The above were stated by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos speaking in a business forum held in Beirut, which was formally opened by Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Mr. Loverdos issued an invitation to the business community of Lebanon to take advantage of the Greek know-how and experience in the markets of southeastern Europe and promote strategic cooperation with businesses in Greece.

He underlined that the signing in Beirut yesterday of two bilateral agreements in the sectors of tourism and international road transportation, as well as the signing of a protocol in the sector of agriculture will strengthen the cooperation potential be tween the two countries.

He also stressed that the trade volume between Greece and Lebanon showed a steady rise at the end of the 70s, which is not true now. Lebanon's exports to Greece showed a decline of 38% in 2002 compared to 2001, while the Greek exports to Lebanon dropped by 26%.

The 20th AGROTICA International Exhibition of Farm Machinery, Equipment and Supplies is mainly oriented toward the domestic market while, at the same time, it is directed toward the countries of southeastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Middle East.

Based on the available figures, a total of 1,193 direct and indirect exhibitors will participate in the 20th AGROTICA and their number is notably increased compared to the exhibitors in 2003 (657, the manufacturers-importers of farm machinery did not par ticipate) and in 2002 (1,140 participants).

Of the stocks trading today, 89 had gains and 199 had losses, while the value of 89 stocks remained unchanged.

the party's central offices today.

The leader of ND underlined that Mr. Avramopoulos' contribution to the common effort is very important and observed that his decision to participate in the election battle given by New Democracy at this turning point is a responsible decision.

The agreement, which was signed in Athens today, opens the door for the expansion of the road and railway link of Greece with Istanbul and was the result of contacts between the two government ministers, the responsible general secretaries and ministry o fficials held since June 2003.

Mr. Verelis expressed the belief that the agreement for the development of the Egnatia Road axis from the Greek borders to Istanbul is important not only for Greece but for the whole southeastern European region.

Referring to the agreement, Mr. Gildirim stated that the protocol signed is important and it will improve greatly transportation linking the two countries, especially during the summer months, as well as transportation to Europe via Turkey, to the Middle

East and other countries as well.

New Democracy honorary President Konstantinos Mitsotakis was also strongly critical of the government in his intervention and spoke of constitutional irregularities.

The parties of the Left were also against the draft law speaking about pre-election expedience on behalf of the government.

On his part, Deputy Interior Minister Lampros Papadimas blamed New Democracy because it did not enter a dialogue on electoral law and added that the legislation promoted by the government is the result of long dialogue.

He also accused New Democracy of hypocrisy because it is aware of the fact that the new electoral law will be implemented in the elections following the forthcoming ones.

mobility and Britain is the guarantor power, while he will also raise the issue of the return of the Parthenon Marbles, which the Greek side considers a major issue.

state television, Mr. Vartholomeos, who is on a five-day visit to Cuba, stressed that the seclusion of a people from the international community and the violation of human rights and religious liberties are equally condemnable acts.

Mr. Papandreou pointed out that he presented Greece's position on the return of the marbles to the British Prime Minister, while he announced that a meeting between Greek Minister of Culture Evaggelos Venizelos and his British counterpart will take place

on the same issue.

On the Cyprus issue, the Foreign Minister appreciated that the UK has shown a very great interest in the matter, especially after the "elections" on the occupied side of the island, while underlined out that a new momentum has been created, one that must

be utilized.

Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Blair also discussed political developments in Greece. Later the Greek Foreign Minister met with his British counterpart Jack Straw, and in the afternoon he will depart for Germany, where he will meet with his German counterpart Jo ska Fischer.

Although the Commission appreciated that Greece significantly progressed as far as achieving many of the Lisbon goals is concerned, however it has located many an "Achilles heel". According to the report, Greece, and certain other member-states, is behin d in macroeconomic reform.

The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed satisfaction for the measures adopted by the government and the people of Cuba for the protection of the environment and stressed that the consequences, stemming from the incorrect way the serious environment protection

problem is being dealt with, are felt by the humanity as a whole and not just by those responsible for the pollution.

Mr. Vartholomeos stated that the interest of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the protection of the environment is rooted in the belief that the environment is a work of God.

The Ecumenical Patriarch also reminded that for a number of years the Ecumenical Patriarchate has undertaken actions for the protection of the environment, and referred to the speeches he delivered, and the ecological and environmental seminars, as well as those held in cooperation with the EU in the Aegean, the Black Sea, the Danube, the Adriatic and the Baltic Sea.

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