"Russia and Greece can defend their common interests in the Balkans and the Middle East. Our ties are historical and cultural. These ties can support the common position of our two countries on the upgrading of the UN and international law in dealing wit h humanities' problems, for the just resolving of problems such as those of the Middle East and of Cyprus.

It is also necessary in the financial relations of our two countries to boost Greece within the EU in order for it to decisively contribute so that there are just changes in Russian issues concerning Russian speaking populations in Europe and the resolvi ng of communication, transportation and movement problems.

This is a period of historic significance for the entire human race and Russia can play an important role in a multicentral system of stability along with Europe, by forming a strategy for peace and development with a human face throughout the world.

Specifically, the report made mention of vandalism, supporting that dozens of graves of Russian soldiers who died for Greece have been destroyed.

In statements to the Russian channel, the Mayor of Kalamaria, Christodoulos Economidis, supported that they are reform works for an area that had been left uncared for, a claim that was indirectly questioned by the channel's reporter, who insinuated that

the reform concerns the creation of new plots for construction.

According to information, reactions are expected within the next few days from the Russian State and Church.

In statements to the Macedonian Press Agency, the Mayor of Kalamaria supported that, "cleaning works were carried out in 1999 on abandoned graves of Russian refugees. The issue is being promoted by Russian television because they are claiming room in the

cemetery."

Mr. Economidis added: "The issue was raised again because the newly formed Russian community in Thessaloniki is claiming a plot of land to be created in the area of the cemetery, and in view of the court date set for April 30. They are avoiding dialogue and are resorting to publications and presentations of the problem on television".

In ending the Mayor underlined: "Instead of that, the Municipality of Kalamaria proposed that all graves baring Cyrillic inscriptions and which are in good condition be kept, and that a monument be built for all other bodies buried there (as many Russian

graves have been abandoned and are uncared for) in cooperation with the Russian community. This is the proposal of the Municipality of Kalamaria with respect to the dead and history".

Mr. Rousopoulos clarified that the contents of the letter concern issues like terrorism and there is no reference to the Cyprus issue. He also stated that the letter will be given to publicity.

Of the stocks trading today, 286 had gains and 43 had losses, while the value of 68 stocks remained unchanged.

An agreement was signed to avoid double taxation, as well as an air transportation agreement and a protocol of cooperation on issues of social security and protection.

Mr. Stephanopoulos, who is accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stilianidis and a delegation of Greek businessmen active or intending to become active in the region, arrived in Moldavia at noon today.

The Greek President had a meeting with his counterpart Vladimir Vorodin and among others they also discussed the major Balkan problems, as well as European problems and the Cyprus issue.

In a press conference, Mr. Alogoskoufis stated that efforts are being made to keep deficit under 3% and underlined that initiatives are being promoted to restrain the primary spending increase rate, limit spending as well as, fee and tax evasion.

The head of the government's economic staff gave the assurance that the fiscal problem will be faced and the deviations from the 2004 budget will be dealt with as much as possible laying the foundations for a healthy budget after 2005.

According to information, the discussion between the two leaders was held in a very warm atmosphere and in a spirit of cooperation to fully exploit the window of opportunity opened for a solution that will allow a reunited Cyprus to become a member of th e EU on May 1.

Mr. Bush pointed out to the Greek Prime Minister the fact that the Cyprus problem is at a crucial turning point and there is a need for coordination and close cooperation among all interested parties to reach an agreement

US sources stated, that the telephone call was not an effort to exert pressure, stressing that Mr. Bush wanted to display this way his personal interest in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

A similar contact will take place between the US President and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while US Secretary of State Colin Powell will be actively involved toward the same direction during the day.

While UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to begin the presentation of the revised plan for the solution of the Cyprus issue at the quadrilateral meeting at 11:00 today, ARD transmitted that US Secretary of State Colin Powell had a telephone comm unication with his Turkish counterpart last night and characterized Turkey's demands as "very reasonable".

According to the German television station, Powel was mainly referring to the issue raised by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides regarding a permanent digression from community acquis, in an attempt to avert an en masse return of Greek Cypriots, drive n out of their homes during the occupation, to their homeland.

According to the information, Colin Powell reassured Abdullah Gul that the US will support Turkey's demand in the framework of the UN.

In statements he made before leaving for Lucerne, according to ARD, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he would try to come into contact with US President George Bush, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French Presiden Jacque s Chirac, stressing that his country will show flexibility.

In contrast, and with the deadline for the Cyprus issue closing in this Wednesday, sources in the Greek Cypriot delegation told the ARD that negotiations have shown no progress.

solution was given to the interested parties and according to information, it contains seven changes regarding the institutional functions of the new state. As far as the aspects of security and guarantees is concerned, which is being discussed by Greece

and Turkey, Greek sources mentioned that there are "extremely opposed views to a great degree, thereby resulting in no common grounds for an agreement". We are going to Switzerland with good will, stated Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prior

to his departure for Switzerland. An appeal for political will and a disposition for negotiation was made to all sides by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Greek government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos stated that Mr. Karamanlis reiterated Greece's position supporting a solution in compliance with the UN resolutions and compatible with the European standards. He also stressed that the final decision belon gs to the Cypriot people.

Mr. Karamanlis will have meetings in the afternoon with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, responsible for EU enlargement issues.

The Greek Prime Minister also received a letter by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who congratulated him on the assumption of his duties and called on him to contribute to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Karamanlis and Mr. Verheugen discussed issues concerning compatibility with the European standards and principles.

The Greek Prime Minister raised the issues of incompatibility in the Annan plan and the European Commissioner stated that is going to examine the issue.

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