cleared up as soon as possible and pointed out that the issue was raised so quickly because the government itself sent evidence it had received to the DA.

Approximately 70 police officers, most of whom were called out to Mount Athos in an emergency blockade operation of the convent, have taken positions around it, while there is information that if any of the 95 monks exit the convent, they are to be arres ted and deported. It is also the third consecutive day that the convent has been cut off from the sea, as there are coast guard boats patrolling off the convent's harbor. Also, commercial ships will travel from Ouranoupoli to the convent beginning Wednesd ay and no secular visitors will receive permits to enter.

Boats will remain tied in at the Piraeus and Rafina harbors, due to the stormy winds. No itinerary will be carried out to islands of the Aegean, Crete and the Dodecanese. According to the National Weather Service the winds are expected to die down during

the day.

The strong winds in western Macedonia have also caused the cancellation of any trips from or to the Alexandroupoli and Kavala harbors. On the mainland skid chains are required along most of the road network passing through Macedonia. The authorities have

recommended no drivers travel during the weekend, as there are forecasts for continuing bad weather in the next few days.

"The N17 file is perhaps the most interesting journalistic case of our generation. We decided to write this book, realizing that it was very risky. We dedicated many hours and countless conversations with the stars of a 27-year-long drama, people that fo und themselves on both sides of a fierce confrontation", stated the authors.

Specifically, to the question whether the US should attack Iraq without the approval of the Security Council, 80% of EU citizens expressed their negative view, as did 86% of Greeks and 74% of candidate country members.

Mr. Simitis stressed that the EU backs the total and meaningful implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on Iraq for a solution to be reached to the problem. Responding to the question on whether the Greek EU Presidency will be in effect can celled in the case of a military operation in Iraq, the Prime Minister stated that developments cannot overturn the program and goals of the EU Presidency.

On Cyprus, he pointed out that the Greek side should be vigilant to avoid any reefs and underlined that Cyprus' EU accession act is not associated with whether a solution will be reached by February 28 or not. He reiterated that if the issue is not resol ved northern Cyprus will have to wait and responsible for this will be Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership.

Commenting on the EU enlargement process, Mr. Simitis stated that the request for the opening of negotiations with Turkey will be reexamined in 2004 according to the decision reached in Copenhagen. On Bulgaria and Romania, he pointed out that the goal of

the Greek EU Presidency is to achieve progress in order to become EU members in 2007.

Mr. Simitis referred to the goals of the Greek EU Presidency concerning the reforms for improved competitiveness and more job positions. He also referred to the problem of illegal immigration and the promotion of issues concerning the economic and social

future of Europe.

Mr. Karamanlis is scheduled to meet with European Commissioner Mr. Solbes and ND Euro-deputies.

The European conference on Equal Pay launched in Athens yesterday will be completed today.

An EU Troika meeting with Turkey is being held in Ankara at a ministers level within the framework of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council to examine the European Commission Evaluation Report on the partnership relation revision prospect . Human rights issues, the Cyprus issue and Iraq will be examined within the Political Dialogue framework. On the sidelines of the meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou will meet with the Turkish Prime Minister.

The above were stressed in an article by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis under the title "A bigger Europe should be more effective and democratic". The article appears in the "European Affairs" magazine published by the European Institute in Washingt on.

Mr. Simitis outlines the priorities of the Greek EU Presidency and the debates on the new EU Constitution. The priorities among others are: the role of state Parliaments, the reform of the EU Presidency institution and the strengthening of the European p olicy for security and defense.

Of the stocks trading today, 114 recorded gains and 189 had losses, while the value of 75 stocks remained unchanged.

The OTE owns the majority of the Romanian company stocks and now it is able to promote the plans for its restructuring.

Based on those contacts, the nine EU countries that did not participate in the initiative have stated that they back the position of the Greek EU Presidency. The representatives of the "5" (Britain, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Denmark) stated that they ba ck last Monday's EU General Affairs Council decisions, adding that their initiative was an expression of solidarity toward the United States. The representatives of those countries acknowledged that regardless of their intentions a negative issue was crea ted for the EU image and pointed out that all necessary measures should be taken to avoid creating a major rift in the EU.

Mr. Protopapas stated that the stance of the "8" (the five EU members mentioned above and three EU candidate states: the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) creates a negative picture for the EU. Mr. Protopapas reiterated the Greek EU Presidency position

for a common European stance when dealing with a major crisis, like that in Iraq.

The issue will be examined in the meeting the Prime Minister will have tomorrow with the Foreign Minister. They will assess the situation and they will consider new initiatives to be undertaken by the Greek EU Presidency.

social policy of the EU is a major priority for the Greek EU Presidency aimed at a high growth rate and more job positions.

Mr. Veerzetnitsch expressed concern regarding the growth rate of the European economy and the increased unemployment. However, he appeared optimistic regarding the results of the Spring European Council which will deal with those issues.

On the issue of Iraq, Mr. Simitis reiterated that everything possible should be done for peace, while the CES President expressed his support to the Greek EU Presidency position in favor of a common European voice on the issue.

In the meeting they also discussed issues concerning immigration and the new EU constitution.

Referring to the move made by the 8 European countries which back the US on the issue of Iraq, Mr. Simitis stated that there was a lack of consultation among the European leaders. Mr. Simitis stressed that the Greek EU Presidency has a duty and an obliga tion to organize a dialogue and pointed out that in the case of the move made by the "8" there was no consultation and no information.

He stressed that the Greek EU Presidency will not hold a Summit meeting because of that move, adding that this will happen only if crucial decisions need to be reached to deal with developments.

As far as the Cyprus issue is concerned, Mr. Gul and Mr. Erdogan repeated that they are willing to contribute to the promotion of a solution in every way possible.

Mr. Papandreou expressed the readiness of the Greek side to begin a dialogue between Turkey and Greece on security issues foreseen in the Annan proposal, however the Turkish side stressed that it is not ready for something like that.

In his meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Yakis, Mr. Papandreou raised the issue of the continuing Turkish violations of Greek air space but received no answer.

As far as Iraq is concerned, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer expressed his great concern regarding the consequences an attack on Iraq would have, both for Turkey as well as the broader region.

According to information, Mr. Papandreou probed the Turkish leadership to see where they stood on the Greek initiative to hold a conference, possibly in Athens, with the participation of the 15 EU member-states, the 10 new members, the three candidate co untries and the Arab states.

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article