At 5pm, he will have a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Simitis, a meeting which is expected to be mainly focused on the Euroarmy issue, as High Representative of EU on Joint Foreign Policy and Political Defense Xavier Solana will also be present. The G reek government has made it clear that it will not accept the "Ankara text" on the Euroarmy, and Mr. Aznar may present a new proposal.

The Cabinet will meet this afternoon, in preparation to Mr. Simitis' meeting with Mr. Aznar.

The Euroarmy issue was also referred to by Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou in statements he made in Luxembourg, where he is participating in the Council of EU Foreign Ministers. Mr. Papandreou pointed out that it does not seem like the Spanish Presid ency is prepared to submit a proposal of compromise on the Euroarmy issue, or at least one that Greece could accept.

Mr. Papandreou stressed that the discussions between Madrid and Athens on the Euroarmy issue are still taking place, in view of Jose Maria Aznar's visit to Athens today.

Meanwhile, the formation of the Euroarmy is in progress, according to Minister of Defense Giannos Papantoniou.

The Minister underlined that "for now, a procedure moved by the Spanish Presidency is in progress, and is a clearly and purely European procedure, in order to finalize Europe's position on the issue". "Consequently, it would be pointless and untimely to begin a discussion with NATO members who are not EU members. After we Europeans agree at the level of the "15", then we will obviously come to a common understanding with the other countries participating in NATO, without participating in the EU", he adde d.

The two sides agreed on cooperation in the sector of electricity between Greek and Ukrainian companies, as far as the creation of natural gas electricity production units are concerned. There was also an agreement to broaden the participation prospects o f Ukraine, and specifically Ukrainian companies, in the materialization of the Ankara-Komotini natural gas pipeline.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoli Zlenko, as well as with the President of Tourism State Administration, and characterized the meetings he had in the Ukrainian capital as especially important and effective.

The Greek side exhibited an interest in importing electricity from Ukraine, at lower prices than today's cost, since energy in the Ukraine is produced in nuclear power plants.

As the Ukrainian Minister of Energy stated to journalists after the meeting, providing electricity to Greece is possible as long as Bulgaria and Romania have the appropriate legislature and are in harmony with the EU in the energy sector, adding that ele ctricity could either be transferred through Romania and Bulgaria, if Bulgaria agrees, or through Romania and FYROM.

That is the reason, Bulgaria's tactics, that even during the years of the Former Soviet Union, Ukraine never exported electricity to Greece. Also, Mr. Gaiduk stressed that this possibility will become even more possible on July 1 2002, with the functioni ng of the "Buhchin islet", which could become a bridge to connect the "energy ring" of the Balkans to the EU.

Mr. Gaiduk mentioned the interest of Ukrainian companies in participating along with Greek companies in the modernizing of Greece's electrical networks, as well as in the possibility of cooperation in the construction of the Ankara-Komotini natural gas p ipeline.

On his side, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos initially referred to the rapid progress in the two countries' bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, as well as to the joint meetings the Secretary General of Development, G. Agrafiotis, and Directing Consultants of DEIS, S. Nezis, and DEPA, A. Vakirlis, had with representatives of the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, as well as with corresponding companies.

The Minister of Development pointed out the fact that the EU is a complete market, for energy, electricity, and natural gas until 2006, turning the decade, until 2010, into a period of dynamic financial and social development of all European people. "It stresses the need to reinforce the demand for energy with an additional supply, that will cover the increased usage needs of the European people for the entire decade, throughout Europe". The EU covers 35% of its needs with natural gas from the Russian no rthern pipeline. There is also a need both in electricity and in natural gas, for a broadening of cooperation between Eastern and Western Europe. In that framework, Greece must connect the rest of the EU to Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and the Caspian Se a. So that the transit channel between countries such as Turkey, Greece and other Balkan countries works as a body for the transfer of natural gas to the EU from the region of the Caspian Sea", he said.

He also referred to the need to procure a modern, adequate and effective network for the transfer of electricity to all European countries, as well as to the need of cooperation between neighboring countries so that the inter-European electricity transfe r networks may function. He added that they also discussed cooperation issues in the petrol sector with his colleague, since a number of companies are interested in supporting the sectors, of ship manufacturing, or the transfer of the petrol in tankers, o r for the construction of natural gas power plants in Ukraine, with many Greek companies already active in that sector in Ukraine.

The two Ministers also agreed to specify and complete the content of the Greek-Ukrainian cooperation in the energy sector, during the visit of the Ukrainian Minister to Greece, near the end of August or the beginning of September, after Mr. Tsohatzopoulo s' invitation.

This is the information provided by research of the Ministry of Public Order and was presented on NET television.

The first position on the general index, concerning heavy and low criminality, is held by Britain, with 167 incidents for every 100,000 people. Denmark is second with 137 incidents for every 100,000 citizens. Greece is last, with 18 incidents for every 1 00,000.

The most crimes in absolute numbers take place in the Attica region, and then come Ilia, Messinia, and Rethymno. Crete is first as far as violent crimes are concerned. The Prefecture of Chania is first in homocides, while Attica is ahead in armed robberi es and burglaries.

According to the research, 96% of those asked that they have formed a negative image of criminality exclusively from television, and only 4% from the radio and the press.

"The circles that leaked a distorted version of my discussion with the Prime Minister, have committed a political depravity. The content of our discussion is known only to me and to the Prime Minister", pointed out Mr. Papadopoulos in a written statemen t.

The reaction of the former Health Minister was caused by certain comments from within the government, according to which, the publication of Mr. Papadopoulos' decisions in the absence of the Prime Minister, and without informing him before acting, were u nacceptable and politically condemned decisions.

According to information, an individual was arrested today after a fingerprint examination when it was established that on June 3 he had placed 16 small gas cylinders outside the OKANA drug addicts shelter in Athens of which only 3 exploded.

In statements Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou made after the meeting he characterized as tough the negotiation for the use of the NATO installations by the rapid reaction force. The Foreign Minister commented that the negotiation is held in a constru ctive spirit but Greece seeks to safeguard its national interests and principles that will help the region's stability. In case these are safeguarded Greece is ready to lift the veto, stated Mr. Papandreou and added that in a different case the negotiatio ns will continue.

On Cyprus' accession into the European Union, the Foreign Minister stressed that Cyprus will become an EU member with the international identity it has today recognized by the whole world, international organizations and the United Nations. The only coun try that does not recognize this identity is Turkey.

In the meeting were also discussed issues concerning immigration and asylum, the European Union enlargement and the reform of the EU Summit meeting.

On the issue of immigration and asylum, Mr. Papandreou stated that it is an issue of major importance for the EU and underlined the need for constructive proposals. Referring to the Greek proposal, he reminded that Greece is in favor of a border guard fo rce to protect the EU's external borders.

On the course of the EU enlargement, Mr. Papandreou stated that the EU is negotiating with each of the candidate states separately.

Of the stocks trading today, 170 had gains and 129 recorded losses, while the value of 75 stocks remained unchanged.

Mr. Protopapas stated that the reform in the health sector will proceed and new Health Minister Kostas Stefanis will promote the government policy in the specific sector. He also said that Mr. Stefanis has the knowledge, experience, ability and political

will to promote it.

Greece is among the countries with difficulties regarding the problem of illegal immigration, mostly due to its long borderline and the large number of illegal immigrants wishing to enter the country. The Greek position is, for a long time now, that a si ngle policy is necessary to deal with the problem because illegal immigration cannot be faced separately by each country and a common European effort is necessary, stressed Mr. Simitis.

He added that Greece agrees that the issues of illegal entry, asylum, external border protection and the collaborations to face the problem of illegal immigration must be discussed in the Seville Summit meeting. He also said that Greece will raise the is sue of the illegal immigration policy funding. Mr. Simitis stressed that Greece wants to know if each country will bear the financial burden of dealing with illegal immigration by itself or whether the cost will be divided among the EU member-states. He s aid that Greece is one of the most exposed EU countries and need help to deal with the big wave of illegal immigrants.

Mr. Simitis pointed out that the issue of the Euro-army is in progress, adding that discussions are being held and views are exchanged to find a mutually acceptable solution. He also expressed the belief that today's meeting contributed toward this direc tion.

The Spanish Prime Minister stated that he is neither optimistic nor pessimistic on the issue of the Euro-army. He added that the inflow of illegal immigrants should be controlled in an effective manner.

Mr. Karamanlis is visiting Washington in order to attend the Summit Meeting of the International Democratic Association, of which he was elected Vice President yesterday. He has already had a short, in private meeting with US President George Bush, durin g the official reception held at the White House for the Party Leaders participating in the Summit.

"New Democracy is the greatest political power in Greece today. With the emphasis we place on development, employment, education, health and the everyday problems our citizens deal with, we have convinced Greek society that we have the potential to deal with the challenges of the future", he underlined.

Referring to the French elections, he pointed out that the powers of the Center and the far Right have certainly achieved a lot in the past few years. "The winds of change are blowing over Europe and have opened a historic window of opportunity. In the p ast few years, and recently, the far Right has achieved important victories. Only yesterday, the Coalition of President Chirac triumphed in France and with the prospects of our German friends, they may well map out a new future for our continent", he stre ssed.

The President of New Democracy unequivocally condemned international terrorism, noting that Greece has suffered from the phenomenon, and that his party has paid a high toll.

"Terrorism cannot be tolerated. We are determined to eradicate terrorism from our world. In my country we have suffered a lot from terrorism. Especially us, in New Democracy, who have lost friends and high standing officials from such criminals. And that

is why we stand at the head of this uncompromising war on terrorism", he underlined.

"Stability in the Balkans is a major priority of ours. We must transform the former powder keg of Europe into a region of peace, stability and cooperation. Inviolable borders, respect of human rights, and gradual incorporation of all countries in the reg ion, are our main tools to achieve this", he mentioned.

Mr. Karamanlis was in favor of Turkey's European orientation, with the condition that the neighboring country respects European principles and values and that resolving the Cyprus issue is not a requirement for its accession.

Finally, on the Athens Olympics, he said that the return of the Olympics to their home is an event of enormous historical importance. "In our age, an age of freedom, an age where there is a need for action, an age of the Center Right, we give even greate r importance to the return of the Olympics to the birthplace of Democracy, Freedom and Justice", he pointed out.

"I will expect all of you so that we may share this important historical event together. And I believe I will welcome you as the next Prime Minister of Greece".

In statements to the Macedonian Press Agency, the Minister stressed his satisfaction with the discussions he had with them, and their interest in developing cooperation with Greece.

Mr. Magriotis informed the Foreign Minister of New Zealand of Greece's proposal to hold a meeting between New Zealand and the European Troika during the Greek Presidency of the EU, in order to upgrade political relations, a proposal that Mr. Goff accepte d with great enthusiasm. He also informed him of developments on the Cyprus issue and its accession process to the EU, on Greek-Turkish relations, as well as Greece's role and initiative in the development of the Balkans and the broader region of the Blac k Sea.

As Mr. Magriotis said, there is an intense interest from New Zealand, a country that contributes to peace and stability by participating in all UN peacekeeping missions. At the same time it displayed an entrepreneurial interest in Greece, which they admi red for its successes in economy and its international presence. The notable Greek business community can play an important role in that direction.

During their meeting the application of the Kyoto agreement on forbidding whale hunting was also discussed.

During his meeting with the President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Mr. John Davies, former Olympic champion, Mr. Magriotis discovered the affection of the people of New Zealand for Greece, which they help in every possible situation, and most of

all in the undertaking of the 2004 Olympics.

Mr. Magriotis was impressed that the offices of the New Zealand Olympic Committee look very much like those of the Greek Committee, since there are pictures of Greece everywhere, as well as a Greek flag. In a special area, a piece of marble from the Ilia

region has been placed, as a symbol of connection to ancient Greece and the Olympic spirit. In fact the New Zealand Olympic Committee is participating in the Olympic Academy program as a main helper in this effort, while their participation in the para-o lympics will also be very important, since they are especially sensitive concerning it.

Mr. Davies expressed his joy from the fact that Greece is giving the true nature of the Olympics, and added that it will be one of the mains supporters of the Olympic truce.

The US President showed an interest in the 2004 Olympic Games that will be held in Athens and requested to be briefed on the course of preparations. From his side, Mr. Karamanlis assured him on the smooth course of the efforts for safe Olympic Games, whi le he invited President Bush to attend the games.

In the dinner that followed, Mr. Karamanlis had a discussion with US national security adviser Condoleeza Rice mainly on the developments in the Middle East.

Mr. Karamanlis is scheduled to meet to today with US Vice-President Dick Cheney at the White House and US Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department. The talks he will have in those meetings will focus on issues concerning Greece, Cyprus and

Euro-defense.

According to reliable information at the possession of Cypriot Republic authorities, Turkey launched the transfer of soldiers to the occupied territories of northern Cyprus on May 24 and the operation was completed two days ago.

In statements made today, Cypriot Minister of Defense Socrates Hasikos stressed that the government believes that this was a tactical move on behalf of Turkey aimed at creating tension.

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