Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-10-29

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] OCHI Day national anniversary celebrated throughout Greece with parades

[02] Student parades in Athens, Patras

[03] President: Armed Forces a strong factor of stability, security and peace in the wider region

[04] Message by PM Costas Karamanlis on 28 October national anniversary

[05] Triple anniversary events in Thessaloniki

[06] Historic Thessaloniki Liberation flag hoisted on White Tower

[07] PASOK leadership race in full swing

[08] Papandreou addresses PASOK supporters in Xanthi

[09] SI's Papandreou in Middle East for peace conference

[10] Greek-Canadians rally against Canada's recognition of FYROM

[11] PM Costas Karamanlis sends condolences letter to U.S. President George W. Bush for California wildfire victims

[12] Council of Europe signs accord against sexual exploitation of children

[13] Athens International Boat Show 2007 opens at Elliniko exhibition centre

[14] KKE calls for support of stockbreeders

[15] Archbishop Christodoulos returns to Athens from U.S.

[16] FYROM FM calls for prayers for health of Archbishop Christodoulos

[17] President Papoulias appeals for protection of the environment

[18] Journalist Lakis Hatzikyriakos passes away at 61

[19] French Academy gives award to Greek writer

[20] 500 people from 10 countries to receive Greek citizenship on Monday

[21] Australian fire fighters visit Greece

[22] Three armed robberies take place in Athens

[23] Police seize 134 kg of hashish in Kastoria

[24] Earth quake in sea region of western Greece

[25] Aftershocks continue in Ioannina

[26] Two dead men found in abandoned yacht in Tilos

[27] Greece to host 2013 Mediterranean Games

[28] Soccer

[29] Partly cloudy on Monday

[30] Cyprus honours Greek resistance to fascism

[31] Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Cyprus Politics

[01] OCHI Day national anniversary celebrated throughout Greece with parades

National defence minister Evangelos Meimarakis, who represented the government at the Thessaloniki parade, stressed that Greece wishes to live peacefully in the international environment, and responded with dialogue to intransigence.

The October 28 "Ochi Day" national holiday, commemorating the anniversary of Greece's resounding "Ochi" (no) to then Italian dictator Mussolini's demand for free passage to invade Greece during World War II, which brought Greece into the war on the Allied side, was also celebrated throughout the rest of the country with students' parades. On Oct. 28, 1940, fascist Italy presented Greece with the ultimatum, but Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas tersely refused, and the country not only denied Mussolini's forces free passage, it went on the offensive in mid-November and drove the opposing forces back through part of southern Albania.

The Thessaloniki parade was also attended by political party representatives, the Armed Forces leadership, MPs, and foreign diplomats.

In a statement after the parade, Papoulias said that "on such days, we devote more time to think about what the struggling Greek people accomplished".

"This inspires us, and an aura of optimism pervades us that this land, this country, this people, have endless abilities, provided we leave behind us self-centred practices and attitudes, and instead draw examples from the struggle of those people who fought for our liberty and independence," the President said, adding that "today's momentous military parade showed that the Armed Forces are the guarantor of or national independence, the security of our borders, and the domestic tranquility of our people".

He said that it was up to the people, "inspired by the struggles of those who gave their lives so that we may live better, to engage in a creative new era", adding that he was optimistic that "together, we can achieve all our goals, regardless of how ambitious they are".

In his own statement after the parade commemorating "the most glorious page of our history", the defence minister said that Greece was sending out the message that the country "wishes to live peacefully in this international environment, with good neighbour relations, and to serve the principles of the pan-human values".

"We are sending a message that the Armed Forces are forces of peace. They are forces that guarantee the freedom and independence of the Greek people. the Greek citizens, and the visitors to our country, may feel safe," he said.

Meimarakis also stressed that investments in the Armed Forces were an investment in peace "precisely because these Armed Forces avert any thought of any claims (against the country) and manifest that they can do their duty whenever it is necessary to do so".

Where others put forward quantity, he said, Greece put forward "quality and professionalism, excellent training, morale, mettle and, above all, the belief that we are fighting for that which is fair and just", adding that "this morale can be victorious over any quantity".

"To intransigence, we respond with dialogue, arguments and conviction. And let no one think that this is weakness. We insist on the principles of dialogue, and persist in living peacefully. I believe that this message is received by everyone," Meimarakis said.

Main opposition PASOK representative Haris Kastanidis said after the parade that "wars are won by those who defend principles and values, and are lost by those who act as predators, in the name of violence".

Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) leader George Karatzaferis said that "those who do not hear the voice of Greece can see the strength of its Armed Forces. The better they see, the better for all".

Thessaloniki Prefect Panayotis Psomiadis said that this year's magnificent parade "is the best response to all those rusty minds that do not want the continuity of Hellenism, to those fools who consider that patriotism is nationalism".

The President later attended a luncheon in his honour hosted by Thessaloniki mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, with other guests including Meimarakis, Psomiadis and the Armed Forces leadership.

Toasting the President, Papageorgopoulos said that Thessaloniki was on an upward course and winning the battle for development, with a plethora of projects currently underway. He also noted the environmental problems faced by Thessaloniki.

Papoulias replied that, every time he visited Thessaloniki, he saw "something new", but also noted that growth had a negative side, namely repercussions on the environment, and stressed the need for creating a new social conscience on environmental protection that needs to begin "from kindergarten".

[02] Student parades in Athens, Patras

Stylianidis stressed that the "large, voluntary and enthusiastic participation of the Greek youth in today's parade proves that our country's young generation is taught and inspired by the generation of their forefathers...this strengthens the hope and confidence of modern-day Greece".

PASOK representative Christos Papoutsis said that the October 28 national anniversary "reminds the country, the nation and the people that hold on to the values of independence and freedom, that in no instance should they limit freedom in our actions, thoughts and lives".

The parade was also attended by Athens mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis, Athens-Piraeus supra-prefect Dina Bei, Athens prefect Yannis Sgouros, political party representatives, and representatives of the Armed Forces and Security Corps.

Tourism development minister Aris Spiliotopoulos represented the government at the student parade in the western port city of Patras, after which he said such anniversaries served to remind the people that "those things which unite us are far more than those that divide us, in the face of the challenges of the times".

He stressed that "even in the face of the harshest challenges in our neighbourhood, we know that, if we unite our powers, we can achieve much".

Questioned on the prospect of early general elections, due to the FYROM name issue, Spiliotopoulos replied "absolutely not", stressing that "we must forge ahead and wage the battle with responsibility, seriousness and realism, putting aside the extremities that cost us in the past".

Regarding tourism development, he said that tourism was the most important industry and most substantial source of revenues for everyone, noting that 18.5 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came from tourism.

[03] President: Armed Forces a strong factor of stability, security and peace in the wider region

Papoulias said that the teachings of national anniversaries were always timely, stressing that "they shwo heroism, preparation and a high level of military movements".

The determination and self-sacrifice manifested by the country's Armed Forces both during the First Balkan War and during the resistance against the Italian fascism went above and beyond their oath of faith to the homeland and the call of duty, the President said.

Today, he continued, the Armed Forces were a strong factor of stability, security and peace in the wider region, and comprised the guarantee of the Greek citizens' defence and security.

But they also played a social role of exceptional importance, and were at the forefront not only when the country was facing adversitites but also when the Greek society needed them, Papoulias added.

The President later attended an event marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of Thessaloniki's Macedonia University.

The event was also attended by national defence minister Evangelos Meimarakis, Macedonia-Thrace minister Margaritis Tzimas, deputy development minister St. Kalafatis, MPs, Thessaloniki mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and prefent Panayotis Psomiadis, and other officials.

[04] Message by PM Costas Karamanlis on 28 October national anniversary

"The national anniversary of October 28, 1940, is a longstanding and timely reminder of our duty to continue with undiminishing determination the struggle for safeguarding our national independence and dignity and the constant upgrading of our democracy," the prime minister said in his message.

"The Greek women and men honour in practice the sacrifice of the fighters of the Second World War when we recognise the valuable teachings of history and we set them as criteria for our collective action. When we unite our efforts to turn into practice the vision that inspired our ancestors: a strong and prospering Greece. A proud Homeland that is inspiring respect all over the world today," he added.

The prime minister also stressed in his message that Greek women and men are now creating, with steadfast and determined steps, Greece for which the patriots of 1940 had sacrificed themselves, Greece that we are demanding for our children.

[05] Triple anniversary events in Thessaloniki

President Karolos Papoulias attended a te deum service held at the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius at noon. The service was also attended by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party leader George Karatzaferis, party representatives and other dignitaries.

Karamanlis said in a statement that Greece is a country that is an example for all its neighbours and their guide in Euro-Atlantic structures. He added that if they respond to prerequisites set for all candidate countries and show full respect for the principles of international law, good neighbourliness, sincere cooperation and for the avoidance of provocations then, as he said, they will find a consistent ally and partner in the face of our country.

On his part, Papandreou said that all the creative forces of Hellenism must be released today with the aim of achieving a new model of development.

The historic Leberation flag of Thessaloniki was also hoisted on the White Tower during an emotional ceremony held in the morning.

[06] Historic Thessaloniki Liberation flag hoisted on White Tower

In the presence of Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Margaritis Tzimas, local Parliamentary deputies, Thessaloniki Prefect Panayiotis Psomiadis and other officials, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos hoisted the historic flag on the White Tower for the first time, on the occasion of Friday's anniversary of the city's liberation from Ottoman rule.

Earlier, Papageorgopoulos had received the flag from Michael Kalos, the grandson of the Macedonian liberation fighter bearing the same name, who had it hoisted at his home, a short distance from the city's walls, on October 26, 1912, and it was the first to be seen by the Greek forces on entering Thessaloniki.

The grandson Michael Kalos said he felt emotion and pleasure "for being able to offer something to the city of Thessaloniki."

[07] PASOK leadership race in full swing

Incumbent party leader George Papandreou, in an interview appearing in the Sunday edition of Eleftheros Typos newspaper, said it was time to put an end to compromises and manufactured unity.

He said he wanted former leader and ex prime minister Costas Simitis "present at the new beginning after November 11", adding that "I am already different, I have learned, changed and decided".

He also accused the government of having activated its "secret antipopular agenda".

PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos, Papandreou's main opponent for the pary leadership, said in Thessaloniki after the October 28 national anniversary parade that what was taking place inside PASOK concerned the entire Greek people.

He said that the country's future and the outcome of the next parliamentary elections, "which will not be late in coming", were at stake in the November 11 leadership election in the main opposition party.

Venizelos visited the town of Serres on Saturday, where he reiterated his call for a debate among the three candidates for the PASOK leadership.

Addressing a press conference in Serres on Saturday evening, Venizelos said it was time for PASOK to change page and acquire a lucid ideological position with a ground-breaking role and opposition platform.

Earlier, during a campaign speech, Venizelos accused the government of being unable to table crucial draft laws needed by the country, and intimated that early general elections were imminent due to the "mutiny arising in the New Democracy government".

The third candidate, MP and former minister Costas Skandalidis addressed a campaign rally in Lamia on Saturday night, winding up a tour of mainland Greece.

After the internal party election, he said, PASOK was obliged to forge ahead on its designated route "which does not depend only on the captain, but on the entire crew as well, on the rowers and on the carriers of the ideas".

He said that PASOK's defeat in the September 16 general elections, in which the ND government was re-elected, was due to the fact that "we lost our ideas".

"We lost because, politically, we failed to convince with our initiatives. We lost because our goals were not crystal clear, with respect to our platform. We lost because, organisation-wise, PASOK was the same as the PASOK of 2004", in which elections ND rose to power.

[08] Papandreou addresses PASOK supporters in Xanthi

Papandreou said that "PASOK is called on to assume new and historic responsibilities, to break the impasses of compromises and transactions and clash with the stagnation of the establishment and the government."

Elections will be held for the PASOK leadership on November 11 and Papandreou will be among the candidates, including prominent party members Evangelos Venizelos and Costas Skandalidis.

"I call for a mandate for a Movement of reversal, for a majority PASOK which represents the broad social alliance of the creative forces and of the weak and clearly separates its political positions and ideology from the neo-conservative Right," Papandreou added.

[09] SI's Papandreou in Middle East for peace conference

The meeting will convene in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Monday and in Ramalla, in the Palestinian Territories, on Tuesday.

According to a PASOK announcement, the "specific meeting is being held at this time so as for the Socialist International to contribute to the intense procedures taking place in view of the crucial International Peace Conference on the Middle East problem in Annapolis in the USA," in mid-November.

[10] Greek-Canadians rally against Canada's recognition of FYROM

Thousands of Greek-Canadians on Saturday held a rally to demonstrate against the conservative Canadian government's decision to recently recognize in bilateral relations the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) with its constitutional name.

The rally was organized by the Greek-Canadian Congress, in front of Ottawa's Parliament.

With the main slogan "OCHI" (NO) of the Greek national anniversary, thousands of Greeks from Montreal and Toronto raised their voice of protest in the Canadian capital, denouncing the untimely decision of the Canadian government to recognize FYROM, at a sensitive political period of time for the outcome of the negotiations regarding the name.

[11] PM Costas Karamanlis sends condolences letter to U.S. President George W. Bush for California wildfire victims

The letter stresses, among other things, the solidarity of the Greek people for the people of America at this difficult time.

Alternate government spokesman

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, speaking during a press briefing, said that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has sent a letter of condolences to U.S. President George W. Bush, for the victims of the wildfires in California, and underlined the solidarity of the Greek people for the people of America.

Antonaros added that the country will be sending 30 specialised Greek firemen to California, who have great experience in tackling such phenomena, and noted that a relevant announcement will be made by the interior ministry.

[12] Council of Europe signs accord against sexual exploitation of children

The justice ministers of the member-states of the Council of Europe signed at the Canary Islands on October 25 an accord which foresees new stricter adjustments for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and their maltreatment.

The aims of the new accord are the combating of the sexual exploitation of children with specific measures and policies, the care for the protection of children which fall victim of sexual exploitation and maltreatment and the promotion of international cooperation against the maltreatment of children.

Greece was represented by Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis.

"It was a very interesting council at which an important decision was taken in order for there to be stricter measures against the sexual exploitation of children. I wish to declare that that the agreement which was signed by 25 member-states of the Council of Europe, I will very soon bring before Parliament for it to become law of the state," Hatzigakis said.

Financial News

[13] Athens International Boat Show 2007 opens at Elliniko exhibition centre

Voulgarakis said that the pleasure boat sector in Greece had the potential for dynamic growth, noting that steps have been taken, but that it could develop even further and play a significant role in the international markets.

The Boat Show will run through Sunday, November 4, and is open to the public daily from 4:00-9:30 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

[14] KKE calls for support of stockbreeders

"The doubling of the price of animal fodder, along with the excessive prices in milk and meat which have been imposed by the known 'cartels', constitute the tip of the ice berg of the anti-popular policies of the governments of the New Democracy (ND), PASOK and of the European Union, at he expense of the small and medium sized producers," the KKE announcement said.

General News

[15] Archbishop Christodoulos returns to Athens from U.S.

The Archbishop was welcomed at Athens airport by Education and Religion Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Health and Social Solidarity Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, members of the Holy Synod and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his wife Natasha sent him a bouquet of flowers and a card wishing him well.

Speaking on his arrival, Archbishop Christodoulos said that "I am with you once again, with the people who have loved me so much and whom I have loved."

The Archbishop said that as of Monday the first phase of therapy advised for him by doctors will begin.

"I feel very well and according to my internal disposition I will preoccupy myself with the issues of the Church's administration and with my duties. With the support of all, God will provide what is best. I hope so," he added.

After the official reception, the Primate of the Greek Church headed for his home in the Athens suburb of Psychiko where he was welcomed by crowds of wellwishers.

"I have returned to continue the struggle that I have started. I have the support of all of Hellenism in this struggle of mine. I thank all of you for your feelings towards me, that give me courage to continue a struggle that is difficult. I hope, however, that I will win it. I wish to thank all, starting from the Greek government which went out of its way and secured for me all the necessary facilities in Miami. Then the Hierarchy, the Holy Clergy and all the pious people who expressed their interest with their letters and their wishes," he said.

[16] FYROM FM calls for prayers for health of Archbishop Christodoulos

The Foreign Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Antonio Milososki, on Friday called on the participants of the International Conference on inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, taking place in the city of Ohrid, to pray for the health of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

Milososki's appeal was accepted by the participants of the conference, whose sessions began on Friday and will come to an end on Sunday. The conference is being attended by about 300 delegates, 200 of whom are representatives of various religious denominations.

[17] President Papoulias appeals for protection of the environment

"I'm here today to underline that the protection of the environment is a national issue," Papoulias said, and noted, "when I speak of a national issue, what is needed is a nationwide campaign in order for us to protect the environment. Mistakes were made in the past, we were indifferent about certain matters which we thought and believed would be more optimistic. However, we were not able in this way and with this mentality to protect the environment. I believe that today we must create a new social awareness for the environment. The new awareness must begin from the kindergarten. From little children up to the elderly."

[18] Journalist Lakis Hatzikyriakos passes away at 61

Hatzikyriakos was born in Adendro, Thessaloniki in 1946, and began his career with the "Thessaloniki" daily (1969-1976), before moving to Rome in 1976 where he studied journalism.

He also worked as a correspondent for the German newspaper Deutsche Welle.

The ANA-MPA administration and staff express their heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family.

Minister of state and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, in a statement, said that Hatzikyriakos served journalism with responsibility, consistency and great love for his work.

For the past 25 years, Hatzikyriakos' reliable correspondences from Rome shed light on every aspect of the political and social developments in heighbouring Italy, Roussopoulos said, adding that he had been an example of ethos and modesty, and will be always remembered with love by his friends.

Main opposition PASOK press officer Yannis Ragousis said that Hatzikyriakos had been a worthy functionary of journalism, which he served with devotion, ethos, honesty and modesty.

His presence in Italy over nearly three decades constituted a guarantee of credibility for everyone who drew their information on events in the neighbouring country from his correspondences, Ragousis said, and expressed his condolences to Hatzikyriakos' family.

[19] French Academy gives award to Greek writer

The French Academy on Thursday awarded the "Grand Novel Prize" to Greek-origin writer Vassilis Alexakis, for his latest book titled "After Christ", that bears the French title "Apres J.C.".

The announcement was made by the French Academy's Secretary Helene Carrere d'Encausse.

Vassilis Alexakis won the prize in the second round of voting with 12 votes to 6 and 5 respectively for the two other writers, Christophe Donner and Jean Perol.

The book "Apres J.C." narrates the adventure of a young historian who attempts to ascertain how holy the monks on Mount Athos are and for the sake of his 89-year-old landlady Nafsika.

Alexakis was born on the island of Santorini in 1943 and he came to France at the age of 17 and attended studies at the journalism academy in the city of Lille.

[20] 500 people from 10 countries to receive Greek citizenship on Monday

The people receiving Greek citizenship are from 10 different countries, ranging from Venezuela to Syria, while most of them are Orthodox Christians.

[21] Australian fire fighters visit Greece

A group of Australian experts on issues of fire-fighting are already in Greece to share with their Greek colleagues their technical know-how and their experiences, following the catastrophic wildfires which swept Greece last August.

According to a statement by Australian Justice Minister Philip Ruddock, after talks which the fire brigades of Australia and Greece had, it was deemed that it would be beneficial for Australian experts to be sent to Greece.

To date, about 5.5 million AUS$ have been collected in Australia in aid of the wildfire-affected inhabitants in Greece.

[22] Three armed robberies take place in Athens

The first robbery took place at 11 p.m. on Friday night at 1, Satovriandou Street, at Haidari. Two unidentified individuals with the threat of a gun threatened the hotel's receptionist and grabbed an undetermined amount of money.

Half an hour later, again two individuals with the threat of a gun robbed a hotel at 9, Sirinon Street, at Paleo Faliro.

At 2:30 a.m. at dawn of Saturday, two unidentified individuals entered a taxi at Omonia and when they arrived at Petroupolis, they threatened the taxi driver with a gun and took 100 euros and escaped on foot.

[23] Police seize 134 kg of hashish in Kastoria

Police were pursuing four vehicles at dawn in the region of Melanthi when their occupants fired three rounds at them with a Kalashnikov rifle. Two of the vehicles were ultimately stopped and the three people were arrested.

The rest of the drug traffickers abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene. Police then found four sacks nearby that contained 133 kilos and 510 grams of hashish.

[24] Earth quake in sea region of western Greece

[25] Aftershocks continue in Ioannina

The two largest aftershocks were recorded at 12:14 and 14:00 on Sunday afternoon, measuring 4.4 and 4.2 Richter respectively, according to the Thessaloniki Aristotelion University's Geodynamic Institute, with their epicentres in the town of Zitsa, 17 kilometres northwest of Lake Ioannina.

A 5.0R earthquake jolted Ioannina at noon on Thursday, with its epicentre 15 kilometres northwest of Ioannina in the region of Kalpaki, and was also felt in Arta and in the western Ionian.

[26] Two dead men found in abandoned yacht in Tilos

Mediterranean Games

[27] Greece to host 2013 Mediterranean Games

In a press conference in Pescara shortly after announcement of the host city for the 2013 event, Mediterranean Games Bid Committee (DEMA) chief Isidoros Kouvelos said that the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) and its 23 National Olympic Committee members "have entrusted the ambitious Greek proposal for upgrading the Mediterranean Games and assigned to Volos and Larisa the organisation of the 2013 Games".

He said that Greece waged a difficult battle for the Games, under adverse conditions, having commenced its campaigned many months after the other two candidate cities.

Kouvelos stressed that the goal was for the 2013 Games to acquire a strong prospect. "Our goal remains that of the 2013 Mediterranean Games attracting the top athletes and acquiring a strong prospect for the future, and at the same time serving as a connecting link for the countries and peoples of the Mediterranean, turning it into a sea of peace, cooperation, culture and progress".

Foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, Kouvelos' wife, who was in Pescara for the voting, said that "the victory belongs to everyone...The Olympic spirit is alive".

"When we unite our forces, we achieve our goals. We succeeded in bringing the Games to Greece," she said.

Hellenic Olympic Committee president and DEMA general secretary Minoas Kyriakos, together with the mayor of Volos, signed the protocol for the assumption of the Games during a special ceremony.

The Mediterranean Games, first held in 1951, are a multi-sport event held every four years, in the year following the Olympic Games.

Sometimes referred to as the "Mediterranean Olympics", the Games are held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with the participation of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

[28] Soccer

Asteras Tripoli - Aris Thessaloniki 0-0

Iraklis Thessaloniki - Levadiakos Livadia 1-0

Veria - OFI Crete 2-1

Ergotelis Crete - Olympiakos Piraeus 3-3

Panionios Athens - Larissa 3-1

Xanthi - AEK Athens 0-1

Panathinaikos Athens - Atromitos Athens 2-0

PAOK Thessaloniki - Apollon Kalamaria 4-1

Standings after six weeks of play:

AEK 18 points

Panathinaikos 13

Olympiakos 12

Atromitos 10

Aris 10

Panionios 10

Asteras 8

Xanthi 7

OFI 7

PAOK 7

Veria 6

Iraklis 6

Larissa 5

Apollon 4

Levadiakos 4

Ergotelis 4

Weather Forecast

[29] Partly cloudy on Monday

Cyprus Affairs

[30] Cyprus honours Greek resistance to fascism

Cyprus commemorated on Sunday the anniversary of 28 October 1940, when the people of Greece said ''No'' to Mussolini's demand to allow Italian troops to enter Greece.

World War II veterans, secondary school pupils, university and college students, scouts and guides, and members of various organisations marched in Nicosia to mark Greece's contribution to World War II, when the Greek nation fought against the invading Axis forces in 1940.

In attendance of the parade were Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, Greek Ambassador Demetrios Rallis, and military and political officials.

Speaking after the parade, President Papadopoulos sent a message of ''unity and militancy for the defence of our country.''

In statements to the press, Christofias said that Cyprus needs ''initiatives that will break the deadlocks or at least corner the occupying force.''

Rallis said that the events to mark the anniversary send the message that ''united we can achieve everything.''

While the main parade was in Nicosia, various other parades and ceremonies took place throughout the government controlled areas of the island, attended by officials.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[31] Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Cyprus

Commonwealth Secretary-General Donald McKinnon arrived in Cyprus on Sunday for a two-day visit, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda from 23 to 25 November 2007.

The summit will bring together leaders from a quarter of the world's nations, representing one-third of the world's population.

McKinnon was to meet later Sunday the High Commissioners of Australia, India and the United Kingdom. He was also to attend a dinner given in his honour by Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis.

On Monday, McKinnon will call on the President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and an hour later he will meet Marcoullis at the Foreign Ministry. The two will make statements to the press after their meeting and McKinnon will return to the Presidential Palace to attend a lunch given in his honour by President Papadopoulos.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General departs from Cyprus for London on Monday afternoon.

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