Mr. Juncker was welcomed very warmly by the President of the Republic, Mr. Kostis Stefanopoulos.

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg talked about Europe, in an event that took place in an old parliament room, in the presence of the Greek Prime Minister and political leaders.

During a ceremony held at the Athens City Hall, Mr. Juncker received the golden medal of the Athens' from Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, and stated: "When I'm in Athens it feels like home".

Late last night, Mr. Juncker stayed for a dinner held in his honor by the Prime Minister in a Piraeus restaurant.

MP Panagiotis Kammenos turned documents in to the District Attorney bringing to light that Mr. Kokkalis was a Stazi agent, who came to Greece in order to transport Western technology to the Eastern Bloc. The charges of money laundering, fraud and embezzl ement concern the Russian lotto case.

The plan, which according to the Minister of Transports is compatible with the rules of the European Union, foresees the attraction of private capital and will be discussed by the Governmental Committee on Thursday.

Information published in "Express" newspaper, mentions that closing down of OA for two days, and then reopening it will also be considered. Government sources support that this solution would cost the state 117,388,114 euro, and will probably be approved

by the EU.

Staff members of the MSE led by the Chairman, Evgeni Zogravski, who visited the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange Center (HKTh), discussed the possibility of developing cooperation on a dual listing level with representatives of the Greek Stock Market, but als o EHAE group buying out of the administrator-company of the MSE.

After yesterday's discussions, 4 staff members of the MSE returned to Skopje with specific proposals on these two issues. These proposals will be discussed on the 25th in order for decisions to be made.

Specifically, yesterday's discussions were concentrated on the future signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which is described in the framework of promoting dual listing in locally active companies.

Consequently, anyone with drachma bank notes and coins in their possession should hasten to exchange them in order to avoid later discomfort.

Specifically, February is the last day on which drachmas can be exchanged at commercial banks.

After February 28, drachma bank notes can only be exchanged at the Bank of Greece, while drachma coins can be exchanged at Public Financial Services (DOY).

Immediately after the meeting, Mr. Karamanlis made the following statements:

"We had a very useful discussion with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Juncker. Besides, we will have many chances to discuss these issues at summit meetings of the European People's Party. As is natural, we discussed the future of Europe. The Prime

Minister and I agree, that smaller countries should have a part in the structuring of Europe, especially after its enlargement. We also believe in a federal structure for Europe's future. And of course, it a commonly held position that Europe should offe r equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens and have jointly protected borders.

We also had the opportunity to exchange views on issues in Greece's national interest. I expressed our firm beliefs on Cyprus' accession to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, as well as the major issue of the Euroarmy. I will also have the opportunity to express these positions at the upcoming Summit Meeting in Barcelona".

These were the statements he made upon exiting the Maximos Mansion, where he participated in a meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis in preparation of the Prime Minister's tour.

In statements he made after the meeting, Mr. Simitis stated that Luxembourg backs the efforts for Cyprus' EU accession and the settlement of all pending issues in the region concerning the Greek-Turkish relations and the Balkans.

On the European Union stance on issues such as the Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus, the two Prime Ministers pointed out that the EU must work for peace for the implementation of international law and treaties.

On the European development, Mr. Simitis stressed that Greece and Luxembourg share the view that there is a need to implement the policies that have been decided, while there must be a common way to deal with European Union issues.

The Greek Prime Minister also praised the efforts made by his counterpart for the creation of a Europe with greater social cohesion, solidarity and sensitivity.

The Iranian Parliament Vice-president expressed satisfaction for the good level of bilateral relations and the coincidence of views on a number of regional issues. Regarding Iraq, he stated that there are indications pointing to a future US attack, maint aining that it will not be supported by any neighboring country as the wars cannot solve any problem.

Mr. Kokkalis, one of Greece's most important businessmen and president of Olympiakos football team, faces four counts of felony charges for espionage, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement. He is also accused of committing active and passive bribery.

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy parliament deputy Panagiotis Kammenos submitted documents to the prosecutor based on which, Mr. Kokkalis was a Stazi spy who came to Greece to take the western technology to the Eastern Block countries. T he accusations concerning money laundering, fraud and embezzlement have to do with the Russian lotto case.

Mr. Pournaras is expected to start the examination of a total of 35 witnesses within the framework of the investigation launched on the case.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, stated on the recent meeting of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis with Mr. Kokkalis, that himself had said publicly some time ago that the Prime Minister will have a number of contacts with different businessmen, str essing that there are limits to personal attacks.

The government wants the modernization of all medium-small sized businesses regardless of sector to become competitive in the new environment, while the funding will cover 40-50% of the action that will be undertaken.

Of the stocks trading today, 176 recorded gains and 136 had losses, while the value of 60 stocks remained unchanged.

As it was made known by government spokesman Christos Protopapas, Mr. Magriotis will have contacts with Israeli government officials on the issue of the recognition of the new Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Mr. Protopapas stated that the government is trying to do its job as best as it can, stressing that in certain sectors there is significant progress, while in others additional measures are necessary to be taken. He also said that the government is promo ting its work based on the interests of the Greek people.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, stated on the recent meeting of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis with Mr. Socrates Kokkalis, that himself had said publicly some time ago that the Prime Minister will have a number of contacts with different busines smen, stressing that there are limits to personal attacks.

When asked whether the Prime Minister had been informed in advance on the accusations against Mr. Kokkalis, the government spokesman stated that there is no obligation on behalf of the servants of the Greek justice system to brief the government on such issues and naturally, this has not happened. The Prime Minister was informed on the issue like the rest of us, said Mr. Protopapas.

He was born in Liopetri, Ammohostos, and moved to England at a very young age, later moving to Hamilton, Canada.

As Mr. Clement stated to "The Greek Press", he was drawn to politics due to his mother's working at an MP's office in Queen's Park, while never forgetting that Greek blood flows in his veins and being proud of his Greek heritage.

Mr. Clement, running in the Bramton district with close relations to the Cypriot Community in Mississaga, is hoping for the support of Greeks living abroad, and promised the creation of a new cultural center for the Community.

He is aware that at the moment the other candidate, Ernie Eves, is ahead in the polls in succeeding Mike Harris, but he does not rule out a surprise.

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