The aircraft was on a training flight, while the efforts of the operations center and the rescue means of the Air Force for finding it, are fully underway.

This is the second aircraft lost in 2002, while it is unknown if the crew were able to activate the ejection system.

Ministers and high officials of the 32 EUREKA member-states have been invited to participate, in order to discuss future initiative prospects and the efforts made by Greece during its Presidency (July 2001-June 2002).

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will refer to proceedings of the Greek EUREKA Presidency, enumerating all actions taken during the past 12 months for the upgrading of initiative and its contribution to the founding of a European research space.

In the meanwhile, during a special event to take place tonight at the Thessaloniki Megaron Music Hall at 7pm, the Minister of Development will present the EUREKA awards to companies that significantly contributed to the protection of the environment, as well as to those that showed an important increase in yearly income, through their involvement in initiative projects.

It should be noted that EUREKA is an initiative promoting competitiveness in Europe, through technology and innovation, supporting research results aiming at market needs, encouraging cooperation between industries and scientific bodies and the media, an d on the whole represents a multitude of successful practices in the world of International Researching and Technological Cooperation.

Mr. Paschalidis visited Komotini leading a government delegation including the Secretary-Generals of the Ministries of Public Order, Dimitris Efstathiadis, Health, Charalambos Sophianos, the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization, Giorgos N ikitiadis, as well as the Secretary General of the Eastern District of Macedonia-Thrace, Aris Papadopoulos.

Entering a meeting on illegal immigration held at the offices of the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace District, he stated that the latest incidents of mass entry of illegal immigration through Evros and the sea borders confirm the conclusions of the Seville Summ it and the Greek positions that contributed to its direction.

Mr. Paschalidis stressed that sharing the weight and costs between parties, so that the cost does not only burden the countries on the first line of accepting illegal immigrants, is important, and noted that the Seville Council led to decisions that will

have to be evaluated in Copenhagen and at the European Council in Thessaloniki.

As far as Greece's problems are concerned, he pointed out that it is absolutely necessary for Turkey to take up its conventional obligations in the repatriation of illegal immigrants, that it is necessary for agreements to be signed between the EU and th e countries of origin and of transition on the repatriation of illegal immigrants.

He underlined that illegal immigration due to poverty of certain countries and the encouragement of illegal immigrant trafficking are two completely different issues.

"Along with illegal immigration control measures, we ought to intensify our social incorporation measures for legal financial refugees in our country", he said, adding that Greek society has a specific endurance borderline which is related to the rate at

which legal financial refugees are incorporated.

Finally he stressed that the necessary infrastructure must be formed in order to secure necessary hygiene in welcoming areas, increasing the sense of security in local societies.

"We are obliged to find a measure here as well. To respect human rights and reinforce the feeling of citizen's security. Besides, security is a human right", he ended.

Mr. Papantoniou stressed that in Seville, Greece achieved an enormous victory, since the Ankara text was buried.

"The European Union", he said, "is moving towards a new position, which is the Greek position, and which is based on the EU's autonomy as far as making decisions on the Euroarmy and complete respect of sovereign rights of EU member-states are concerned".

He stressed that this is the European position now, and based on that framework, Greece, as the Presiding country of the Joint Foreign Policy and Defense Policy starting July 1, will handle the major issue of the Euroarmy and will have discussions with N ATO members, to have a result that is mutually acceptable and respectful to the above principles.

The conference will be held in the presence of European People's Party President and former Prime Minister of Belgium Wilfried Martens, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Elmar Brok, who presides over in the European People's Party Group in the Con ference on the Future of Europe.

In the meeting they discussed issues of mutual interest and the outcome of the contacts Mr. Karamanlis had in the United States during his recent visit to the country.

Present in the meeting was ND International Relations and European Union Secretary, professor Yiannis Valinakis.

Mr. Christodoulakis stated yesterday, speaking before foreign press correspondents, that there are three problems faced by the Greek economy namely, the high deficit in the balance of trade, the inflationary pressures and high unemployment.

The Minister of Finance stated that there is a need for fiscal discipline, while referring to the social security system, he said that the completion of the social security system reform is a big success but there is still a likelihood for more intervent ions.

Present in the meeting were "Athens 2004" Organization President Yianna Angelopoulou and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos. According to information, the Prime Minister assured that all projects will be ready within the framework of the existing timet ables and stressed that the Olympic Games preparations will continue in the same pace.

Also, Mr. Venizelos stated that he is satisfied with the preparations in spite of the difficulties in the effort to meet the timetables set.

Meanwhile, Ms. Angelopoulou and Mr. Oswald gave a joint press conference to assess the Athens 2004 Olympic Games preparations made so far.

that was conducted from December 2000 until May 2001, took part a total of 5.000 individuals in the wider region of Athens.

According to the research, the most frequent visitors of the medical centers are the elderly, and those with low income and little education.

Based on the research, the Greeks are not satisfied with the respect they receive from the health services personnel, while 14% of those questioned do not have social security coverage because they are immigrants or unemployed and 6% does not have hospit al care coverage.

The conference's title is Toward a more Effective Government in the 21st Century and its proceedings will be completed on Sunday.

In Seville, a framework was established within which talks will continue, namely, an informal agreement was achieved, stated characteristically and added that the Ankara text will change and a statement will be made by the EU partners that will safeguard

the Greek interests in case an agreement is reached.

Mr. Beglitis pointed out that the EU Presidency speaks on behalf of all the partners, stressing that the framework of agreement achieved in Seville has not been adopted formally yet but politically is valid.

Regarding the changes that have been made, Mr. Beglitis pointed out that in paragraph 2 of the Ankara Text an addition was made with the rights and obligations of the member-states participating in the common foreign policy and policy of defense and NATO . An emphasis is given to the respect of international law and the non use of violence.

He also referred to article 12 of the Ankara Text, pointing out that it provides for consultations between the EU partners and the Turkish side and not decisions.

Olympic Games projects.

Mr. Oswald stated that there is clear progress and that he received the necessary assurances that the projects will proceed as planned. However, certain IOC delegation members expressed concern on the delays that are being observed in three projects.

Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority of 233 recorded gains and 76 had losses, while the value of 64 stocks remained unchanged.

According to the decision, the cheese with the name "feta" can be produced only in certain regions of Greece and in strict observance of the product's specifications.

The producers in other EU member-states, who refuse to comply with the European directives immediately, will have a period of five years to change the name of their product or stop the production of the cheese with the specific name.

According to Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas, it was established that Greece has reached its limits after the recent incidents that were recorded in Thrace, in the northeast. He said that in parallel with the procedures for the absorption of the immigrants who are already in Greece the government wants to follow a clear policy aimed at preventing illegal immigration.

Regarding the 3.000 illegal immigrants, who entered Greece in the past few weeks illegally from Evros, in the northeast, Mr. Protopapas stated that the living conditions for them are not the best they could have and the government has decided to take mea sures for their improvement. He clarified, however, that the measures will be temporary as the goal is to return the illegal immigrants to their countries.

Mr. Protopapas stated that the issue of illegal immigration was discussed in the recent meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey and Mr. Papandreou had requested that Turkey should observe strictly the bilateral agreement which has already b een ratified by the parliaments of the two countries.

The government spokesman stated that Greece intends to bring the issue of the border protection by Turkey to the European Union, pointing out that in case Ankara needs additional EU subsidies for the improvement of its border protection, Greece would sup port its demand.

As the President of the Republic underlined, "the many years of activity of the Panmacedonian Association of the United States, deserves our congratulations, as well as our gratitude".

Greetings were sent to the conference by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, Archbishop of America Dimitrios, Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece Christodoulos, President of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, Mini ster of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis, deputy Minister of the Press and Media, Tilemachos Chytiris, Senators Bob Graham and Michael Bilirakis, Florida State MP John Karassas, President of SAE Andrew Athens, Mayor of the fair city of Clearwater Brya n Aungst, Mayor of Thessaloniki Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, Vice President of SAE and Coordinator of North and South America SAE Christos Tomaras, President of the American Hellenic Institute Evgenios Rossidis, and others.

President of the Parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis

The President of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, addressing the conference participants, stressed "you Greeks living abroad, children of Macedonia, are one of the most valuable pieces of Hellenism and your contribution to the national affairs of our

homeland is known, as is your contribution to the updating and informing of the countries in which you live of the great national heritage that Macedonia and its history is to Hellenism". Furthermore, he pointed out that "in its long, grand, but also pai nful course through history, Hellenism never stood on material wealth, or superiority in numbers. It managed to survive and create thanks to its spirit, its culture, its traditions, its dedication to freedom and democracy. And despite all negative outside

influences, despite threats and attempts on its national and cultural identity, it managed to keep the ties of solidarity and unity among its people and the communities they created and are creating all over the world, intact".

Foreign Minister, Giorgos Papandreou

In his message, Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, referring to the priorities of Greek foreign policy, stressed that with our steady national interests and ideals as a constant rule, the Greek government, the Greek State, the Greek people, is intently

listening to the national beat, it is escaping the narrow limits of our geographic region, and is developing initiatives for the resolving of crises and establishing peace in neighboring regions, vital to our geopolitical and geostrategic interests.

"You Macedonians of America, this select part of our people, of the Greek diaspora, raise your voice on every occasion which reaches you and is heard. Consolidated around our national goals, to which the 2004 Olympics and the Olympic Cease-fire have been

added, we will proceed into the new millenium with our eyes looking forward and up", ended Mr. Papandreou's message.

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Giorgos Paschalidis

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis sent his warm greetings to the participants of the 56th conference and Macedonians abroad in general, and wished them success in their conference, stressed their rich activity pioneering in the efforts of Greeks living abroad, honoring all Greeks, who are all watching their achievements proudly.

Deputy Minister of the Press and Media, Tilemachos Chytiris

The greeting sent to the conference by deputy Minister of the Press and Media Tilemachos Chytiris was warm.

"For us living in Greece, it is a special moment when Greeks living abroad, Macedonians abroad come together and discuss issues, with their thoughts turned to the homeland. Your love and contribution to our national issues, in the conservation of our cul ture in your communities in the countries in which you reside, is well known. The government recognizes you contribution".

Finally, the deputy Minister of the Press referred to Greece's great goal, the upcoming Olympics, and addressing the Greeks abroad stressed:

"We are hoping for your participation in the national effort of the great goal of the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Rest assured that our country will organize the most beautiful games of modern times, standing on the Olympic ideals born in Greece. Your volun tary contribution to the organizing of the games makes us feel your love even more".

Specifically, they discussed three sectors of cooperation namely, the teaching of the Greek language, the Greek know-how that can be conveyed to Kazakhstan in the sector of European Law, public administration and tourism and finally, the co-organizing of

cultural events in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

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