expressed by Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Ioannis Magriotis, drawing on the statements of ND President Costas Karamanlis at the inauguration of the Medical Center in Mariopol.

ND's response came from its Press Spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos, who proposed that Mr. Magriotis find "other means of promotion", while the deputy Foreign Minister stated that "it is New Democracy's problem, as it is the one that wants to promote it self through the work of others".

During his visit, which will end on September 27, Mr. Antonakopoulos will discuss issues of mutual military interest with Canada's military leadership, as well as ways to broaden Greek-Canadian military cooperation.

Also, his schedule includes a visit to peacekeeping mission training branch center, the General Staff of branch operations and the Naval Operations School of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Due to this long strike, all imports and exports of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and other animal products have ceased, while there are no civil sector vets available to examine the animals at slaughterhouses. This event has caused immense problems, mai nly to import and export businesses and industries, the owners of which made mention of products being ruined and orders being cancelled.

The agriculturalists and vets began their strike on September 16, demanding that their financial and institutional requests be satisfied, while it is unknown when they will end it.

Meanwhile, the Association of Exporters of Northern Greece has asked for the intervention of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Interior, so that a commonly accepted solution can be found in cooperation with the civil servants.

Developments on the future of their strike are expected on Wednesday or Thursday, when the presidency of the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of University Teaching Staffs (DEP) will meet with Ministers of Finance Nikos Christodoulakis and Educatio n Petros Efthymiou. However the government does not seem to be prepared to go higher than the 7% increase that it has already offered, which is nowhere near the 20% demand of university teaching staffs.

"We are expecting a decision", said the President of the United DEP Association of the AUTh Dimitris Chasapis, "we are expecting a more serious proposal from the government", while he added that "even if an increase in university funding or the incorpora tion of the two benefits, teaching preparation and research, into the basic salary is proposed, we are prepared to return to our duty".

There is great danger of the finals' period being missed, however Mr. Chasapis gave his assurance that exams will be held for students near their graduation for those who have been called for their tour of duty.