unknown reasons near the rocky islands of Petalia, and operations for their rescue commenced immediately. A Super Puma helicopter and Coast Guard rescue boats are participating in the search and rescue operation.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, the Mayor of Thessaloniki noted: "After the proposal of the Metropolite of Panama and the agreement of the Cuban official on Culture, Efsevios Leal, we are on our way towards the fraternization of Thessaloniki and

Havana. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that our two cities could be fraternized so that there is cooperation in all sectors, cultural exchanges, etc.

My visit to Cuba with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos was a sensational experience, a visit that went beyond all expectations. From the very first moment I agreed to the invitation and the Municipality of Thessaloniki participated with its traditional band and made a very good impression in its various shows.

What we found in Cuba and the way in which we were welcomed, Fidel Castro's initiatives and his daily presence at the side of the Ecumenical Patriarch, were indeed a very pleasant surprise. It was amazing. My warmest congratulations to Ecumenical Patriar ch Vartholomeos for his initiative, and my congratulations to the venerable Metropolite of Central America, Athinagoras, for moving this case intensely over the last 2-3 years. Warm congratulations are also in order for Cuban President Fidel Castro for ma king this extraordinary present to Orthodoxy and Hellenism".

It should be noted that during the reception held by Fidel Castro in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch at the "National" hotel in Havana, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, V. Papageorgopoulos, gave the Cuban President a replica of the golden urn found in Vergin a, explaining to him that the bones found therein were those of the father of Alexander the Great, Philippos.

President Castro received the present from the hands of the Mayor with great sentiment, saying that it is a very important gift, because he knows the history of ancient Macedonia well.

1961, was on the state ballot for his party in the 2000 elections. He is the second member on the state ballot, following Mr. Petros Molyviatis, to be leaving the upcoming battle, while another two candidates, Mr. Papathanasiou and Mr. Spiliotopoulos, wi ll run in the II Athens electoral district.

As he pointed out, "through the decentralization of Universities (AEI) and Technical Professional Foundations (TEI) and with the utilization of private TEI and AEI in the framework of the Constitution, there should be cooperation in the area of Kozani be tween DEI, Local Government, the TEI and the AEI for the development of new departments in educational institutions, without bureaucratic difficulties".

At the same time, Mr. Papandreou gave his reassurance that in the government's power policy, lignite still has strategic importance and the public character of its production is secure.

It will be the first time a Greek government minister visits the Czech city of Krnov. Mr. Tziolas is scheduled to meet with Greek immigrants as well as, with the city mayor and the Minister of Agriculture.

On February 1, he will visit the German cities of Munich and Nuremberg and will attend events organized by the Greek community.

Of the stocks trading today, 238 had gains and 68 had losses, while the value of 77 stocks remained unchanged.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos maintained that the Greek Tourist Properties Ltd. never requested the change of the status of the lake, a protected region under the Natura 2000 program.

On his part, Mr. Konstantopoulos stated that Deputy Minister of Development Dimitris Georgakopoulos is an accessory to the crime committed against the country's development.

In a press conference in Athens today, Mr. Tsovolas presented his party's agenda and reiterated that his party is in favor of the establishment of a third progressive-left axis of power.