"At these crucial moments for the Cyprus issue, one would expect Mr. Papandreou to hold a more cautious and constructive position, instead of letting out pointless opposition cries", said the Government Spokesperson.

His seat in Parliament will go to Ariadni Manousou-Binopoulou, also elected in the district of Cyclades.

The participants representing Mediterranean countries issued a declaration strongly condemning the use of violence and war, while calling on efforts for better solutions through political means and based on international law.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Minister of Sports Giorgos Orphanos gave assurances that the Olympic Games in Greece will be successful and underlined that the Olympic Games projects' timetables are under control.

Of the stocks trading today, 290 had gains and 38 had losses, while the value of 54 stocks remained unchanged.

on the progress of discussions at the EU Summit, which began in Brussels on Thursday. He added that the inflexible positions promoted lately will not help the development of the committing procedure agreed on 1.5 months ago in New York. The Prime Ministe r also referred to terrorism and employment issues, which will be discussed by the European leaders, stressing that the battle against unemployment will be carried out with competitiveness policies.

As Mr. Karamanlis and Mr. Solana stressed, such acts of violence - like the recent events in Kosovo - do not contribute to the region's stability, and they condemned every action that does not respect cultural heritage.

In fact, in the meeting Mr. Karamanlis had earlier with EU Commissioner in large of the enlargement, Mr. Guenther Verheugen, the EU official referred to the Cyprus issues and the digressions from Community Acquis, saying that "the EU is always ready to h elp in finding a solution accepted by the sides, and which will be consistent with the fundamental principles supported by the EU".

"The love of liberty that helped shape our Constitution has deep roots in the spirit of ancient Greece. As we observe Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the timeless democratic principles that all freedom-loving people cherish.

To continue to strengthen and spread liberty around the world, the values and traditions of democracy must be passed on to each new generation. In 1821, our Nation supported the cause of Greek independence when the brave men and women of Greece began the ir long struggle for liberty. This struggle continued through the end of World War II. On the anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence, we honor the courage of these proud patriots and celebrate our nations' shared commitment to democracy.

Today, Greece and America are strong allies and strategic partners in the great struggles for liberty and the global war on terror. We are working together to bring a fair and lasting settlement to Cyprus. We look forward to a future of continued friends hip and collaboration between our two great nations as we advance peace and democracy in the world.

In celebrating Greek Independence Day, we are also grateful for the many ways Greek Americans have enriched our communities and strengthened our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2004, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celeb ration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth."

Mr. Karamanlis stated that after an intervention by Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis the Cyprus issue was discussed in the Summit meeting, while a paragraph was added to the text of conclusions with a clear reference to the European standards and the f ramework of principles on which the EU is founded.

It was made known that European Commissioner Mr. Gunter Verheugen, responsible for EU enlargement issues, will represent the European Commission in the Lucerne negotiations on Cyprus, characterized by Mr. Karamanlis as positive development.

The Prime Minister made it clear that Greece will not accept diversions from the European standards, while he left open the likelihood of diversions during a transition period.

The Greek Prime Minister with an intervention in the Summit meeting stressed the need to face the serious insufficiencies in the implementation of the Lisbon agenda program in order to meet the viable development target.

The EU leaders discussed the developments in Kosovo and Mr. Karamanlis stated that Mr. Solana briefed them on the issue, while a relevant reference was made in the text of conclusions.

Mr. Karamanlis raised the issue of the EU Common Farm Policy reform, mainly on the Mediterranean products that interest the Greek farmers, in spite of the fact that the issue was not on the EU Summit meeting agenda. He stressed that the reform must take place under the same terms, which were in effect for the products of the northern states.

Responding to a question on his meeting yesterday with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he stated that it was a meeting of a social nature held within the framework of a dinner and he could not say that they had a political discussion. He poi nted out, however, that he and Mr. Erdogan have formed a good and honest relation and stated that the atmosphere was good, commenting that there is a will to preserve this atmosphere.

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article