan for a Cyprus settlement, things will have changed.

    He added that the decision, of whether to vote 'yes' or 'no' on the Annan plan on April 24, belonged to the Cypriot people -- the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots -- themselves.

    Miller opined that, in essence, the Annan plan had not been understood because it had not yet been studied adequately, despite the many views that have been expressed and analyses made.

    He further said that it was difficult to read the 9,000 pages of the plan, but added that there were 20 pages that deserved being read and provided important material for study.

    [04] DM attends EU defense ministers' conference in Brussels

    BRUSSELS 6/4/2004 (ANA - V. Demiris)

    Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos attended the European Union's conference for defense ministers here on Monday and referred to the military potential the EU must develop to handle and prevent crises.

    The defense minister said with the new strategic environment being shaped the EU's general military prospects are being determined as of now and until 2010.

    Spiliotopoulos said that to this end small flexible military units composed of 1,500 people will be organized which will be in a position to take action to handle or prevent crises in a short period of time.

    Spiliotopoulos added that when and how these forces will be used in confronting terrorism is a matter for political discussion. He further said the EU is organizing its own rapid reaction forces which act as a supplement for NATO forces and stressed that the terrorist attack in Madrid has spectacularly speeded up procedures regarding the confrontation of international terrorism.

    [05] Deputy DM attends launching of new missile boat at Elefsina Shipyards

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos attended the launching of the third missile boat built at the Elefsina Shipyards, while the galley ''Olympias'', a replica of a 4th century B.C. galley which participated in the battle of Salamina, was also delivered fully renovated.

    The missile boat was named ''Krystallidis'' in memory of naval officer Vyron Krystallidis who was killed during an air raid on the escort ship ''Plias'', which he was in charge of on April 22, 1941.

    The boat was given its name by the officer's niece Christina Makriyanni.

    It is the third of five Super Vita-type missile boats being built by the Elefsina Shipyards, which will be delivered to the Greek Navy in April 2005.

    [06] Thoughts of Greeks abroad with the people of Cyprus as Easter approaches

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    As Holy Easter, one of Christianity's greatest holidays approaches, the thoughts and feelings of the Greeks of the Diaspora are with the people of Cyprus, with the anticipation that one day they will live in peace and harmony as a united nation, World

    Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) president Andrew Athens said in an Easter message released here on Monday.

    Worldwide Hellenes will, in a few days, celebrate one of Christianity's greatest holidays, the Holy Easter, the foundation of our faith and also a symbol of rebirth and anticipation of a better life, the message said.

    ''Hellenes in the Diaspora carry in our minds and hearts the torch of Hellas and Orthodoxy, perhaps much more than others, and this faith strengthens our determination to preserve our cultural and religious identity and our support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate,'' it said.

    ''On this day, we are particularly grateful that the government of Israel has finally recognized the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mr. Irineos, a cause for which we struggled in the US, in Israel and in Greece for more than two years,'' the message said, adding: ''May Orthodoxy's other just hopes, such as the reopening of the Theological School of Halki, are equally fulfilled.''

    ''Our thoughts and feelings today are especially close to our brothers in Cyprus, with the anticipation that one day they will live in peace and harmony as a united nation. We express our full support to the governments of Greece and Cyprus and we assure them that the Omogeneia (Greeks abroad) understands the difficult struggle they have to wage to safeguard Hellenism's just causes,'' the message continued.

    ''We are also pledging to contribute in every way we can to the success of the Olympic Games, Athens 2004, and to raise inter-national understanding of the message of peace and brotherhood towards all men, which is part of the meaning of Easter and is also symbolized by the return of the Games to their birthplace,'' the message concluded.

    [07] President in Kavala region for Easter Sunday

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will spend Easter Sunday with military conscripts in the Kavala region, it was announced on Monday.

    [08] Archbishop Christodoulos speaks of globalization at Police Academy

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, speaking on the issue of globalization at the Greek Police Officers Academy on Monday, criticized the American way of life and said an attempt is being made to impose it through globalization but ''the dignity of peoples'' is not allowing it to prevail.

    Archbishop Christodoulos also criticized systems such as the Soviet one and that of Adolf Hitler and defended traditional values, while saying that those defending the meaning of the word ''nation'' are subject to rabid attacks because some identify it with ''nationalism.''

    He characterized people who are patriotic without being nationalists ''romantic'' and said the language must remain unchanged and called on political parties to state their positions on education.

    Archbishop Christodoulos said when some even want to change history books it is obvious that they are aiming at nothing else than leaving the people unprotected and urged the people to resist.

    [09] Greek fiscal deficit to reach 2.95 pct in 2003, FinMin says

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Mon-day said he was confident that the country's 2003 fiscal deficit would reach 2.95 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and added that the ministry would make coordinated efforts to keep the deficit below the 3.0 percent limit set by the EU's Stability Pact.

    The Greek minister predicted that GDP growth would reach 4.2 percent in 2003 and said that a fiscal discipline policy, sought by the new government, would not undermine the top priority aim of ensuring successful Olympic Games.

    Speaking to reporters, Mr Alogoskoufis said that according to early forecasts the country's fiscal deficit was nearing 2.95 per-cent of GDP in 2003 and added that the government was aiming to keep the deficit below the 3.0 percent limit set by the EU.

    The Greek minister declined to answer to journalists' questions whether the European Commission would address a warning over Greece's fiscal deficit.

    A total of six EU member-states are currently facing problems with their high fiscal deficits (France, Germany, UK, Italy and Holland).

    Mr Alogoskoufis also briefed the press over the results of an informal ECOFIN meeting held in Dublin, Ireland last week.

    He said that updated economic forecasts would not be far from previous estimates but stressed that fiscal condition in six countries, including Greece, needed to be dealt with. Mr Alogoskoufis told his EU counterparts that the country's fiscal deficit was 2.95 percent while economic growth rates reached 4.2 percent last year.

    "I underlined our intention to deal with a fiscal problem so that the deficit would be kept below 3.0 percent," Alogoskoufis said.

    Referring to EU's fiscal outlook for the period 2007-2013, an issue discussed during the ECOFIN meeting, the Greek minister said that the Commission forecast maintaining a current ceiling in spending (1.24 percent of EU's GDP), while Germany, France, Holland, UK, Sweden and Austria demanded limiting the ceiling to 1.0 percent of EU GDP.

    Greece supported the EU Commission's proposal fearing that a probable cut in Community budget could seriously undermine social cohesion in the Union.

    Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that the government's economic program would be implemented and noted that it would have to be combined with fiscal discipline. "Fiscal discipline covers all sectors of economy but it will not endanger our priority which is to have a successful Olympic Games in the summer," he said.

    [10] Gov't to examine constitutionality of giving tenure to contract employees

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The government is now focusing on the constitutionality of giving tenure to thousands of public sector contract employees, spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos stressed during a regular press briefing on Monday.

    He added that the new government is attempting to solve an issue that has loomed over the public sector for the past five years, and one inherited from the previous PASOK government.

    Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Roussopoulos stressed that the relevant deputy development minister is undertaking “intense efforts” in contacts with wholesalers and retailers so that prices for the upcoming “Easter table” hover at last year’s rates.

    [11] Greek dye-work sector steadily shrinking, report

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The dye-house sector in Greece is directly affected by trends in the textile and clothing industries, with increasing imports of cheaper products from the Balkans, Turkey, China and Pakistan leading to a lower domestic production of textiles and clothing and limiting demand for dye-works, a survey by ICAP said on Monday.

    The survey said that the dye-house sector was also affected by a trend adopted by big clothing and textile industries to transfer their production lines in other Balkan states to benefit from lower labor costs.

    Independent dye-houses account for the biggest part of the sector and they are mainly based in Northern Greece, in particularly in the prefects of Thessaloniki, Pieria and Kilkis. This fact helps in reducing transportation costs and limiting time delivery.

    The Greek dye-works market shrank by 3.7 percent in 2002 from the previous year, while it fell by 1.0 percent in 2003. Independent dye-houses accounted for 68 percent of total production, with Northern Greece companies accounting for 79 percent of the market.

    The survey forecast that the decline of the market would continue in the next two years as textile industries tend to transfer their production lines to countries with cheaper labor cost and imports of cheaper products continue rising. The sector is expected to face a bigger problem after 2005 when the European Union is expected to abolish all quantity restrictions to textile imports from third countries.

    [12] Agriculture minister holds talks with French counterpart in Paris

    PARIS 6/4/2004 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

    Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Minister Savvas Tsitouridis met with French Agriculture Minister Herve Gaymar here on Monday in light of the special agriculture ministers' conference to be held in Luxembourg on April 21-22.

    The two ministers discussed the determining of a common strategy and reaching an understanding on the issue of the three Mediterranean products: tobacco, olive oil and cotton.

    Speaking to Greek reporters, Tsitouridis said the aim is to secure for Mediterranean products ''the same time span at the beginning and end of the implementation of changes'' with that achieved through the ''discreet handling'' of the products of northern countries.

    [13] Greek car sales jumped 35 pct in March, yr/yr

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The Greek car market is showing signs of strong recovery in the first three months of 2004, after a disappointing 2003, with March car sales up 35 percent compared with the same month last year, official figures showed on Monday.

    A monthly report by the Federation of Car Importers and Dealers showed that car sales were up 18.6 percent in March from February, totalling 27,231 units, a figure slightly lower than January. First quarter figures, however, laid the foundations for a positive year in the domestic car market, analysts said, with sales up 16 percent in the January-March period compared with last year, totalling 81,376 units.

    Toyota maintained its leading position in the Greek market with sales totalling 2,789 units (up 74.7 percent from March 2003 or 35.2 percent in the January-March period). It was followed by Hyundai with 2,367 sales (up 51.8 percent in March and 26.9 pct in the first quarter, Opel with 1,876 sales (up 33.7 percent but down 5.3 percent over the same period respectively).

    Lancia (up 222 percent), Mazda (up 132 percent), Porsche (up 333 percent), Mini (up 105 percent), Mercedes (up 31 percent), Audi (up 45 percent), BMW (up 47 percent), Volvo (up 171 percent), Daihatsu (up 59 percent), Subaru (up 40 percent), Lada (up 65 percent) and Saab (up 76 percent), recorded the biggest monthly percentage increases.

    On the other hand, Opel (down 5.3 percent), VW (down 1.6 percent), Nissan (down 8 percent) and Kia (down 24.7 percent) recorded the biggest monthly percentage declines.

    [14] Aegean Airlines says passenger traffic up 36 pct in 1st qtr

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Aegean Airlines on Monday reported a 36 percent increase in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2004 compared with the corresponding period last year, to 689,597 passengers, and a 10 percent rise in passengers per flight to 76 from 69 percent over the same period, respectively.

    Company officials said that if this trend continued in the months ahead the carrier could achieve its goal of 3,500,000 passengers in 2004, up from 2,850,000 last year.

    Aegean Airlines said that passenger traffic in its domestic network totalled 540,572 passengers in the January-March period from 394,015 in 2003, while passenger traffic in its international network totalled 149,025 passengers from 111,858, over the same period respectively, for an increase of 33 percent.

    The airline has scheduled three daily flights to LARNACA from May 28, after the official entry of Cyprus in the European Union, and seeks expanding its domestic network with flights to the islands of Samos and Limnos this year.

    Aegean Airlines said it was maintaining its leading position departure time reliability among the 60 airlines operating in the international Athens airport.

    [15] Intracom shareholders approve share buyback

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Shareholders of Athens-quoted Intracom SA, a blue chip information technology and telecommunications manufacturer, on Tuesday approved extension of an existing share buyback scheme.

    Endorsed was the purchase of outstanding stock in an earlier arrangement to buy back up to 10 per cent of the company's stock, management said in a statement.

    Remaining stock up to the 10 per cent limit will be bought at a ceiling of 18 euros per share and floor of 1.0 euro per share, the statement said.

    The stock buyback has to be effected by April 5, 2005, it added.

    [16] EFG Eurobank Ergasias to give 0.60 euro dividend for 2003

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Shareholders of EFG Eurobank Ergasias, which is listed on the Athens bourse, on Monday approved management's proposal of a 0.60 euro dividend per share on 2003 earnings.

    Attainable targets for the next two years were a rise in earnings per share of more than 20 per cent annually, and an increase in the dividend per share to top 12 per cent per year, the bank's managing director, Nikolaos Nanopoulos, told the shareholders' meeting.

    The EFG group reported net consolidated earnings after tax and minorities of 273.0 million euros in 2003, up 39.0 per cent from a year earlier.

    Consolidated net profits before tax and after minorities totalled 373 million euros, showing a 37 per cent increase against 2002.

    EFG Eurobank, which is owned by the Latsis banking, shipping and oil group, had shareholders' equity of 1.8 billion euros on December 31, 2003.

    [17] Stocks rise, fuelled by markets abroad

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The Athens bourse finished higher on Monday, fuelled by rises in markets abroad, traders said.

    The general share index gained 1.95 per cent to end at 2,419.07 points. Turnover was 116.1 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 2.04 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.54 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 1.41 per cent.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 220 to 85 with 56 issues remaining unchanged.

    Bond Market Close: Sellers outstrip buyers on Monday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.34 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 21 bps

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-yr, expiring May 2014 (880 mln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 3.3 bln euros

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 103.7 mln euros

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: +2.04%

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: +1.54 percent

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE

    Closing rates of April 5 2004

    Parities in euro

    Banknotes

    For. Exchange Buying Selling

    US Dollar 1,215 1,187

    [18] Gov't releases funds for Athens Olympics projects

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Monday endorsed the release of 558.9 million euros in project funds for the Athens Olympics this year.

    The sum covers spending for 2004 and debts from 2003 in the form of delayed payments to contractors involved in Olympic projects whose clearance was requested by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, the finance ministry said in a statement.

    In addition, due for incorporation into the Olympics budget are supplementary funds for projects and other works including landscaping and access-ways, the statement said.

    The sum of 558.9 million euros includes project overlays of 66 million euros, which the culture ministry recently undertook as the amount had not so far been incorporated into any ministry budget.

    The points were agreed at a meeting between Alogoskoufis and Palli-Petralia earlier in the day.

    According to sources, the two also discussed the terms of a 1.5 billion euro loan obtained by the previous government from the European Investment Bank.

    [19] ATHOC chief briefs PM on progress of preparations for the Olympic Games

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki visited Prime Mi-nister Costas Karamanlis at the Maximos Mansion on Monday evening and briefed him on the course of preparations for the Olympic Games which, as she said after the meeting, is progressing well.

    The ATHOC chief stressed that ''the prime minister is observing step-by-step all the preparation and is a helper in this very difficult work which we have undertaken. As long as we act with passion and with great will, we believe that things will develop well.''

    Replying to a reporter's question on whether the Calatrava roof at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex constitutes a headache, Daskalaki said ''we will be having many headaches until the Games!''

    Concluding, she noted that ''the issue is the days of the Games, when the Olympic Village opens, when the Press Centre opens, when all the world will come, for us to be able to show all the work we have done all these years.''

    Karamanlis met Daskalaki ahead of Tuesday’s high-ranking inter-ministerial committee meeting, expected to focus on the timely Cyprus issue and the economy.

    [20] Olympic budgets the focus of economy ministry meetings

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The closely watched issue of 2004 Olympic budgets and costs will be the focus of several meetings this week at the national economy and finance ministry, with the relevant minister, George Alogoskoufis, telling reporters on Monday that he has a good idea as per the level of spending, but not the entire picture.

    He added that final decisions will be taken only after an ongoing and complete review of Olympic costs is completed.

    “Fiscal discipline affects all economic sectors, although I will note endanger the priority of successfully hosting the 2004 Olympic Games,” Alogoskoufis said.

    [21] Health ministry to hire ambulance staff in light of Olympic Games

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The health ministry will be hiring 299 people in early May as staff for new ambulances ordered to meet the needs of the summer Olympic Games.

    Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis said on Monday the first ambulances are already being given customs clearance, while the process of hiring another 1,326 people, mainly nursing staff, is being speeded up.

    The hiring of 980 people as seasonal staff for the Olympic Games has already been requested and Kaklamanis intends to have at least 9,477 people hired in the health sector by the end of 2005. It is noteworthy that 7,000 of them will be nursing staff who are expected to relieve hospitals' daily work considerably.

    Referring to his priorities, the health minister said day-to-day issues such as camp beds must be handled according to a plan and added that camp beds existed and continue to exist, mainly in big hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki and at the Venizelio hospital in Crete.

    [22] Gov't to provide extra electricity for islands during Olympics

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation on Tuesday received permission from the development ministry to install and operate temporary electricity output units on 13 islands.

    The move aims to provide electricity from June to September this year to cover power needs and ensure that no shortages occur during the Athens Olympics in August, the ministry said in a statement.

    The PPC was asked to provide more lasting solutions to electricity supplies on the islands that would also protect the environment, the statement said.

    [23] Wash. Post on Olympic preparations

    WASHINGTON 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The well-known US daily “Washington Post” again published an extensive feature on 2004 Olympic preparations this week, listing venues and their projected completion dates, among others.

    One of the highlights of the article focused on the coastal zone of Athens, between the Faliro and Helliniko complexes, a stretch of prime seaside land that Athens 2004 organizers promise will be a splendid promenade during the Games, complete with a new tram line, Olympic venues and extensive landscaping.

    On the down side, the major US daily notes that although organizers promise that 28 out of 35 Olympic facilities -- with a handful rightly considered architecturally significant -- will be delivered in April, the land surrounding the venues remains devoid of any landscaping or greenery and spewed with building materials.

    [24] 2nd volume of book on veteran leftist leader Florakis unveiled

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    The second volume of a book on the life and times of veteran leftist leader Harilaos Florakis, who led the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s up until the very early ‘90s, was unveiled today during a ceremony at a downtown Athens hotel.

    “Harilaos Florakis: The Populist Leader – Political Struggles – Known and Unknown Facts of 1973-1993” was released, in Greek, by the Typoekdotiki Publishing House.

    [25] Contraband cigarettes destined for FYROM seized in Thessaloniki port

    Athens 6/4/2004 (ANA)

    Thessaloniki customs authorities located and seized a large quantity of contraband cigarettes destined for FYROM on a cargo ship arriving from Egypt, local customs officials said on Monday.

    Acting on a tip, customs employees discovered 4,809 cases containing 240,450 cartons of cigarettes (each carton comprising 10 packs of cigarettes) of a variety of brands concealed in cargo containers on the ''Mary Ann'', which had arrived in Thessaloniki from an Egyptian port. According to the ship's loading documents, the vessel was carrying furniture and furniture coverings.

    The evaded taxes on the contraband cigarettes were estimated at 5.2 million euro.

    [26] Government parties to decide independently on Annan Plan

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    The parties and movements that back Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos have decided to take autonomous decisions regarding their stance toward a UN proposal on a solution (the Annan Plan) in the April 24 referendum, bearing in mind Monday's discussions at the Presidential Palace.

    Speaking on behalf of the parties House President and AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias said they exchanged views in a friendly atmosphere on the latest developments, discussed a possible "yes" and a possible "no" vote and said there was full respect for the opinion of every party.

    "What remains to be done is for the parties to take their final decisions autonomously, bearing in mind today's exchange of views," Christofias said.

    "We will continue showing the same mutual respect to each other," he added.

    Replying to questions, Christofias said it was possible for President Papadopoulos to announce his decision before the parties announce their final positions.

    The meeting was also attended by Democratic Party acting President Nicos Cleanthous, Socialist Movement EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou, General Secretary of the Ecologists – En-vironmentalists Movement George Perdikis, President of the Political Grouping for the Restructure of the Centre Kypros Chrysostomides, President of the Movement "Free Citizens" Timis Efthimiou and former House President and deputy Alexis Galanos.

    The Ecologists have already decided to vote against the proposed UN solution plan.

    [27] Greek and Turkish Cypriot parties discuss island's future

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    Greek and Turkish Cypriot political parties exchanged views on the Annan plan, a UN proposal for a comprehensive settlement, which will be put to separate but simultaneous referenda to the two communities on April 24, a joint communique said after a joint meeting the parties held on Monday, under the auspices of the Slovakian embassy.

    No date has been set for a future meeting. This will be announced at the appropriate time.

    In statements after the meeting, AKEL deputy Eleni Mavrou said the atmosphere was ''friendly and optimistic because we are reaching the end, the solution to the Cyprus problem,'' adding that participants examined the future of Cyprus and ''not the past and looked into each others' fears.''

    She said that because some parties had not taken their final decisions on the Annan Plan, they could not have a debate on the substance, noting that her party will decide collectively.

    Deputy Democratic Rally leader Averof Neofytou called for unity and wisdom and said that the larger the party, the bigger the responsibilities. ''The greatest burden will fall on DISY and AKEL,'' he added.

    Democratic Party Deputy President Nicos Kleanthous said Mon-day's meeting was one of the more substantive because ''there was courage in exchanging different opinions.''

    He said the Turkish Cypriot side's sole concern was to rid itself of the current oppressive circumstances it faced without considering the long-term effects.

    Socialist Movement EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou said the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

    He said Cyprus was entering a critical stage for its future and added that the Annan plan must be examined taking into account the viability and functionality of the solution.

    Leader of the Turkish Cypriot ''Solution and EU'' party Ali Erel said the ''final version of the Annan plan is just a compromise'' and expressed the hope that it would not be rejected.

    ''It is a good sign that nobody is celebrating about it in the streets,'' he said, adding that his party had already decided.

    He said things would not be easy if the plan was rejected from either side, adding ''we have a duty to work for a 'yes' vote.''

    Erel said he was optimistic that more than 50% of the Turkish Cypriots would endorse the plan, expressing certainty that most Greek Cypriot parties would say ''yes rather than no.''

    He expressed the view that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash does not play an important role anymore. ''He lost most of his influence in Cyprus and Turkey,'' Erel added.

    The next meeting would be announced at the appropriate time, Slovak Ambassador Jan Varso announced.

    [28] Poettering: It is up to the people to decide on Annan plan

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    European People's Pary-European Democrats Group leader Hans-Gert Poettering said on Monday it was up to the free will of the people of Cyprus to vote in favor of the Annan Plan for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

    Speaking after meeting Democratic Rally (DISI) leader Nicos Anastasiades, Poettering cautioned against a no vote in the forthcoming referendum on April 24, saying it might prolong the division of the island.

    Anastasiades said they discussed the result of last month's talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland and the final version of the Annan Plan.

    He said that during the meeting of the Executive Bureau of the Democratic Rally with Poettering, he pointed out ''the elements which we consider unfair and negative'' regarding the Annan Plan.

    Anastasiades said his party would seek the support and assurances from the EPP-ED whatever the result of the referendum, adding that Poettering Õis firmly against any intervention from foreigners against the people's will.''

    Poettering praised the close cooperation between the Democratic Rally and the EPP ED and said the party, the largest in the Parliament with 232 deputies, was looking forward to Cyprus' accession into the EU on May 1.

    Regarding the final version of the Annan Plan, handed to the two sides in Cyprus last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Poettering said the ''people in Cyprus will have to decide. And I want to prevent the impression that we from outside should teach you how you go about your business.''

    He said it depended on the free decision of Cypriots in both parts of the island.

    ''I think it is now the choice of the Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, whether you see a chance for the future, for unification of your country or whether this agreement or non-agreement, the Annan proposal is a disadvantage. But if you see it as a disadvantage, then the consequence might be that the division of your country remains for a long time,'' Poettering added.

    However he remarked ''in politics, you never have a decision that is good or bad. In politics you always have to make an evaluation and to give an answer in the end, is something good for us in the long term, or is it not showing the right direction.''

    [29] Irish EU Presidency:Decision on Annan plan rests with people of Cyprus

    NICOSIA 6/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    The decision on the plan for a Cyprus settlement presented on March 31 by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan now rests ultimately with the people of Cyprus, the President of the European Council, Irish Premier Bertie Ahern has said.

    Ahern was briefed on Monday in Dublin by Annan's special adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto on the outcome of the UN-led negotiations recently concluded in Burgenstock, Switzerland.

    A statement released by the Irish EU Presidency said the Taoi-seach acknowledged the longstanding effort of the UN Secretary-General ''to create a unique and historic opportunity'' for a settlement to the Cyprus problem.

    Ahern recalled the European Union had all along expressed ''its strong preference'' that a united Cyprus enter the Union on May 1 and had indicated its readiness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU was founded.

    ''The decision on the plan for a settlement that Mr. Annan presented to the parties on March 31,'' Ahern concluded, ''now rests ultimately with the people of Cyprus, who are to vote in separate simultaneous referenda on April 24.''


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