Athens Olympics will not economically burden the citizens of Greece, but he asked that not one day be wasted.

Theodoros and Gianna Aggelopoulou have shocking evidence in their possession, which they are going to turn in to the DA authorities within the next few days, as the Aggelopoulos family attorney, Alexandros Kouyias, revealed during the Tuesday evening new s on "Mega" Television. The evidence shows that apart from newspaper publisher Gr. Michalopoulos, there was a whole circuit of blackmailers active, which blackmailed businessmen, and which included in its ranks a former minister of the junta, an attorney,

who also blackmailed the great benefactor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Panagiotis Aggelopoulos, and journalists with television shows. Mr. Kouyias characteristically stated that, "Theodoros and Gianna Aggelopoulou transcended themselves in order to hel p Greek society rid itself from the plague of blackmailers".

On Tuesday afternoon, Government Spokesperson Christos Protopapas affirmed that the family of N17 victim and industrialist Dimitris Aggelopoulos delivered the extract from his handwritten diary to Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, which was published and re cords that newspaper publisher Gr. Michalopoulos visited D. Aggelopoulos and told him that he had "intervened" and taken his name of the N17 target list.

Regarding the possible implication of journalists, the Government Spokesperson expressed his certainty that "the ESIEA (Jounralists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers) has the will and the power to protect the journalistic vocation and to rid the field of

people implicated (if such are discovered) in criminal action".

Gr. Michalopoulos' attorney, Takis Michalolias, stressed, in statements to "Flash 96" radio, that no official summons has been issued for his client and warned that he would respond with legal action and lawsuits. ESIEA

"The issue of businessmen being blackmailed which is unfolding, is an issue on which the first word goes to the investigatory authorities and Justice. The investigation that has been ordered will locate any possible liability on behalf of the publisher-j ournalist, who is allegedly involved in blackmails. This in no way involves the whole profession", stressed the ESIEA in an announcement. ND

In answering questions on these latest developments, New Democracy Press Spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos said that ND trusts Justice, regardless of whether well known or unknown parties are involved, noting that there are questions that need to be ans wered.

Three hundred and forty four witnesses will testify in the N17 trial, 10 of which, so far, are defense witnesses.

Subpoenas have been served to Dora Bakoyanni, businessman Vardis Vardinogiannis, four Turkish diplomats, US embassy employees, and family members of US officials who were killed by the organization.

It is noteworthy that in the case of Louizi Riankour, the leadership of the Greek Police at the time has been called to testify, while none of the officers who participated in the mentioned "pursuit" of the N17 members will take the stand.

Regarding the testimonies of the two protected witnesses, "To Vima" mentions that they concern the Vranopoulos and Peratikos killings, and are the first to take place after the vote for the new terrorism law. It is also possible that the witnesses will n ot appear in the courtroom's main chamber, instead giving their testimony from a different room with which there will only be a sound connection. So far there have been no other witnesses who wish to keep their names secret. So there is a possibility that

these are "new" eyewitnesses to the N17 attacks, who had not come forward. However, they may be older witnesses who had testified under oath and recognized the culprits after the arrest of the N17 suspect members, and who wish to remain anonymous in the courtroom and follow the witness protection program.

Speaking in the formal ceremony, Mrs. Angelopoulou-Daskalakis stated that the Olympic torch is an expression of the 2004 values, participation, celebration, heritage and the modern face of Greece reflecting the classical model of moderation and the princ iples of simplicity and harmony.

The creator of the torch, Mr. Varotsos referred to its Greek characteristics and its ecological character saying that he was inspired by the olive tree leaf, which is a symbol of peace and friendship. The torch is made of wood and metal, it is 68cm tall and its design is ergonomic.

are not allowed to visit its grounds.

Mr. Paschalidis stated that Mount Athos is a place of prayer, has its own rules, and its own map constitutionally consolidated both in Greece and at an EU level. The Macedonia-Thrace Minister stated that a thousand year old tradition, and the wish of the

people to choose their own way of life, residence and communication through prayer must be respected.

opposition party, monitors the preparations and as the future government will organize the best Olympic Games since their revival.

The statements were made after the meeting Mr. Karamanlis had today with International Olympic Committee, IOC, President Mr. Jacques Rogge. Mr. Karamanlis characterized the talks he had with Mr. Rogge as very interesting and useful. Mr. Rogge was accompa nied by "Athens 2004" Organizing Committee President Mrs. Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalakis.

Of the stocks trading today, 192 recorded gains and 97 had losses, while the value of 91 stocks remained unchanged.

Cyprus to be accessed, said the Prime Minister yesterday at the European Parliament.

"First of all I am pleased that the people are out in the streets promoting peace and demanding peace and demanding the unification, which is something that we have worked very hard on and many people in the region had hoped for", pointed out Mr. Annan, stressing that "are going to press ahead with the negotiations, the deadline of the 28th of February is a firm one".

"Obviously it is up to the people to decide who their leader is and up to their leader to decide whether he persists or resigns. But whether the leader persists or resigns, I think that the people have spoken, and it is very difficult not to listen to th e people when they are out on the street in such great numbers", he added, and noted: "What I would urge the leaders do is listen to the voices of the simple people and their desire for peace".

A relevant resolution was submitted by a Dutch Euro-deputy, member of the European Socialist Party, and concerned the fundamental rights situation in the European Union states in the year 2001. For the record, the Greek government Socialist Party of PASO K Euro-deputies have voted against the resolution paragraph concerning the status of Mount Athos, stressing that the issue had been raised in Greece's accession treaty into the then EEC.

It should be noted that criticism has been launched on almost all EU member-states on a number of issues concerning the situation of the citizens' fundamental rights.

Another vote had taken place yesterday but no one of the five candidates was elected as no one was able to collect the necessary 261 votes.

Mr. Simitis was received by European Court President Luzius Wildhaber in the presence of Greek judge Christos Rozakis, who is the court's Vice-President and represents Greece.

Mr. Simitis was briefed on the operation and the activities of the court, while he visited the plenary session chambers.

Commenting on the fact that Turkey signed the treaty for the abolition of the death penalty today, Mr. Simitis stated that it is a positive message coming from Ankara pointing out, however, that more steps need to be made.

In statements he made in Strasbourg after the dinner given in his honor by European Parliament President Pat Cox, Mr. Simitis gave the assurance that he will do everything possible for the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the Annan Plan.

He called on Mr. Denktash to contribute in a decisive manner to the efforts for the solution of the problem in Cyprus.

European Parliament President Pat Cox also called on Mr. Denktash to enter a serious and meaningful dialogue with Mr. Clerides.

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