Mr. Karamanlis backed the efforts made by the Irish EU Presidency aimed at reaching an agreement on the European Constitution by the Euro-elections in June and pointed out that the EU actions against terrorism need a better coordination.

Mr. Cox appeared satisfied with the participation of the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey in the negotiations on Cyprus and stressed that there can be no shelters for terrorists in Europe.

Speaking in the state-run television channel NET, he said that there is no reason for the Palestinian side to even consider acts of retaliation outside the occupied territories and Israel.

Responding to the news on the situation in Palestine, which is characterized as being out of control after the assassination of Hamas' spiritual leader Sheikh Yassin, Mr. Sabri stated that the Palestinian people are very disciplined and conscious. They k now what this action means and also know very well how to get organized and deal with this policy, he said.

He also underlined that all people in the world are on the side of the just Palestinian struggle and it is now time for the civilized politicians in the world to choose peace and justice without borders instead of barbarity without boundaries.

According to ASE analysts, today's freefall was due to the developments in the Middle East, which in combination with the terrorist attack in Madrid last week led to the further deterioration of the already bad investment climate.

Of the stocks trading today, only 6 had gains, while the overwhelming majority of 343 had losses and the value of 48 stocks remained unchanged.

NATO's assistance will not include land forces and no units in uniform, stated Mr. Voulgarakis during the discussion on the government objectives, which is in progress in Parliament, denying relevant newspaper reports.

Minister of Health Nikitas Kaklamanis referred to the issue of health sector measures adopted in view on the Olympic Games and announced that a total of 300 ambulance drivers will be appointed immediately, while a draft law is being promoted concerning h ospital supplies.

Later in the afternoon, Minister of Finance Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Minister of Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos are scheduled to address the Parliament and the procedure will be completed with the Prime Minister's speech and vote of confidence at midnight .

Mr. Abdullah, who leaves Greece to assume a government post with the Palestinian Authority, expressed his personal gratitude to the Church of Greece, the government and the Greek people for their support to the demands of the Palestinian people.

Mr. Cox briefed the Archbishop on the developments in the European Constitution and pointed out that the issue concerning the reference to the Christian Faith, as the foundation of the European civilization, at the preamble of the European Constitution h as not been placed at the negotiating table again and therefore, it remains open.

Mr. Cox underlined the significance of the draft Constitution's clause in article 51 which safeguards the legal status of the Churches and religious associations, recognizes the institutional dialogue between the EU bodies and representatives of the Chur ches, and safeguards more effectively the special status of the monastic community of Mount Athos, in Chalkidiki northern Greece.

Mr. Cox briefed the Archbishop, as he did with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Istanbul three weeks ago, on the progress in the EU-Turkey relations and commented that decisions on the issue will be reached within a year at the latest.

At the same time, he expressed the hope that a solution will be reached in Cyprus, while he appeared concerned with the recent incidents in Kosovo and the continuation of the circle of violence in the Middle East.

On his part, Archbishop Christodoulos stated that the reference on Christianity at the European Constitution preamble is an issue of historical justice, continuation and consistency, as well as an issue that concerns the European identity and the authent icity of its civilization. He also made a special reference to the final wording that had been suggested by the President of the Constitutional Assembly on the Future of Europe.

On the progress in the EU-Turkey relations, he pointed out that it depends on whether Turkey will become a European country, respect human rights and the democratic practices that are in effect in the united Europe and adjust to the European standards.

On Cyprus, he commented that any solution in order to be viable and functional it will have to have a strong basis, be fair and move within the framework of the UN Security Council decisions.

Archbishop Christodoulos expressed strong concern over the incidents in Kosovo and regret both for the loss of the lives of innocent people and the destruction of Orthodox Christian churches and Muslim mosques. He also wished for peace and reconciliation

in the region.

A high growth rate exceeding 5%, unemployment cut by 2.5-3 percentage points, strengthening of competitiveness, improvement of productivity, improvement of the quality of the Greek products and services, effective exploitation of the EU funds, and conver gence of wages and pensions with the EU average within the next 8-10 years, are the main axes of the economic policy that was presented by the minister in Parliament today.

The Minister of Finance also stated that the government policies can be financed by cutting down on state spending that could reach 0.8-1.0% of the GDP on an annual basis.

Mr. Moliviatis pointed out that Greece condemns any illegal act of violence that contravenes international law and the state of law. He also called on the two rival sides in the Middle East to refrain from acts of violence that undermine the peace effort s.

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