of unemployment in the second quarter of 2003, during which it dropped by one point, and is now at 8.9%, which is the European average.

be present to secure order in the city.

The information is based on research of the National Statistics Agency of Greece, carried out according to the model of Eurostat, while it should be pointed out that the percentage of unemployment for Greece in the second quarter of 2003 is at the same l evel as that of the Eurozone, which was recorded at 8.9% in July.

Making insinuations against New Democracy, the Prime Minister stressed that it is one more project that the Opposition likes to call a "models" and "unfulfilled promises". "The Ymittos ring road shows that our plan for the whole of Greece, for all the ci ties in the country and for Athens and Attica, is becoming a reality, day by day", he said characteristically, adding that the government succeeds in its goals.

Honorary President of ND Constantinos Mitsotakis characterized the PM's announcements as actions of criminal political negligence. "Mr. Simitis is not only promising benefits with money that he does not have, he is also, with worldwide originality, carry ing out his social policy with borrowed money, thus striking a heavy blow to a suffering Greek economy", said Mr. Mitsotakis, and added: "ND is keeping a distance from all this sordidness".

In the research participated 847 heart patients and 1.078 healthy volunteers under the supervision of Professor Dimosthenis Panagiotakos.

Those participating in the research had the same age and lived in the same areas in Greece. The results of the research show that non smokers exposed to the smoke of cigarette smokers just a few times a week, face an increased likelihood of 15% to suffer

a heart attack within a period of five years. In a 30year period the percentage doubles.

In statements made to MPA, association president Connecticut House Representative Dimitris Yiannaros stressed that the second 2003 meeting of the world organization was very useful. The members of the Presiding Board had the opportunity to be briefed on the developments in the Cyprus issue and on issues that have to do with the preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games, while they were also able to renew their ties with the Greek Parliament.

Of the stocks trading today, 151 recorded gains and 165 had losses, while the value of 65 stocks remained unchanged.

Mr. Magriotis stated that Greece, fully aware of the above, was among the first to sign and ratify both the EIF and the CTBT.

He pointed out that the non-proliferation of nuclear arms and nuclear disarmament are top priority policies for the Greek government. Mr. Magriotis also said that no treaty can survive and establish a sense of trust if it is not accompanied by a verifica tion mechanism.

He said, among others, that the main opposition party cannot interrupt Greece's course toward the future and added that New Democracy cannot govern Greece.

Mr. Simitis said that party founder Andreas Papandreou is always an inspiration and stressed that his greatest contribution was that he was able to promote the creative forces of the popular classes.

He said that PASOK made foreign policy free of dependencies, modernized the political system and the institutions, launched a war against corruption, strengthened local administration and established local governance at prefecture level. It has also stre ngthened the Greek economy, increased the real income of the people, won crucial battles for Cyprus' EU accession and promoted the solution of the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Papageorgopoulos referred to Thessaloniki's economic role in the Balkan region and southeastern Europe as well as to the excellent relations Thessaloniki's municipality enjoys with Russian cities and especially, with the city of Saint Petersburg.

Mr. Stephanopoulos appeared optimistic on the course of the country and stated that Greece is in the best period of its political history, clarifying that he does not associate these comments with any political party.

policy followed by Turkey toward minorities in a meeting he had in Ankara with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

In the report prepared by the Ecumenical Patriarch, the contents of which were presented by CNN Turk, is mentioned among others, that Turkey never proceeded with a strict implementation of the Lauzanne Treaty articles concerning minorities and that it fo llows a policy aimed at minority cleansing. It is also mentioned that the policy followed regarded the minorities as dangerous, while the latest harmonization laws with the EU are not being implemented.

In addition, a reference is made to the Theology School of Halki, while regret is expressed regarding the restrictions in the education of Greek children who are Turkish nationals.

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