According to Thessaloniki's Aristotle University Geophysics Laboratory, the epicenter of the tremor was located at the sea region off the Sithonia Peninsula, 120 kilometers southeast of the city of Thessaloniki.

The earthquake was felt in coastal areas at the southern part of the peninsula alarming the local residents. No damages were reported.

Mr. Karamanlis was briefed on the latest and the older archaeological findings in the area by Professor Dimitris Pantermanlis, in charge of the excavation work. Mr. Karamanlis also visited the Archaeological Museum at Dion.

Mr. Magriotis stated that there are over 150 associations of Cretans around the world and stressed that their participation in the activities of the Greeks abroad was always notable. He said that they played a leading role in the creation of the World Co uncil of Greeks Living Abroad underlining the need for common expression and collective operation of the Greek Diaspora.

Athens' Mayor Mrs. Dora Bakoyianni addressing the conference stressed that Crete was always a meeting place of ideas and civilizations with a long tradition in economy and culture.

Mrs. Bakoyianni emphasized the need to strengthen the island's infrastructure, the development of new technologies, agriculture, tourist infrastructure and environmental protection.

Responding to questions by reporters on security issues in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, he said that he recalls "The New York Times" article on "al Qaeda" and according to information at his disposal, it was not true. He said that it is importa nt to continue the US-Greek cooperation on security issues, characterizing it as very good.

On the rumors according to which, the Australians want to undertake themselves the protection of the Australian team during the Olympic Games, he said that he believes that no such request was made officially and reiterated that cooperation is necessary.

Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority of 207 recorded gains and 120 had losses, while the value of 54 stocks remained unchanged.

The plane's pilot, with 72 passengers on board, informed the control tower a few minutes after takeoff that he had problems with one of the plane's engines and requested permission to turn the plane back to the airport for emergency landing.

The plane landed safely and the flight's passengers left for Berlin with the same plane five hours later.

A similar incident was recorded two days ago involving another Olympic Airways plane on a morning flight from Thessaloniki to Athens.