The Minister of Justice underlined that such accusations in no way correspond to the truth, as Greece's correctional code secures the obligations and rights of all convicts completely. Also, regarding visitations, relatives and attorneys are allowed to v isit the prisoners. There were even visits from relatives of the foreign prisoners, and even though individuals who are not members of the family are not allowed to visit, the prison Board allowed for friends to visit the prisoners in Thessaloniki.

"These prisoners were taken from Thessaloniki to Athens so that there is constant availability of medical health at the Corydallos penitentiary hospital and no danger to their health", he pointed out.

Furthermore, he pointed out that he has appealed to judicial authorities for a fast completion of the foreseen procedures, so that if they are recommitted a trial date is set quickly.

Meanwhile, a solidarity rally for the 7 prisoners of the Thessaloniki riots will be held at 18:30 today at the Athens Propylea, followed by a march to the Parliament.

According to the doctors, the health of the 7 prisoners is critical, while fears have been expressed as they have been on this hunger strike for the past two months.

During this morning's meeting of the Executive Office, the political declaration is being discussed, while the body will meet again this afternoon at 18:30, to discuss the candidacy issue. Final decisions will be made at the Central Committee's meeting t omorrow, although the issue was also dealt with last night by Mr. Simitis, Mr. Chrysochoidis, and Mr. Avgerinos, and sources mention that new candidates will surpass 40% of the names on the ballots. New candidates include individuals distinguished in the intellectual, artistic and sports sectors.

and offer any help that may be needed. Greece is prepared to send any aid required by Turkey if it is asked for.

This year's festival will open with the showing of "The Blind Samurai" by Takeshi Kitano at "Olympion" cinema. In this year's international competition section most films concern or were directed by women.

"Blind violence comes from blind politics. Blind politics do not lead to solutions but to dead ends. Blind violence causes more violence and we thus move in a vicious circle", underlined Mr. Simitis, in statements he made during PASOK's political declara tion.

In conclusion, he called those responsible for these actions to "realize that they lead nowhere".

Athens.

Mr. Simitis pointed out that the breaking away of parliament deputies from PASOK or their refusal to run in the elections will not hurt the party.

The Prime Minister stated that the 2004 parliamentary elections will determine whether Greece will continue its economic development with safety or its course to progress will be interrupted by the Right which will place it back on the margins of Europe.

Mr. Simitis stated that PASOK is the Left of responsibility and belongs to the great wave of European democratic Socialism, adding that its strategic goals are firm.

The directions presented by Mr. Simitis are a foretaste of PASOK's agenda for the period 2004-2008 which will be ready by the end of January. A dialogue on those directions will be held within PASOK and the society of citizens.

The directions in question are based on three axes namely, the plan on social and European convergence, the plan on the renewal of public life and the plan on effective governance.

The Health Ministries of Greece and Armenia will exchange views and their responsible agencies will coordinate activities in sectors of mutual interest.

The general index dropped to -1.15% at 2.106,11 points, while the volume of transactions was at 129.8 million euros.

Of the stocks trading today, 289 had losses and only 35 recorded gains, while the value of 65 stocks remained unchanged.

They are, lawyer Vasilis Karamalis, who had a few stitches and is out of danger and Nikos Vafiadis, who runs a shop across the street from the British Consulate building. Mr. Vafiadis was treated and was allowed to go home.

Mr. Papandreou extended the condolences of the Greek government to the government and the people of Turkey as well as to the government and the people of Britain.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed that such acts are criminal and heinous and have the total and categorical condemnation of the international community.

He also pointed out that violence and any kind of fanaticism, as well as the cultivation of fear, will never be able to become the means for achieving any objective.

In his letter, Mr. Simitis stressed that the international struggle against terrorism is necessary to be intensified. He also underlined that international cooperation in the fight against terrorism is more necessary today than ever.

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas responding to a relevant question, stressed that Greece is vigilant after the terrorist attacks in Istanbul and in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.