The article pointed out the contribution of 7 countries to the Greek security plan, with an emphasis on American know how. Regarding his recent visit to Washington, the Greek Minister stated that he ascertained that the effort is joint and the level of O lympic preparation is excellent.

Mr. Floridis believes that international cooperation significantly supports Greece's intensive efforts for the training and education of its human resources, since the Athens Olympics security plan is different from Olympics of previous years, both in it s range and its conception, in order to respond to the dangers lurking in our modern unstable international environment. To that end, stressed Mr. Floridis, Greece has processed various scenarios and methods, securing the effective confrontation of every possible threat during the peaceful holding of the games, with the investment of in the creation of infrastructure and the purchasing of means of the latest technology, at an expense of 650 million euro, which may come to 800 million euro, at least three times what was spent on the Sidney Olympics' security.

"The security program is surrounded by an information and communication network which will provide continuous round-the-clock data about the Games for the benefit of any interested person or organization throughout the world whose citizens we, in Greece,

await with pride and the promise of an unforgettable experience", he added. "Our dedication to security is compatible with the full enjoyment of the occasion. Our security shield will not create a police environment. Rather, it will ensure the unspoiled recollection of the history and message of the Olympics in a demonstration th at a small country like Greece can provide meaning and glamour to the values of athletic contest and fraternity", continued the Minister of Public Order.

"Intelligence confirms Greece is not a terrorist target", said Mr. Floridis. "It is a structured and uniquely stable democracy in the Balkans and Southeastern Mediterranean region. Greece also is centrally involved in the effort for peaceful globalizatio n, as symbolized by the ever-growing response to the U.N.- supported Olympic Truce campaign. The Games provide an opportunity for Greek society and the Greek economy to show their dynamism and commitment to success", he stressed.

"The major public works designed for the Olympics will change not only the present but the future profile of our country. The new Athens airport is the most technologically advanced in the region (and has just been named "Airport of the Year" by the Brit ish Transport Management Institute). There are also new national motor highways, modernized seaports and many other responses to the country's long-term needs.

With 45,000 police and all the Armed Forces on the alert, Greece next August will, of course, be the hot place to visit. We will be ready and anxious to be generous hosts and to provide our visitors, surrounded as they will be by the evidence of Greece's

glorious past, with a living and brotherly experience they will not soon forget", he concluded.

For the record, the producer prices index in the 12 countries was increased by 0.1% in November, while in the 15 states it was increased by 0.3%. In both cases, prices have increased by 1% compared to December 2002.

The general index dropped to -0.76% at 2416.56 points, while the volume of transactions was at 160.1 million euros.

Of the stocks trading today, 75 recorded gains and 239 had losses, while the value of 69 stocks remained unchanged.

Called to comment on the outcome of the recent opinion polls, he reminded that they record the effects of a specific conjuncture and added that with the election of the new PASOK President next Sunday the party will enter the finishing stretch to the ele ctions in a dynamic manner.

Mr. Protopapas pointed out that all opinion polls show that PASOK's future President Giorgos Papandreou is leading in popularity and is the one people trust.

Mr. Protopapas expressed the wish that the intentions of the Turkish side will prove to be as sincere. He said that if the Turkish side's intentions prove to be sincere talks are going to be underway based on the Annan Plan.

Mr. Protopapas stated that he wanted to remind the statements made by Giorgos Papandreou yesterday on the issue of the procedures followed, stressing that his statements were important because through the talks and negotiations on Cyprus a positive clima te of trust will be created that will give the opportunity for a continuation of the efforts.

Mr. Karamanlis underlined that New Democracy proposes to every social group and every citizen a contract of honor on the policy of the next four years, which will be clear and totally binding.

He criticized the government for the economic policy it has followed, stressing that it increased public debt by 85 billion euros and created secret debts of at least 15 billion euros, as well as secret unemployment.

Mr. Karamanlis stated that the cause of those problems is the "State-Party", adding that it is now obvious that the system of power, the "System of PASOK" is unable to respond to the demands of the New Era and promote the necessary reforms, while it has also lost the ability of management.

He said that New Democracy is aware that the economic problems it will inherit are many and serious but there are solutions, as well as resources. Mr. Karamanlis added that his party knows what the problems are and it knows the solutions to the problems.

He also stressed that New Democracy aims at an annual growth rate of over 5%.

Giorgos Papandreou had a long telephone communication yesterday with Mr. Annan, who informed him of the contacts and communications he has had with President of the Cypriot Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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