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Seven hundred people including politicians and religious leaders from all over the world as well as the First Lady of the United States of America were present at the grand ceremony which took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City.

Speaking at a lunch after the ceremony, President Clerides congratulated the new Archbishop on his enthronement and praised his high stature, profound knowledge, vast experience and innate love for others.

He said it is a heavy responsibility and an immense task to be "the guardian of the Hellenic and Christian Orthodox values and ideals".

President Clerides expressed the confidence that the archbishop's "spiritual leadership and dedication to his mission will serve as a catalyst to unify and solidify" overseas Greeks and also prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion he expressed the profound gratitude of the government and the people of Cyprus "for the way in which the Archdiocese and the Greek Orthodox churches throughout the United States have always embraced the Cypriots' struggle for a just and viable solution to the long-standing problem of the forcible division of Cyprus and its people".

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The talks focused on the further support of existing security and defence policies and Cyprus' European Union prospects. The two Ministers also discussed co-operation in the fields of military training and equipment.

Speaking to the press after the talks , Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that with his Cypriot counterpart they discussed specific defence elements which must be implemented in order to strengthen even more the defence and security policy of their two countries.

Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that Athens steadfastly supports Nicosia's accession to the European Union, independent of the timetable for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

On his part, Cyprus Defence Minister Mr Socrates Hasikos described the discussions as "substantive and useful" and added that promoting defence co- operation does not counteract the basic objective of the two countries, which is to establish peace in the region.

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In statements to Greek and Cypriot journalists Mr Papandreou said he will have a series of important meetings which will culminate with meetings with his US and Turkish counterparts, Madeleine Albright and Ismail Cem.

Mr Papandreou also said that he will discuss the Cyprus problem with Sir David Hannay, with the US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus Mr Alfred Moses, with the US State Department's Special Co-ordinator for Cyprus Mr Tom Weston and of course with Mrs Madeleine Albright.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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