Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis presides in the meeting held with the participation of the Minister of Environment, Land Planning and Public Works Mr. Souflias, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Mr. Tsiartsionis, as well as Central Macedonia Region General S ecretary Mr. Tsiotras, Thessaloniki Mayor Papageorgopoulos and Prefect Psomiadis.

The government decisions on the major projects, that Mr. Souflias had assured recently that will be constructed in Thessaloniki, are expected to be announced after the meeting.

meeting will be held at the initiative of Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece.

However, the majority of the hierarchs, both in the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, appear reserved regarding the prospects for the de-escalation of the crisis between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In an interview with MPA, Mr. Yakis pointed out that Turkey should not be accused concerning the implementation of the law because the law is not being implemented correctly in EU countries as well, using as an example the European Court rulings condemni ng EU countries.

He also stressed that Turkey does not enjoy equal treatment with the rest countries that are candidates for EU accession, adding that the Copenhagen criteria constitute precondition for a full EU accession and not for the opening of the EU accession nego tiations.

Mr. Yakis stated that the State Security Courts are being abolished, while commenting on yesterday's decision to allow Kurdish-speaking shows on the state-run radio and television, TRT, he mentioned that in order for this to happen there must be changes in the TRT operation regulations.

Referring to the course of the Greek-Turkish relations, he pointed out that the governments of the two countries continue the rapprochement policy launched by previous governments.

He also reminded that the Cyprus issue is not a thorn in bilateral relations anymore because Greece and Turkey have decided that the Cyprus issue will not affect their relations.

Mr. Karamanlis is expected to outline the Greek policy in the Balkans and the initiative undertaken by his government aimed at bringing the Balkan countries closer to the Euro-Atlantic structures.

In the morning meeting of the forum a discussion was held on the issue of the redefinition of the roles and interests of the EU, the US and Russia in the region of southeastern Europe. In the afternoon meeting, there will be working group meetings to dis cuss issues concerning energy, telecommunications, banking, and the cooperation between the public and private sector.

Mr. Rousopoulos pointed out that the Cypriot people want the problem to be solved and added that the Greek government wants the international interest in the Cyprus issue to be maintained to keep the door open for a solution to the problem.

In the meeting they had yesterday at the US State Department, Mr. Valinakis reiterated that the Greek government wants the reunification of the island and all sides have to make efforts to meet that goal.

Mr. Valinakis stated to reporters that Mr. Grossman and the US government expressed interest in the Greek position according to which, the door should remain open for the reunification of the island and stressed that there is room for a new effort but th is will depend on the interested parties.

Mr. Abraham clarified that the detectors will assist and supplement the excellent security mechanism of the Athens Olympic Games and stressed that they are delivered on behalf of US President George Bush.

On his part, Greek Atomic Energy Committee President Leonidas Kamarinopoulos clarified that fixed and portable radiation detection systems will be installed in 32 gates of entry to Greece (7 airports, 12 seaports and 13 border crossings), while customs s tations and special police forces will also be supplied with portable radiation detectors. Also, the protection systems in sensitive industry facilities, in 22 hospital clinics and the research reactor at the "Democritos" Research Center in Athens will be

upgraded.

Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas stated that the program was financed with 35 million euros and thanked the US government for its contribution to the Greek efforts for a faultless security network. Mr. Sioufas issued a formal invitation to Mr. Ab raham to attend the Olympic Games in Athens.

Petralia.

In the meeting, they discussed issues concerning the Olympic Games preparations and security, as well as certain negative press reports that appear on foreign media from time to time.

Mr. Rogge also visited the Olympic Sports Center in Athens to inspect the progress made in the construction works.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony of the 44th Summit of the International Olympic Academy was held in Athens yesterday. Mr. Rogge in his address expressed the belief that the Athens Olympic Games will be unique.

Deputy Culture Minister Mrs. Petralia issued an invitation to all the citizens of the world to attend the best and safest Olympic Games ever held.

He made the statement responding to a relevant question by reporters, pointing out that Greece participates in international peacekeeping missions based on its obligations due to the fact that it is a member of international organizations.

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