A group of experts are investigating the cause of the aircraft's crash. Possible causes include the pilots' loss of consciousness or some unexpected breakdown. Dense fog covering the area and radar error have not been ruled out.

The aircraft was on a training mission and was attempting low altitude flying to avoid radar detection. The Air Force is mourning the loss of Lieutenant Kyriakos Karakitsios, 31 from Kozani, and Flying Officer Dimitris Kostopoulos, 29 from Larissa.

Mr. Papandreou pointed out that the changes made in Seville secure Greece's interests and the principles of autonomy of NATO and the EU in making decisions, after making it clear in all texts that relations with third countries do not question sovereign or territorial rights.

Besides, he underlined that Turkey also has to see that the Seville texts secure stability in the region and mark obvious principles of International Law.

He also added that the issue is not closed, but that Greece, having taken up the presidency of defense issues of the EU, will continue negotiations with NATO member-states and Turkey, based on what was agreed in Seville.

In his speech, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos underlined that it is a special honor that Thessaloniki is hosting a conference with ambitions of expressing common political will for cooperation and the support of new technologies as a new tool for the promotion of Eu ropean development and European culture.

He pointed out that the prevailing view on development in the European region does not only have to do with financial development, but with the social demands of European citizens, demands related to the environment, culture and history.

"We must not forget that Europe is, above all, culture. While culture is our basic difference, we still have one thing in common: we are all Europeans", he said.

The Minister of Development stressed that what is important is that through the development of technology knowledge is enlarged in relation to engines or industry. "Knowledge and technology is the new power we hold in our hands today. The EU is trying to

use this new power. Citizens all over Europe are ready to participate because they want fair participation rules in the formation of their future. This future demands cooperation and collaboration. This is the new prospect we must win", he underlined.

stressed that it will bring great changes to the region's everyday life.

The project got underway in 1995 and in 10 months the deviation from Preveza to Arta will also be open for the motorists.

Mr. Venizelos stated that this is a very important development as an emphasis is given to the non construction projects such as hospitality, volunteerism and the participation of local communities.

Another major project becomes a reality, concluded Mr. Gerou.

Mr. Gerou stated that the family of the Greek Air Force has lost two excellent officers.

Of the stocks trading today, 140 recorded gains and 166 had losses, while the value of 67 stocks remained unchanged.

The statement was made when Mr. Gerou was called to comment on the repeated violations of the Greek airspace by Turkish aircraft.

Mr. Gerou stated that the political parties display the necessary maturity as it was established by the meetings and the talks that were held. The statement was made when he was asked to comment on the statements made by right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy parliament deputy and ND candidate for the post of mayor of Athens Ms. Dora Bakoyianni. Ms. Bakoyianni made the statements after the meeting she had with Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou to be briefed on the outcome of the Seville Summ it meeting.

Mr. Papantoniou stated that the Ankara text on the Euro-army was "buried" thanks to Greece's stance in Seville. The minister spoke of a great national and European success as the autonomy of the European Union was restored regarding decision-making on de fense issues. It was also made clear that the national interests of the EU member-states are not inferior compared to the interests of certain third countries.

The end of the Cold War did not bring any considerable changes to the security problem faced by Greece, said Mr. Papantoniou. The threat from the north was limited but the threat from Turkey continues to be great.

Mr. Papantoniou added that Greece, due to its geopolitical position, faced new threats very soon such as, illegal immigration and organized crime. The international terrorism also increases the pressures on Greece's security system.

On Turkey's EU accession, the Defense Minister made it clear that Greece backs Turkey's European prospect based on the principles of international law and stability, which are the fundamental preconditions for peace and security in the region.

Commenting on the outcome of the Seville Summit meeting, he pointed out that the autonomy of the European defense is necessary as well as the need for the protection of the EU member-states' borders and territorial integrity.

Mr. Papantoniou stated that the critical point is the settlement of the EU-NATO relations based on the principles of equal participation and the protection of the member-states' sovereign rights.

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