"We believe that the issue of war lays literally in the hands of the world's people, the people of Europe, the Greek people, which must, for the coming period, flood the streets and squares. Pressure must be put on governments so that they do not slip at

the last moment and give up whatever resistance they have shown so far", she stressed.

The KKE Secretary General also criticized the position of the government, saying that it has shown that "whenever it faces a dilemma, it is always interested in proving it Americanism, serving the interests of the US with facilitations and with the well known military base in Souda". "We demand the government hold a different position", ended Mrs. Papariga.

A the same time he stressed that the Ministries of Health, National Defense, Transportations and the Merchant Marine, will ask for the help of a specialized international organization to plan a safe program for the transportation of patients from the isl ands.

According to Mr. Stefanis, the contract between EKAV (National Center for Immediate Assistance) and Helitalia ends in October and will not be renewed. The administration of aviation means will be assigned to another body. The Minister repeated his sorrow

for the helicopter crash and committed himself to the full investigation of the case.

Finally, Mr. Stefanis explained that the means of air transportation of patients from remote areas will be reinforced with the assistance of the Ministry of National Defense and the Merchant Marine, as well as Olympic Airways. Accidents had been foreseen

The immediate interruption of EKAV air transportation had been requested by the Head of the accident prevention sector of Center, Professor Giannis Papadopoulos, in a confidential document to the EKAV administration, dated June 23,2002.

In the document discovered by NET television, Mr. Papadopoulos pointed out that the air transportation system suffers from an inappropriate attitude, there is no instituted and specific personnel check, while the degree to which air transportation is req uired is not looked into.

There are still no results in the searches being carried out for the hull of the Augusta Bell type helicopter, or of the four crew members. EKAV personnel are carrying out a strike from 9am to 2pm today, and stated that they will no longer escort patient s during nighttime transfers, aiming at creating a state body for air transportation means. A general assembly has also been planned, in honor of their colleagues.

EU-China relations, human rights in the country, non proliferation of arms, equipment inspection and disarmament, and the war against terrorism will be the topics discussed during the meeting. Other issues to be covered include developments in the Middle

East and the Korean Peninsula, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, as well as other issues of international interest.

The EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and its full solidarity to the people and government of Colombia in these difficult moments.

The EU applauds the rally for life and liberty held by the citizens of Bogota on Saturday, February 8. It calls on all Colombians to unite their voices against terrorism and drug trafficking and in defense of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental fr eedoms.

The EU expresses its full support to democracy in Colombia and the active engagement of the government of President Uribe to establish the rule of law throughout the country, including the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. This common fight r equires as well a regional effort and the concerted and continued assistance of Colombia's neighboring countries.

Colombia is not alone in its fight against terrorism. It is a common fight of all free and democratic nations against violence and intolerance. The international community will continue to demonstrate its solidarity to the victims of such criminal acts, as in the case of the people of Colombia, together with its endeavors to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism.

The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area a lign themselves with this declaration.

According to Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, Mr. Papandreou points out in his letter that the negotiations should get underway as soon as possible, probably next week, and suggests the talks to take place in Athens and Ankara at Foreign Ministry General Secretaries' level.

In the talks will participate military specialists and a UN Secretary General representative.

Except from the Informal Summit Meeting preparations, they also discussed the developments in Cyprus and the imminent visit of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to Athens.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. Papandreou stated that on Sunday, February 16 he will have the opportunity to meet in Cairo with the Foreign Ministers of the Arab countries. In the meeting, the EU will confirm its coo peration with the Arab states in an effort to defuse the crisis through peaceful means, strengthen the joint message to Iraq and discuss the Middle East problem.

Of the stocks trading today, only 52 recorded gains, while the overwhelming majority of 255 had losses and the value of 64 stocks remained unchanged.

Regarding the EU Spring Summit meeting, they discussed the preparation steps that need to be made for a successful outcome. They also pointed out that in this difficult economic conjunction it is important that the European leaders will send to all Europ ean citizens the right messages of optimism and progress on hard issues like, employment, viable development and competitiveness.

Greek Foreign Minister and EU Council of Ministers President Giorgos Papandreou will also attend the UN Security Council meeting on the crisis in Iraq.

next Monday.

Mr. Beglitis stressed that the goal for Monday's meeting is the EU to send a message of unity and common will in this crucial time for the Iraqi problem. He also warned that in case the "15" are unable to adopt a common stance, the EU will enter a deep c risis in a period when the debate on its institutional development is underway.

The Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman categorically ruled out the likelihood to send Greek forces to Turkey in case of a military attack on Iraq, stressing that the Greek EU Presidency is firm in its effort to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Mr. Beglitis clarified that Greece is politically in favor of the activation of the collective solidarity mechanism within the framework of NATO but it will not send troops or weapons systems to Turkey for the defense of the neighboring country in the ca se of a war in Iraq.

Greece will not participate in the deployment of troops and weapons systems in Turkey, neither in the case of a unanimous NATO decision nor in the case of a bilateral initiative by NATO member states, stressed the Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Recalling its declarations on previous electoral processes in this country, the EU calls on all parties to resume the political dialogue with the objective to agree an electoral framework acceptable to all.

The EU furthermore urges the Togolese Authorities to ensure that the forthcoming presidential elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner, which promotes the democratic process in Togo, in accordance with the spirit of the Lomé Framework Ag reement.

The EU is willing to support the electoral preparations in Togo, provided that a broad based agreement between the political forces has been reached on the conditions for democratic elections.

The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, membe rs of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.

The Prince's Islands Fire Department was unable to put out the fire that spread to the archive room and the ground floor of the building and asked for help from the Umranije Fire Department. The fire was put out after two hours. According to information,

the fire damaged historical documents and pictures kept in the archives, while the building itself suffered serious material damage.

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