Their agenda includes visits to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while they will attempt to reach Ramala and meat with the Palestinian Leader, Yasser Arafat, who is under siege.

of the Environment, Planning and Public Works, Vasso Papandreou, Minister of Development, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Minister of Transports, Christos Verelis, Minister of Culture, Evaggelos Venizelos, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Giorgos Paschalidis, and depu ty Minister of Transports, Spyros Vougias.

Detailed data on the progress of the government's work in Thessaloniki will be presented in detail at the meeting, which is expected to be followed by announcements on the Underground, the underwater artery and the contending for the World 2007 or 2008 E XPO. The feasibility study on the EXPO is complete and Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis submitted the first three volumes to the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, who, along with the members of the City Council, visited him at his office. As the Mayor said, a special meeting of the City Council will be set within the next 15 days, at which the only issue to be discussed will be the EXPO and the Summit Meeting of the EU in Thessaloniki in June 2003.

Mr. Paschalidis made a commitment to the Mayor and the City Council members, to transfer their request to repeal the Olympic Airways decision for the cancellation of direct flights from Thessaloniki to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, to today's government al meeting.

Tomorrow the Cabinet will convene on preparations for the EU Presidency in the first semester of 2003and the Summit Meeting.

Among institutions to be introduced by the law reform, is the "gold stock", the right to hold a small percentage of DEKO stocks from the Public Sector, but with increased rights.

They agreed to form a Friendship Parliamentary Group and work for the cooperation of the two parliaments in the international fora to promote dialogue among cultures and contribute to the de-escalation of crises.

Mr. Kaklamanis also referred to the friendly feelings the Greek people have toward the people of the Philippines. About 60.000 Filipinos live and work in Greece, while 30.000 more work in the Greek merchant marine fleet.

From his side, the Filipino parliament president extended a formal invitation to the Greek parliament president to visit his country.

The consumer price index in the 12 EMU countries rose to 2.5% compared to 2.4% in February, according to an announcement by the Eurostat.

The increase proved the analysts wrong as they predicted a slight de-escalation of inflation or at least they expected that inflation would be kept at last month's levels.

According to the operational plan, the OA employees will be reduced by 1.000 by the end of December 2002 to limit expenses, while the personnel cuts are expected to reach 2.000 in the first trimester of 2003.

In statements he made, Mr. Papantoniou underlined the need for a US and an EU intervention aimed at a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli troops from the Palestinian territories. This is the only way, he said, for the peace process between the Is raelis and Palestinians to resume.

They also had a discussion on the contacts the Greek Defense Minister will have in Washington and New York with his US counterpart Donald Rumsfeld and President Bush's security adviser, Contoleeza Rice.

In addition, they dealt with armaments programs issues, bilateral defense cooperation and the cooperation of Greece and the US in the effort to combat terrorism.

The families that will host the children will have to cover their transportation and living expenses during their stay in Greece.

The European Commission offers a unique opportunity to the European companies to acquire an experience in the Japanese market.

The participants in the 18-month program will visit industrial production units, attend intensive Japanese language lessons and seminars and practice in two or more "key" Japanese companies.

Of the stocks trading today, only 22 recorded gains and the overwhelming majority, 332, had losses, while the value of 22 stocks remained unchanged.

The Greek government spokesman reiterated that the Palestinians have the right to have their own independent state with their legitimate leader Chairman Arafat but on the other hand, the Israeli people also have the right to live in safety within the bor ders of their country.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed that Chairman Arafat must be protected being the recognized leader of the Palestinian Authority. He added that the international community and the EU are faced with a historic challenge to react in an effective manner, while he po inted out that there is a need for an immediate ceasefire.

US ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller referred to the UN Security Council decision on the withdrawal of the Israeli troops from the Palestinian territories.

The Greek Foreign Minister is in Cairo within the framework of the initiative he undertook for the promotion of the efforts aimed at easing the tension in the Middle East. He was briefed by Mr. Saath on the situation in the region. The Palestinian offici al pointed out that Greece is at the frontline of the community's efforts to stop the bloodshed in the region.

Earlier, the International Cooperation Minister had spoken on the phone with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. He stated that Chairman Arafat's morale is high and the only thing he is interested in is the end of the bloodshed.

According to information, after the meeting with Mr. Papandreou, Mr. Saath spoke on the phone with German Foreign Minister Yoshka Fischer, who referred to the likelihood of an EU intervention for the easing of the situation.

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