Mr. Karamanlis went into detail regarding the many promises made by the Prime Minister on the tube, the underwater tunnel, the airport, the EGNATIA ODOS highway, and other works, which are still nothing more than drafts on paper, and he underlined: "Thes e are practices that underestimate the people of Northern Greece and insult all Greeks."

Especially regarding EGNATIA ODOS, he said "now they discovered the 'functional' EGNATIA. And they think they are addressing lotus eaters, because they break the work into pieces and cut a ribbon every 20 kilometers. To set up pre-electoral games for che ap impressions".

"We all know that Turkey's course towards the European Union has the resolution of the Cyprus issue in its way", stressed Mr. Papandreou in statements immediately after the meeting, while he underlined that the next few months will be very important for the developments on the Cyprus issue. It should be noted that the President of the Cypriot Republic, Tassos Papadopoulos, will be visiting Athens next week to have discussions with Mr. Simitis.

At the same time, Mr. Papandreou mentioned the recent developments in the Middle East, characterizing the Israeli Cabinet's decision to deport Arafat as a mistake, while he added that "such a decision, if materialized, will create new tensions and possib ly new adventures in the Middle East and the broader region".

Mr. Hitiris stated characteristically that the Olympic teams that will participate in the Athens Olympic Games will be allowed to be escorted only by accredited officials.

He pointed out, however, that everybody should respect the Greek laws.

Of the stocks trading today, 75 recorded gains and the majority of 249 had losses, while the value of 59 stocks remained unchanged.

Specifically, according to the Greek National Statistics Agency, the value of the Greek exports was at 4.947,9 million euros in the five-month period of January-May 2003, compared to 4.723,6 million euros in the same period last year.

Mr. Hitiris stated that such a move will not help at all in the efforts for the solution of the Middle East issue.

Everybody should contribute to the efforts for a solution to the Palestinian issue, while wisdom and prudence must be displayed by all parties involved, said Mr. Hitiris.

He underwent a series of specialized heart and blood vessel tests and according to his doctors, his condition is not serious and the tests were ordered for precautionary reasons.

Mr. Papadopoulos will arrive in Athens on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday morning, he will meet with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos and then with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

At noon, he will have talks with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis followed by statements to the press and a working lunch.

In the afternoon, he will meet with right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis.

Mr. Papadopoulos will be accompanied by Cypriot Foreign Minister Giorgos Iakovou, government spokesman Kirpros Chrisostomidis, Undersecretary to the President Christodoulos Pasiardis and his diplomatic office director Tasos Tzionis.

Referring to the Convergence Charter presented by the Prime Minister, he characterized it as a "Charter of Promises", stressing that the Prime Minister promised again what he had promised before the 2000 elections.

He accused the Prime Minister of lying about the economy and of giving empty promises. He also maintained that everything the Prime Minister said about real convergence, lower taxes and more social spending are all lies.

Mr. Karamanlis accused the Prime Minister of using the Olympic Games as a dilemma for the purpose of blackmailing the people. On the issues of national importance, he said that the Cyprus problem and the Greek-Turkish relations are very sensitive issues to be used for party politics.

The leader of New Democracy referred in detail to the public works that are being delayed in northern Greece and stressed that the Prime Minister and his government, once again, remembered the region because elections are close.

Mr. Karamanlis, addressing the supporters of other political parties, stated that the problems and their solutions have no color but need capable and creative people instead of political party armies.

Mr. Papadopoulos said that the assassination of Anna Lindh brought back memories from the past concerning Palme's assassination, adding that no one can accept what happened. He said that he worked with Anna Lindh in Stockholm since her twenties when she was elected President of the Social-democratic Party Youth Movement. He also stated that she was very capable and was regarded by everybody as an unpretentious, bright and very active politician.

Mr. Papadopoulos stated that Anna Lindh should have the protection of bodyguards, adding that she was always expressing her views openly even on issues of major importance, like the war in Iraq.

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