[02] Simitis says policy aimed at preserving economic achievements

''With our plan, persistence and systematic work we have moved a long way from the era of low growth rates and investments, of weak currency, high inflation and deficits, of stifling state presence and rigid markets. Our economy now functions with the euro currency, it has the highest growth rates in the European Union, it has a low inflation environment, high public and private investments and running a budget surplus,'' Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Saturday.

Addressing the political, economic, religious and military authorities of Thessaloniki, during a traditional dinner to mark the inagauration of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Mr Simitis noted that the challenge facing the government today was ''to ensure with our policy that an international crisis will not undermine our achievements. To preserve unscathed our economy's new basis and to continue building upon it.''

The Greek premier sent a clear political message saying ''We must not go back. We must move forward. To maintain the economy on a high-growth track that creates wealth, reduces unemployment and ensures social peace, fraternity and cohesion. We have to enhance our economy's ability to function equally with other European economies and guarantee the country's security in a difficult international environment.''

Mr Simitis noted that government measures to promote structural reforms, to support business activity, to boost privatisations and to achieve a social security and tax reform in the country, were aiming to achieve economic convergence with the rest of EU.

[03] Top N17 suspect again says he assumes 'political responsibility' for actions

Accused ?November 17? arch-terrorist Dimitris Koufodinas declined to answer an investigating magistrates questions on Sunday and instead submitted a written statement saying he takes ?political responsibility for his actions?, a repeat of his initial words to police following his surrender on Thursday.

In echoing comments his attorney made on his behalf to dozens of reporters and TV crews only hours after his surrender, Koufodinas said he assumes responsibility for the notorious urban terror groups actions as ?described in N17s proclamations?, an apparent denial of involvement in several armed robberies.

Following his appearance before a special appellate-level prosecutor Koufodinas was transported to an Athens-area prison where another 15 N17 suspects are being held pending trial.

According to reports, one of the few queries Koufodinas answered was prosecutor Leonidas Zervobeakos reference to press claims of links with intelligence services, to which the former firmly responded in the negative, saying such a thing would not conform with his ideology.

Additionally, in his written statement the 44-year-old Serres native said he ?respects human life?, while he attributes his surrender to wanting to assume political responsibility for his actions. He also claimed that ?criminal culpability is imposed by a court and incurred by a defendant?.

Finally, he reportedly said he does not have a preference amongst the other N17 suspects being held in a maximum-security cellblock at the Korydallos penitentiary.

Meanwhile, authorities are almost certain that Koufodinas avoided the unprecedented nationwide manhunt over the past two months by living, for the most part, in a tent on a tiny Saronic Gulf isle southwest of Athens port of Piraeus.

Several residents of Agistri, just off the southwest coast of popular holiday island Aegina, told police that a man who had camped out on a remote and inaccessible beach over the past 40 days was matched the description of fugitive Koufodinas.

Fingerprints later lifted off several discarded items including a tent, a sleeping bag, clothes, two radios, maps and newspaper clippings apparently pointed to the amateur beekeeper and self-described math tutor, dubbed by other ?N17? suspects as ?poison hand? for his purported marksmanship skills during assassinations. The items had reportedly been tossed in a rubbish bin on the sleepy island.

Television footage later aired on many Athens stations Saturday evening showed a narrow pebble beach and rock cavities beneath a steep cliff as the location Greeces most wanted man, until Thursday afternoon, chose as his hideout.

[04] Weather Monday - Partly cloudy, rain

Rain in the eastern and southern Greek mainland is forecast on Monday, improving heading into the afternoon. Clouds elsewhere with scattered showers possible. Northwesterly winds, weak to moderate. Temperatures between 14C to 27 in the north; 17C to 29 in the rest of the country.

Partly cloudy with a chance of rain in Athens, 18C to 28C. Chance of rain in Thessaloniki, 17C to 26C.

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