Minister of Finance Giorgos Alogoskoufis characterized it as a breakthrough-law and expressed certainty that it will give a new boost to the country's development and the Greek regions in particular.

The head of the government's economic staff assured that all economy sectors are being strengthened, while a special emphasis is given on quality, tourism, services and the country's less developed regions.

Mr. Alogoskoufis stated that everything possible was done to assist in the effort for economic development and regional convergence.

On his part, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas underlined that the new law provides for development for all and added that it materializes the government pledge to promote the development of the Greek regions.

The earthquake epicenter was in Albania, 80 kilometers north-northwest from the borders with Greece. The tremor was felt in northwestern Greece and no victims or damages were reported.

Indeed, a Turkish F16 fighter jet flew over the small Greek island of Lavitha, between the island of Kalimnos and Amorgos, while being intercepted by Greek fighter jets.

In the meeting will be discussed proposals for peace, stability and security in the sensitive region of the Middle East, proposals for the prosperity and good neighborly relations of the peoples of Europe and the Mediterranean as well as, proposals by th e Presidents of Committees (political, economic, cultural) on their work that is being launched now.

They will also set a date for the 2nd Euro-Mediterranean General Assembly meeting.

Of the stocks trading today, 58 had gains and 219 had losses, while the value of 143 stocks remained unchanged.

Mrs. Bakoyianni expressed the belief that the agreement puts bilateral municipal relations on a new basis and added that technocrats from both cities will exchange views and do everything possible to help Damascus solve the problems faced by historic cit ies.

The Mayor of Damascus expressed the wish that the agreement will be the beginning of a cooperation and added that a lot have to be done in order to materialize what was agreed upon, pointing out that the agreement concerns cultural and tourist relations,

as well as technical issues.

During her visit to Syria, Mrs. Bakoyianni met with Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad, Prime Minister Naji Al-Otari and Culture Minister Mahmad Al-Sayyid.

Commenting on the use of new technologies (high definition) in his new trilogy "Tulse Luper Suitcases", Greenaway stated that cinema, like other means, must discover new things all the time. He said that new boundaries must be set stressing that cinema i s a game the film director plays with the audience. Many things are at stake because it is a political, social and aesthetic undertaking, said Greenaway, adding that such a product has to function as a manifesto. He also added that the audience has change d since the digital revolution.

He also said that until now cinema was nothing more that fiction in pictures stressing that something more can be done, while cinema in its conventional form cannot respond to the new challenges.

An advocate of the use of digital technology, Greenaway pointed out that the changes that are about to arrive should not come only from the United States but from Europe as well. He added that it is important to break the monopoly of Hollywood and find n ew priorities clarifying that developments will come whether we want it or not.

Mr. Koumoutsakos underlined that the Albanian side gave assurances that it does not intend to proceed with the recognition of this country under the name "Macedonia" after the diplomatic contacts that took place between Athens and Tirana on the occasion of information made public concerning the recognition of FYROM by Albania under its constitutional name.

The 2nd EU-Western Balkans Forum, formed during the Chalkidiki Summit meeting in June 2003, took place in Brussels on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council.

In a joint statement it is mentioned that the EU reiterated in the meeting its support to the European prospect of the countries in Western Balkans stressing that their future is with the EU.

Mr. Dimitrakopoulos also added that he is active within the EU for the success of the work done by the New Democracy government.

On the occasion of developments concerning FYROM, Mr. Michaloliakos stressed that flagrant violations of the national sovereignty and claims that are ignorant of history made by candidate states and targeting EU and NATO member-states are unacceptable ac tions.

On the Cyprus issue, he stated that the accession of the Cypriot Republic into the EU can and should be a catalyst for a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, adding that this is the will of all Greek Cypriots and the majority of the Turkis h Cypriots.

Referring to Greece's foreign policy, drawn up through its participation in international and regional security organizations and international organizations for the improvement of world society conditions, Mr. Michaloliakos stated that Greece during its

participation in the UN Security Council will be led by the fundamental principles of its foreign policy namely, peace, international legality, democracy, human rights and the strengthening of international cooperation among the peoples of the world.

On Greece's participation in the EU and NATO and its position concerning the enlargement of the Euro-Atlantic Organizations, he underlined that the candidate for accession states should respect principles and values acceptable by the international commun ity, which are the foundations of the EU and NATO.

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