They will discuss, among others, the roadmap for the solution of the Middle East problem, measures against terrorism, the human rights situation in the wider Mediterranean region and common action against illegal trade. This afternoon, the Foreign Minist ers of the EU Troika will meet with the delegation of Israel.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou clarified that they are measures which are not clearly of military nature but they promote cross-border cooperation, the cooperation between the two countries, and help ease the tension in general.

Mr. Papandreou pointed out that talks are held within the NATO framework as well concerning the so-called confidence-building-measures which are of military nature.

The Greek Foreign Minister also referred to the recent developments in Israel after the approval of the roadmap by the Israeli cabinet. Specifically, he said that this is a "positive step for peace" and added that as a result of this development the road

will open for a viable Palestinian state in an environment with security guarantees for Israel.

Meanwhile, Ocalan, who is in a Turkish jail, sent a handwritten text of 58 pages to his lawyer yesterday analyzing his positions regarding what happened four years ago. The text will be at the disposal of the court as soon as it is translated.

A number of Kurds gathered outside the courtroom this morning chanting slogans in support of Ocalan.

Of the stocks trading today, 234 recorded losses and 85 had gains, while the value of 58 stocks remained unchanged.

The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and Mrs. Allende stated characteristically that her first trip as the Chilean Parliament President had to be in Greece, stressing that her country always counted on Greece in difficult times. She also thanked

Greece for its support to the ratification of the Chile-EU economic agreement.

Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis underlined the world renowned personality of Mrs. Allende, internationally and inside her country, and stressed that he will soon visit Chile at her invitation.

Mr. Simitis said that Cyprus is now an EU member and therefore, any solution to the political problem on the island cannot be outside this European framework.

On the occasion of the fact that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were allowed by the Turkish Cypriot side to cross the "green line", Mr. Simitis stated that it was a move aimed at softening the pressures exerted on the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Den ktash's regime.

The Greek Prime Minister also referred to the latest Turkish provocation in the Aegean, stressing that the efforts of the Greek side for the solution of the Cyprus problem will not be suspended.

On Turkey's European prospect, Mr. Simitis called on Ankara to present samples of its European course long before December 2, 2004, in order for a decision to be reached on December 2 on whether Ankara's EU course can be launched.

Mr. Protopapas stated that Greece is among the safest countries in the world and this can be confirmed and proved through its recent successes in the front against terrorism, adding that the Greek police authorities do their job very well.

The above were announced in a press conference in Athens today by Athens Bar Association President Mr. Dimitris Paxinos. Mr. Paxinos said that the unprovoked attack against Iraq by US and British allied forces constitutes violation of the UN Charter, vio lation of the international humanitarian law and violation of the International Penal Court Charter and therefore, it is an offence to international law and order.

was made in a press conference held in Thessaloniki today on the occasion of the conference taking place in the city on the Future of the European Cinema and the Audiovisual Sector after the EU Enlargement.

Mr. Venizelos stated that this initiative will be attempted in June in order to be ready to be delivered to the Italian EU Presidency that will succeed Greece.

He reiterated that Europe cannot have political beliefs if it lacks cultural foundation, while on the conference proceedings, he maintained that they are very interesting given the participation of about 200 delegates.

The German senior official will meet with the civilian and military leadership of the Greek armed forces and will discuss issues of mutual military interest.

On Wednesday, he will watch the final phase of the military exercise code-named "Sarisa-2003".

The goal of the conference is to consider ways to achieve sustainable development without further hurting the environment, according to statements made by Oceanography Department Director in the National Sea Research Center Dr. Vangelis Papathanasiou in a press conference given today.

Mr. Papathanasiou stressed that an effort will be made in the conference to achieve convergence of views of the representatives of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean countries to form a common strategy.

The conference will be made up of 11 entities concerning, among others, climate changes, the use of land, coastal regions, biotechnology, the effects of pollution, mariculture and fishery.

Present in the conference will be representatives of the European Commission and about 85 foreign researchers and scientists from the 23 countries that will attend the event.