Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier calls for off-the-agenda discussion on economy in parliament

[02] UN Security Council ready to back solution plan

[03] CoE official Schieder: Annan plan the only opportunity for reunited Cyprus in EU

[04] FM Molyviatis communicates with Verheugen on Cyprus issue

[05] US State Dept. on Karamanlis comments vis-a-vis Annan plan

[06] ND secretary Meimarakis meets with former EDEK leader Lyssarides

[07] Deputy FM attends informal EU Foreign Ministers Council

[08] Public order minister, Chief of Staff meet with NATO commander

[09] National Defense chief to pay official visit to US

[10] PM Karamanlis meets ND's Meimarakis and Stavrou

[11] Pavlopoulos receives US ambassador

[12] EU representatives call on Albania to increase security measures at airports

[13] Greece repeats priority on diplomacy for growth

[14] Greek weekly economic review

[15] Greek inflation highest in EU in March

[16] Greece, Cyprus see favorable trade prospects

[17] National Bank announces management changes

[18] Gov’t announces new head for Agricultural Bank

[19] Stocks rise in higher turnover

[20] ATHOC dismisses latest press criticism regarding security

[21] Public order minister, British ambassador discuss Olympic Games security

[22] US ambassador says not concerned over Olympic Games security

[23] A smooth second day for rowing championship

[24] Special events celebrating Olympic Torch Relay in US

[25] Cultural Olympiad event held in Warsaw

[26] European Federation of Journalists general assembly convenes in Thessaloniki

[27] Exhibition on 'The Inhabitants of Europe's Border Regions'

[28] Thessaloniki police arrest man while placing gas canisters under security car

[29] Cyprus government calls for responsible attitude

[30] US Secretary of State: nothing is coming to substitute Annan plan

[01] Premier calls for off-the-agenda discussion on economy in parliament

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

In a letter sent to Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki, Mr Karamanlis noted that a ''systematic and organized'' effort was made in previous year to present an improved picture of the economy, that critical figures were ''persistently concealed'', deficits were presented in reduced figures and that ''instead of fiscal restructuring, the country currently faces a serious fiscal problem''.

The Greek Prime Minister, in his letter, reiterated ND's pre-election commitment for a fiscal write-down in the country to inform Greek society and stressed that the government was proceeding with a new economic policy.

A new development policy ''will create the necessary environment for new investments and boosting employment'' and will be based ''on a bold tax reform, a new framework for investment incentives and an integrated regional development policy''.

Under Greek parliament regulation, an off-the-agenda discussion envisages speeches by the prime minister, the heads of other parliamentary groups, and government ministers.

The discussion is expected to be held in two weeks time.

PASOK says ND government continuing to 'function like irresponsible opposition': The main opposition PASOK party, referring on Friday to the letter addressed by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to the House president on holding an off-the-agenda discussion in Parliament on the state of the economy, said ''ND as a government is continuing to function like an irresponsible opposition regarding the country's economy, with groundless characterizations, slanderous attacks and transparent petty-partisan expediencies.''

The announcement by PASOK further said ''the prime minister and ND's government are continuing to seek in vain an alibi and pretexts not to live up to their demagogic election commitments, whose amount has been estimated as exceeding 10.5 billion euros and in order to go ahead with cutbacks and austerity policies.''

PASOK went on to say the discussion is welcome in any case because ''it will provide an opportunity for it to be made absolutely clear that ND received an economy on a positive development course, which the government is already undermining with its fickle moves, creating problems in both the economy and the country and in the framework of the EU.''

[02] UN Security Council ready to back solution plan

UNITED NATIONS 17/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The press statement on Cyprus, read out by current Security Council president Gunter Pleuger, said the Council welcomed the result of the preparatory donors conference for Cyprus.

The members of the Security Council restricted themselves in making a press statement despite the intense pressure exerted by the United States and Britain.

Three permanent members, Russia, China and France, as well as Algeria, expressed displeasure on the U.S.-British pressures and refused a presidential announcement being issued.

''The Council recalls that it is now for the Cypriots to take an historic decision on April 24 referenda to resolve the Cyprus problem,'' the statement said.

''Should the plan be approved, the Council stands ready to take further actions as provided for in the plan, including by establishing a new UN operation in support of its swift and full implementation by all parties,'' it added.

The Council, it noted, would also be committed to ''helping ensure that the parties fully meet their commitments under the settlement.''

On Thursday's donor's conference in Brussels, the Security Council welcomed ''the results of the preparatory international donors conference for Cyprus, held on April 15, 2004 in Brussels to organize financial support to cover costs linked to a possible political settlement to the Cyprus question.''

''The Council recognizes the commitments of the donors as a demonstration of their willingness to provide the necessary financial resources to implement the Secretary General's comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, should the Cypriot votes approve the plan,'' it concluded.

Cypriots will vote in a referendum on April 24 on the UN solution plan, the Annan plan.

Responding to questions, current Council president Gunter Pleuger said there had been no change in the attitude of the Council in the past couple of days.

He explained that the Council ''just welcomed the fact that in this preparatory conference a number of countries have made enormous pledges for support and I think that was welcomed by the Council.''

The Council, he pointed out, reiterated what it had said before that ''the Cypriot people have to take an historic decision about their future.''

[03] CoE official Schieder: Annan plan the only opportunity for reunited Cyprus in EU

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

In a statement issued Friday in Strasbourg and released in Athens, Schieder said:

“Cyprus is approaching a crucial moment in its history. On 24 April 2004, Cypriots are invited to vote on the Annan Plan in simultaneous referenda. A 'Yes' vote in both communities will put an end to the division of the island and bring a united Cyprus into the European Union. A victory for the 'Noes' in either part of Cyprus, or a postponement of the referendum, will mean that only the Greek Cypriots join the EU on 1 May.

The news from Cyprus is conflicting. While the majority of Turkish Cypriots seem to favor a solution based on a revised Annan Plan, the Greek Cypriots appear set to massively oppose it. During the visit of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Rapporteur Matyas Eorsi (Hungary, LDR) to Cyprus from 11 to 15 January, all major Greek Cypriot political parties expressed their support for the Annan Plan. They are now campaigning either against it or for postponement of the referenda. This is extremely disappointing.

The Annan Plan is now the only opportunity the Cypriots have to see their island reunited within the European Union, and the referenda on 24 April are the best moment for it.

A 'No' vote, or postponement of the referenda, would only deepen and perpetuate the division of Cyprus. This would also be a major blow to the authority of the UN and a bad omen for its involvement in settling international crises.

Those seeking to obstruct the settlement will bear grave political responsibility for this failure and should not be allowed to take advantage of it.

At the same time, the international community, and the European Union in particular, should not betray the hopes of those Cypriots who are in favor of the settlement, nor make them pay the price of failure.”

[04] FM Molyviatis communicates with Verheugen on Cyprus issue

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

According to the same sources, Molyviatis asked for guarantees to be given by the European Union that in the event that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is approved by both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in the separate and simultaneous referenda in Cyprus on April 24, it will be implemented in practice.

Verheugen, the sources said, replied that during the European Parliament's meeting this coming Wednesday, he will commit himself that the European Union, as the guardian of the treaties, will observe their implementation and in the event that they are violated, it will take the appropriate measures.

[05] US State Dept. on Karamanlis comments vis-a-vis Annan plan

WASHINGTON 17/04/2004 (ANA – T. Ellis)

On his part, spokesman Richard Boucher said:

“Well, let me say a couple of things. I think overall there is a clear international support for a positive outcome in the referenda, and for a full and timely implementation of the settlement thereafter. I would make also clear that we don't think that a postponement of the referenda is possible. Greek Prime Minister Karamanlis supported the UN settlement in his statement today. We welcome that.

“He (Karamanlis) said that in the EU context the plan has more positives than negatives. And I think we have also said that everybody had to make compromises to get a deal but that the plan has distinct benefits and identifiable benefits to Greek Cypriots, to Turkish Cypriots, to the countries of the region, and to the EU. That's an opportunity for a unified Cyprus to become a member.

“So, of course, in any negotiations there is, for any particular negotiator, there have been compromises and good things, bad things, good things and compromises. But I think we welcome the fact that the Greek Government has stood up and said that they support this plan, has stood up and said that there are more positives than negatives,” Boucher said, in reply to press questions at his regular daily press briefing.

[06] ND secretary Meimarakis meets with former EDEK leader Lyssarides

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

After the meeting, Meimarakis noted that the Cyprus issue, and Hellenism in general, was going through critical hours, adding that a discussion with Lyssarides was always useful, given his deep knowledge of the Cyprus problem.

Meimarakis, referring to his contacts with Cypriot political parties and prominent personalities following the prime minister's statements on the Cyprus issue on Thursday, said that all ''are satisfied precisely because we absolutely respect the decision of the Cypriot people, and because we are building together a national strategy for facing the entire issue so that, the day after the referendum, we will be able to cooperate smoothly for the good of Hellenism and the Republic of Cyprus''.

[07] Deputy FM attends informal EU Foreign Ministers Council

TULLAMORE, Ireland 17/04/2004 (ANA/F. Karaviti)

''We discussed Cyprus' European prospect and latest developments and I explained the Greek positions on these issues. I will continue these contacts until the Council is over,'' the deputy foreign minister said.

Valinakis added that developments in the western Balkans, Kosovo and Iraq were discussed during the first meeting between the 25 ministers.

On the question of Kosovo, the EU believes that it must send the appropriate messages to the Kosovar Albanians, meaning that acts of violence distance Kosovo even further from Europe than bringing it closer.

''Therefore, we must discourage these acts of violence as our general policy also anticipates in any case and the EU must acquire a stronger, more serious and more active role in the region near us and in Kosovo in particular. We also discussed more special measures in order to make the EU's role in Kosovo more active,'' Valinakis said.

The issue of transferring power to the Iraqis and the creation of a more stable and more peaceful Iraq through this process was also raised during the discussion on Iraq.

''Of course, we condemned all the acts of violence, wherever they come from, and mainly blind violence and the brutal acts of violence we have seen in past days,'' Valinakis said.

[08] Public order minister, Chief of Staff meet with NATO commander

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Greece has requested the following from NATO: - AWACS planes for air policing and for dealing with a possible air strike; - The Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) to patrol extra-territorial waters around Greece's borders; - The NATO multinational force of nuclear and biochemical defense, currently based in the Czech Republic, to contribute forces in case of an extensive terrorist, chemical or biological attack; - NATO to provide information in order to reinforce the Armed Forces General Staff's information gathering and processing.

NATO will contribute its services under the direction of the Greek chain of command.

Following the meeting with Antonakopoulos, Johnson then met with Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis.

Antonakopoulos will leave for the US on Saturday and will meet with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers to discuss military issues concerning both countries, such as terrorism, peace missions in the Balkans, and the contribution of the Greek Armed Forces in Olympic Games security. Antonakopoulos will visit five of the eight major US military headquarters and one of the two NATO strategic headquarters based in the US.

[09] National Defense chief to pay official visit to US

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

During the April 17-25 visit, Antonakopoulos will meet with his US counterpart, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief Gen. Richard Myers, chairman, to discuss matters of mutual military interest.

The discussion items will include the fight against terrorism, the Greek Armed Forces' contribution to security at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, and other matters.

He will further meet with prominent members of the Greek-American community, including Senator Paul Sarbanes, and pay informational visits to five of the eight largest military commands in the US, and one of the two strategic NATO commands based in the US, where he will also hold discussions with the Command chiefs.

[10] PM Karamanlis meets ND's Meimarakis and Stavrou

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Following his meeting with Premier Karamanlis, Meimarakis in statements to reporters referred to the Cyprus issue and to the position expressed by the prime minister, saying that it can ''constitute a lever for a national strategic handling of the result the day after.''

He was referring to the separate and simultaneous referenda set to be held in Cyprus on April 24 when the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be called on to accept or not UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Commenting on pressure being exerted on Athens and Nicosia by the United States and by countries of the European Union for a ''yes'' vote, Meimarakis said that ''it is natural for all those who have a clear view in favor of 'yes' or in favor of 'no', to communicate and phone to make statements and to attempt to back their assessments and their views.''

Meimarakis underlined that the government takes all the parameters into consideration and that it was vindicated in its option to formulate a view which will help in a national strategic handling of the matter, noting that ''all together with the political parties of Cyprus and Greece we will plan the following day given that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union is something new and consequently the environment from May 1 onwards will be very different.''

[11] Pavlopoulos receives US ambassador

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

In response to reporters' questions, meanwhile, Miller declined to respond to hypothetical scenarios regarding results from this month’s referenda on Cyprus, more-or-less echoing statements a day earlier by the US State Department spokesman in Washington. He also echoed a statement by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis a day earlier, saying that it was significant for the decision to be taken by the Cypriot people, and no one else.

[12] EU representatives call on Albania to increase security measures at airports

TIRANA 17/04/2004 (ANA/I. Pacho)

A meeting was held here on Friday between international experts and representatives of police authorities from Albania, Greece, Croatia, FYROM, Slovenia and Serbia and Montenegro, as well as representatives of international organizations for talks on issues concerning the common efforts of all countries to combat organized crime and terrorism.

Albanian police general director Bayram Ibray termed the Olympic Games ''a great challenge for the Albanian police'', adding that control measures will be stepped up at border crossings with Greece and that cooperation has already been achieved with the Greek authorities.

[13] Greece repeats priority on diplomacy for growth

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Addressing the OECD's development assistance committee, Stylianidis said that Greece was eager to take part in a global endeavor towards growth for emerging economies by aligning its policy with new concepts of economic diplomacy.

[14] Greek weekly economic review

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

In other headline news this week, National Bank of Greece announced changes in its management team envisaging only one (instead of three currently) vice-governor in the bank. Ioannis Pehlivanidis, one of the most experienced executives in the Greek banking market (currently first vice-chairman of Bank Post - Eurobank's subsidiary in Romania) is expected to be appointed at the post.

Greece's trade deficit with Turkey jumped 71.7 percent in 2003 to 477.19 million US dollars from 277.9 million dollars in the previous year. Turkish exports to Greece rose to 902.64 million dollars in 2003, up 52.8 percent from the previous year, while Greek exports to Turkey rose 36.16 percent to 425.45 million dollars over the same period.

Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis urged for accelerating procedures in implementing works included in a Third Community Support Framework. Mr Liapis said that current programs were recording reduced absorption rates from EU funds.

Greece's industrial production index, including mining, manufacturing, electricity-natural gas-water production indexes, rose 2.5 percent in February from the same month last year. The manufacturing index rose 1.7 percent over the same period.

The Athens international airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" said that the spring scheduled flight program was 18 percent higher compared with the same period last year, totalling 1,578 regular weekly flights to 100 destinations in 48 countries. International flights will rise by 24.5 percent to 768 weekly flights to 70 destinations around the world.

Building activity fell 0.1 percent (based on building permits), although it rose by 2.3 percent (based on volume) last year, the National Statistics Service said.

[15] Greek inflation highest in EU in March

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Greece is followed by Italy (2.3 pct), Spain and Portugal (2.2 pct each), while on the other hand Finland, Sweden and Denmark (0.4 pct each) recorded the lowest inflation rates in March. Greek inflation was running at 3.9 pct in March 2003.

Eurozone annual inflation rose to 1.7 percent in March from 1.6 percent in February, although down from a 2.4 percent figures in March last year. Annual inflation in the EU-15 was unchanged at 1.5 percent in March, down from 2.3 percent in March 2003.

Annual inflation eased in seven EU member-states, rose in four and remained unchanged in three states (there are no available figures for the UK).

Finland, Sweden and Denmark recorded the biggest percentage declines (1.9 to 0.4 pct, 2.9 to 0.4 pct and 2.8 to 0.4 pct, respectively in the period March 2003-March 2004).

Ireland, Greece and Portugal recorded the biggest average annual inflation figures in March (3.3 pct, 3.2 pct and 2.8 pct, respectively).

Annual inflation fell to -0.1 pct in Switzerland and was unchanged at 1.7 pct in the US in March.

[16] Greece, Cyprus see favorable trade prospects

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Prospects for closer cooperation are particularly favorable in the form of joint ventures in the agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and tourism sectors, while bilateral partnerships could expand further through promoting activities in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Bilateral business activity is steadily expanding in recent years, both in Greece and Cyprus, with the National Bank of Cyprus approving licenses for investments worth 35 million Cyprus pounds to Greece and a total of 173 licenses for investments worth 16.4 million Cyprus pounds by Greek firms to Cyprus.

Bilateral trade relations can be maintained and expanded if business partnerships between Greek and Cypriot companies intensified efforts to expand activities in Third Countries, and in particular the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, enhancing their presence in trade events held in both countries, supporting efforts by Cyprus to harmonize its legal framework with EU regulations and expanding plans to adopt environmental-friendly projects, social insurance and healthcare.

Bilateral trade totalled 277.8 million Cyprus pounds in 2001, up from 251.3 million in the previous year. Cyprus exports to Greece totalled 26.3 million Cyprus pounds, up 13.4 percent over the same period, while imports totalled 225.1 million euros, up 9.2 percent over the same period, leaving Cyprus with an increasing trade deficit.

Greece is the second biggest export destination for Cyprus, after Britain, and the also the second biggest supplier of the island republic.

Tourist arrivals from Greece totalled 90,000 in 2001, a 10.0 percent decline from the previous year, although Greek tourism revenues rose to 33 million Cyprus pounds in 2001 from 29 million in the previous year.

[17] National Bank announces management changes

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

The changes will need approval by the bank's board and ratification by the bank's shareholders.

Under the plan, National Bank will have only one vice-governor and Mr Ioannis Pehlivanidis will be proposed for the post.

The bank will upgrade its internal control, strategic planning and risk management departments, upgrade the role of general operation managers, separate production from administration managements, categorize all production activities and promote cross-sales in the Group.

Alexandros Tourkolias will head the general management of corporate and investment banking (including the shipping department).

Ioannis Filos will head the general retail banking department and Petros Christodoulou will head the private banking department of the bank.

Agisilaos Karabelas will head the bank's legal services department, Avraam Triantafyllidis will head the human workforce department, Agis Leopoulos will head the foreign activities department, Pavlos Mylonas will head the strategy and economic analysis department and Mihalis Oratis will head the risk management department.

[18] Gov’t announces new head for Agricultural Bank

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Miliakos was born in 1947 in Platana, a village near Sparti. He is a graduate of the Athens Economics and Business School and a post-graduate of the London University in agricultural policy.

He has served as vice-governor in Agricultural Bank from July 1989 to October 1993.

[19] Stocks rise in higher turnover

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.90 per cent to end at 2,467.14 points. Turnover was 150.9 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.77 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.37 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 1.26 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 210 to 85 with 69 issues remaining unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the general share index rose by 0.63 per cent.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 16 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,202 1,175

[20] ATHOC dismisses latest press criticism regarding security

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

“No British athlete, or any other athlete, that has taken part in the 40 or so sports events (test events) until today, has expressed a complaint or concern about the quality of the events and the security measures at these (events). As a result, the comments in the report create a negative atmosphere that bears no relation to reality,” a press release issued by the Athens 2004 Olympic organizing committee stated.

The latest foreign press report citing concerns about Olympic security was published on Friday by the “Times” of London, which claimed that New Scotland Yard is considering sending armed officers to Athens during the 2004 Games to guard the British Olympic team. The paper also said that British experts have not been convinced by Greek authorities' guarantees regarding the supreme issue of security.

Conversely, a Greek Police (EL.AS) spokesman reiterated that armed law enforcement personnel from other countries is strictly prohibited under Greek law.

“There are 202 countries participating in the Games, therefore, you can understand what would happen if we had armed guards from every country,” police spokesman Eleftherios Economou was quoted by the “Times” as saying.

On its part, ATHOC reminded that both British and US Olympic Committee officials have recently praised security measures and preparations for the 2004 Games.

“We would, in fact, refer to today’s statements by the official British Olympic Association spokesman, Philip Pope, which dissolve any doubts concerning the unprecedented work being done in Athens for the security of the Games,” ATHOC stressed.

Scotland Yard also dismisses report: Meanwhile, in a latter ANA dispatch from London, a Scotland Yard spokesman was quoted as saying that the “Times” article “jumped the gun”.

The same official also praised the British law enforcement agency’s cooperation with Greek authorities and ATHOC.

On his part, Pope said the British Olympic Association is “comfortable and satisfied” with the solutions presented by ATHOC regarding security issues. He also noted that security was the primary priority for his organization.

[21] Public order minister, British ambassador discuss Olympic Games security

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

The meeting took place at the public order ministry.

[22] US ambassador says not concerned over Olympic Games security

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Miller's statements were made after a meeting with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos. Miller added that he was interested in the US sports mission and in the American citizens who will be coming to Greece.

''We are leaving the responsibility for security in the hands of the Greeks. We are cooperating closely with the Greek side. We must remember that they are Greek Games. We trust the Greek authorities absolutely, in whose interest it is to hold as safe Games as possible,'' he said.

[23] A smooth second day for rowing championship

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Sixteen finals will be held on Saturday in the following categories: teens (under 21 years of age) and Seniors B. The men's and women's finals will take place on Sunday.

Rowing technical manager and former champion Vassilis Lykomitros and a group of Athens 2004 executives are also in Ioannina, bringing the Greek rowing team up to date on the Olympic regatta in Schinias.

[24] Special events celebrating Olympic Torch Relay in US

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Athens unveiled the program during a meeting with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, Consul General Aliki Hadji, and Demetra Egan, Manager, Volunteers Recruitment and Retention of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.

The Olympic Torch will arrive at the city of St. Louis - home of the 1904 Olympic Games - on June 17, but a special celebration is taking place in Chicago too, in order to create further public support in the US and to enhance the St. Louis celebrations, according to an SAE press release.

The program includes an exhibit of Olympic Torches, the Junior Olympics, a juried exhibition of works inspired by the Olympic Truce, and other events, which will be held between May 14 and June 30.

[25] Cultural Olympiad event held in Warsaw

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

During the event, the Greek ambassador in Warsaw Dionyssios Lelos spoke about the history of the Olympic Games, the Olympic Truce and the significance and activities of the Cultural Olympiad.

A separate area was devoted to an art exhibit, titled ''Athletics in Ancient Greece,'' displaying the works of Polish architect-artist and three times Olympic fencing champion Wojciech Zablocki.

The event was held under the auspices of Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and was attended by Polish government officials, foreign diplomats, journalists, university professors and artists, as well as Greek businesspeople and Greeks living abroad.

[26] European Federation of Journalists general assembly convenes in Thessaloniki

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Taking part in the assembly, organized by the Journalists Union of Macedonia-Thrace Newspapers, are representatives from journalist unions from 22 European countries.

In his speech, outgoing Federation president Gustl Glattfelder referred to recent studies which make mention of an era of changes in journalism which are involved in efforts to make economic cutbacks and of public mistrust in the mass media.

The general assembly's sessions conclude on Saturday with the election of a new executive committee and presidium.

[27] Exhibition on 'The Inhabitants of Europe's Border Regions'

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

The exhibition, consisting of photographs, scripts, objects from European museums, maps, videos and musical instruments from Greece, Spain and Bulgaria, depict the way of life and history of these European border region people.

[28] Thessaloniki police arrest man while placing gas canisters under security car

Athens, 17/04/2004 (ANA)

Four policemen lying in wait in a nearby building under construction, since security company cars have been attacked in a similar way in the past, succeeding in arresting the man, while an accomplice of his managed to escape after leaving behind his backpack containing gas canisters and his hat.

During their scuffle with the police, the two suspects squirted paralytic spray in the policemen's eyes, resulting in three of them being slightly injured.

Police are examining the possibility of the arrested man being involved, together with two other suspects, in over 60 gas canister attacks carried out in the city since the EU summit last June.

Police general director Constantine Tzekis said three apartments have been searched and documents have been confiscated, as well as a computer which has been sent to the crime investigation service.

Moreover, a counter-terrorism service delegation is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki to participate in the investigations.

Tzekis said that the man arrested, who is an employee in a clothes store, only said during his interrogation that he is an anarchist. He will be brought before a public prosecutor on Saturday.

[29] Cyprus government calls for responsible attitude

NICOSIA 17/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

His call came as the people of Cyprus prepare to vote on April 24 in a referendum on a UN proposal for a comprehensive settlement (the Annan plan) and following different positions the Greek Cypriot parties have adopted towards the plan.

In his press briefing on Friday, Chrysostomides expressed the government's appreciation to all the states and organizations that have pledged assistance towards meeting the cost of a settlement.

He also said that irrespective of the outcome of the referendum and Athens' yes to the Annan plan, there is no rift in relations between Greece and Cyprus.

''On 24th April, the people of Cyprus will take a decision that will determine the course of history in our country. We need to be moderate in the expression of conflicting opinions,'' the spokesman said.

He said irrespective of the outcome of the referendum on the 24th, everybody should be there to deal with the fallout of either a yes or a no vote.

''Patriotism means having a sense of collective responsibility towards the present and the future of our country and we need to remain calm before the referendum and be prepared for a common course afterwards,'' he stressed.

Replying to questions, Chrysostomides thanked all governments and international organizations for their intention to provide financial assistance to Cyprus in implementing the solution.

''Every assistance and support, no matter where it comes from, is welcomed and we appreciate their readiness to help,'' he added, pointing out that when there is a solution, sooner or later, financial assistance will be needed.

On the Greek government decision on the Annan plan, the spokesman said this did not spell out a rift between Athens and Nicosia and noted Greek premier Costas Karamanlis' point that the people of Cyprus have the democratic right to decide in the referenda and that Greece would continue to support Cyprus.

''We all have our opinion regarding a yes and a no to the Annan plan.

This does not mean a rift between Greece and Turkey, on the contrary it means a common course of action after the democratic yes or no to the referendum,'' he said.

Prime Minister Karamanlis had said the positive elements in the plan outweigh the negative provisions and pointed out that Cyprus' accession to the European Union could ease any obstacles.

He said Greece could not take a stance on the issue before the leaders and the political forces in Cyprus had the time to negotiate and give their positions in a responsible manner in what is a difficult choice.

[30] US Secretary of State: nothing is coming to substitute Annan plan

NICOSIA 17/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Responding to questions on Thursday, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said ''this is a moment of enormous opportunity for the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to resolve this longstanding dispute, this longstanding separation of the island. I can see no advantage to voting no at this time. There is no Plan B. There is nothing coming along to substitute for this plan.''

Referring to the Annan plan, Powell said it took a long time to develop, it is very detailed, adding that ''it cannot be a plan that will apply uniformly and satisfactorily and favorably to both parties, but it is the best that's going to come along.''

He further expressed the hope that the people of Cyprus, both the north and the south, the Greek and the Turkish populations, will examine this very carefully ''as to what it means to them, what it means to their families and to the future of the island. And I hope that we can generate enough support for a positive vote in the referenda that will held shortly.''

Powell said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is doing everything he can to encourage a ''yes vote'', noting that the UN will play a very important role in helping to bring into being the elements of the plan, working with both sides.

''I think both sides should take comfort in the fact that the United Nations, the international community, will be there to ensure that the elements of the plan are executed as planned,'' the US Secretary said.

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