The Balkans are a good way for the European Union to show its solidarity, he said, and noted that in Europe we should be talking all the more about financial development and less about security.

He noted that the European Union should take up the cost of forming a common foreign policy in order to achieve its destiny, to become an equal partner of the US. America is not the only super-power, it is something more, and this situation can be balanc ed by the European Union. He observed that one does not have to be anti-American in order to criticize the US, thus expressing his disagreement of returning to what he called "banal anti-Americanism".

either see light at the end of the tunnel, or there will be a polarization not just including the Israelis and the Palestinians, but one which will slowly and dramatically effect Arab countries, the Muslim world, while it is not entirely impossible for c onflict to reach Europe.

The feeling created by the lack of a solution on the Palestinian issue for so many years has, is deeply rooted as bitterness in the Arab world, and Colin Powell's effort is not just a US effort. After the meeting in Madrid two days ago an EU, UN, Russian

effort is also being made by Annan and Powell. At this moment Mr. Powell has orders for the 4 sides that have submitted their views".

The idea of the Saudi Arabian Prince for the resolving of the Palestinian issue and the recognition of Israel by Arab countries, was characterized as by Mr. Papandreou as an idea to complement the efforts of the rest of the international community. "It i s also an important key in the resolving of the situation. Because the settlements made over the past few years were all concentrated on the Palestinian issue, but the future existence of Israel, the security and feeling that the Middle East may live in p eace, will also relate to the smoothing out of Israel's relations to the Arab states, an issue resolved by the proposal of the Saudi Prince which was adopted unanimously by Arabs in Beirut a few weeks ago".

Mr. Papandreou also mentioned the negative stance, to this day, of the Saron administration, to every such international intervention initiative, or conference proposed, on which he said, however, that there was no way out. "If the members are left to tr y and resolve the issues on their own, there are many reasons to fear that the cycle of violence will continue", he stressed characteristically.

Mr. Papandreou also pointed out that his fear for the person of Yasser Arafat, and that appeals are made every day by the international community as well as the Greek government, not only for the protection of his person, but for his release, so that he may be allowed to move.

"It is unacceptable that a leader representing the Palestinian authority, and who is the basic discussant for any solution, to be under siege, and by the very individual with whom he should be discussing in order to find a solution. It is an unacceptable

and paradoxical situation in any discussion process. This situation and all interventions have not helped the atmosphere at all. Regardless of the indignation, these suicide bombings have helped the most extremist voices in Israel justify this military c onfrontation and the belief that the Palestinians do not even want Israel to exist. So these acts of violence must stop. A first step that will be asked for not only by Colin Powell, but something that has been repeatedly asked for by the EU and the inter national community".

Referring to a political solution that should be promoted by the international community, the Foreign Minister pointed out that "the feeling of security, Israel's need for security, which we all recognize, cannot be consolidated through military operatio ns. We do not believe that terrorism will be uprooted with such operations. On the contrary, it is political perspective that will give Israel security. Resolving the political problem with the Palestinian State which will be a serious, responsible and d emocratic state, controlled by its citizens, and will thus be able to control any possible groups that may try to use violence in order to continue a holy or other kind of war.

The political solution will also be the practical basis on which there will be broad consent on both sides, on the policies of both sides, on peace and perhaps friendly coexistence in the future. Thus there will be no reason to recruit such suicide bombe rs.

This is the political solution that the international community must promote. Ideas have often failed, however I believe that the crucial point today, is whether there will be political will of the international community to put pressure where necessary for steps to be made in that direction".

Finally, on the question for the joint Turkish-Greek initiative for the resolving of the issue, Mr. Papandreou stressed that it can only be helpful.

"We have taken an initiative with a country with which we have had difficulties. That is the symbolism. That is the power of symbolism. That we have two countries here, that have had enmities for centuries, of which the whole world has an image of rivalr y, but we have said that we will try to approach our problems in a different way than that taking place in the Middle East today. That is the power of symbolism, which I can already say, from the reactions of both sides, especially in the political and ci vilian world are very positive. We have had positive reactions from UN staff members in the area. Yesterday the Saudi told me that it is an excellent initiative in itself and we should not just concentrate on the symbolism.

Greece has taken up, within the UN decision framework, continuous initiatives as a country of the region, the closest European country to the Middle East, and our deputy Ministers along with other groups of diplomats have started visiting countries of th e Arab world.

With Mr. Cem we have stressed that this is an opportunity to have talks with both sides, whenever that is made possible. We will take the initiative. We will see what the developments with Colin Powell are, quite possibly our visit will take place after his visit, but that also depends on the results he has.

But, the initiative has already been recorded as a positive act of two countries of the region, one EU and one Muslim country, which desires to become a European one, as the two countries choosing a different path, by taking this initiative. This kind of

initiative can only yield positive results in the resolving of our differences with Turkey".

are the main reason for the high percentage of under-fertility in Greece. According to specialists abortions are responsible for a 40% decrease in a woman's fertility. It is estimated that 150,000 couples in Greece cannot have children, because they have

at least one abortion in their past. More than 250,000 abortions take place every year in Greece, of which 40,000 are on underage girls younger that 16. Also, a third of them are performed on married women who would avoid them if they could afford a larg er family. This information was announced by Gynecology Professor of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ioannis Bodis, speaking at the 2nd day of the 17th Northern Greece Medical Conference, organized by the Thessaloniki Medical Company.

In the 1980-1999 period, stressed Mr. Bodis, Greece exhibited a decrease of 41% in fertility, twice as much (in percentage) as in the rest of Europe, while the US showed an increase in the fertility factor of 14%.

The government's agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston was dissolved, due to the fact that its services were too expensive, while, as reported in press publication, the reform measures proposed for the national airliner were excessive.

The three local credit institutions, were chosen since they have the necessary know-how and the human resources, as mentioned in press publications.

The visit was canceled as a result of the suicide attempt in front of the Federal Parliament yesterday evening by a former Interior Minister of Serbia, who is accused with Slobodan Milosevic of war crimes in Kosovo.

Mr. Kostunica issued a message to the Serb people yesterday, pointing out that those accused of war crimes should receive the best legal protection possible and all the legal assistance available because this stance will serve the country's interests.

The Bosnian Serb Prime Minister, who is in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the European Popular Party conference, also referred to the prospects opened for his country and the role Greece is expected to play in the Balkans.

Mr. Ivanic stated that the images of war in the Middle East have awakened memories of the war his country had experienced in the recent past. He said that the causes of conflict are common namely, different ethnic groups living in a small region and stre ssed that the only solution is compromise. The key for the settlement of the situation is in the hands of the international community, stated Mr. Ivanic.

On the course of his country, Mr. Ivanic was optimistic as most of the serious problems it has faced tend to cease to exist, while the stabilization in the region and specifically, in Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia has favored Bosnia-Herzegovina as well.

Mr. Patten stated that the European family should play a more constructive role in the Middle East crisis, adding that Israel even though it is a state of law at this moment is in violation of human rights. Mr. Patten opposed the Palestinian suicide atta cks and expressed the view that if the Palestinian Authority is dissolved it would lead to anarchy. He also praised Greece's experience on issues concerning the Balkans, characterizing it as very important.

From his side, Mr. Papandreou speculated that the situation in the Middle East could bring a wider instability and polarization in the region and the Muslim Arab world and Europe in general. Regarding the Athens-Ankara joint initiative on the Middle East

and the visit planned to be made by himself and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem to the region, he said that it has a symbolic character as two countries known as old rivals are making an effort for peace.

The issue of the Middle East will be discussed in the Council meeting on Monday and the "15" will have the opportunity to examine the way the EU will respond to the situation.

Mr. Papandreou also met with European Commission Vice-President Neil Kinnock, who expressed satisfaction for the commitment undertaken by the Greek government to promote the procedure and materialize the package of reforms in the six-month period of the Greek EU Presidency. Mr. Kinnock characterized Greece's role as critical regarding the progress of the procedure concerning the structural changes in the European Commission in order to function in a more effective way.

Of the stocks trading today, 79 recorded losses and 233 had gains, while the value of 65 stocks remained unchanged.

Assessing the Balkan course after the conflicts in recent years, Mr. Akarzali used Greece as an example and stated that 4 to 5 years ago it had differences and problems with all its neighboring countries namely, Bulgaria, FYROM, Albania, Turkey. However,

it managed to reverse the situation through the efforts it has made for the economic development of the Balkan countries and step-by-step it improved political relations.

He said that Greece acted cleverly not only at a political level regarding its relations with its neighboring countries but at a political party level as well. What the party of New Democracy did in the right and center-right was done by PASOK through th e Socialist International therefore, those two parties can put under an umbrella the rightist and leftist parties in the Balkans, said Mr. Akarzali.

Referring to the Balkan countries that entered a new political system after the collapse of the actually existing Socialism, Mr. Akarzali described them as newly born babies that need help and support. He added that the European Union, the United States,

Greece and Turkey must show their interest and take care of those countries for at least a decade.

The Vice-President of the Motherland Party also pointed out that the opening of the EU accession negotiations for the Balkan states will contribute to their development and actually block organizations and groups of fanatics that create problems in the r egion and put stability at risk.

Mr. Papantoniou and Mrs. Rice also discussed Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and the issue of European Defense and Security.

The Minister of National Defense repeated the Greek position on the text prepared and he stressed that it would never be accepted by Greece, and that a new basis ensuring the autonomy of the European Union in making certain decisions concerning itself, w hen not using NATO facilities, needs to be formed.

The proposal includes the immediate implementation of the UN Security Council decisions and international law and expresses the satisfaction of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments for the European Parliament resolution calling for the freezing of the asso ciation agreement between the EU and Israel.

Mr. Kaklamanis expressed Greece's strong concern for the situation in the Middle East, a region with which Greece shares traditional ties.

He also referred to the peace proposal presented by Greece in the recent European summit in Barcelona. The proposal calls for the opening of negotiation procedures, complete freedom for Arafat, the further legalization of the Palestinian Authority activi ties, development of closer cooperation with the Arab states and rapprochement with the Israeli society.

Upon his arrival at the Cairo Airport, Mr. Kaklamanis characterized the war activities against the Palestinians as a form of genocide and at the same time, he called for the immediate end of hostilities in the Middle East. He said that the right of the P alestinian people to an independent state should be consolidated, while Israel should return to its 1967 borders with the assurance that the Israeli people will be safe inside the borders of their country.

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