The defendants are in favor of the trial's television coverage, while the prosecution is divided. The attorneys of the Bakoyanni, Momferatos and Axarlian families disagree with coverage, as does DA Christos Lambrou, who asked the court to forbid televisi on cameras inside the courtroom, supporting that the victims have that right.

On the same issue, Dimitris Koufontinas held a noteworthy position, asking for either a live feed of the trial or none at all.

Immediately following the decision on the publicity issue, two other objections are expected, on the pertinence and composition of the court. The political element made its presence yesterday for the first time, with the positions held by the major suspe cts while entering their plea.

Specifically, as far as pertinence is concerned, alleged leader Alexandros Giotopoulos' statement that the court will judge political offenses, and the position of Dimitris Koufontinas, who characterized the court as inappropriate to judge this case, gav e the picture of the position to be held by most of the defendants, who are expected to follow an ideological strategy, presenting themselves as social champions.

"I am here because the Americans and the government want me here", stated Alexandros Giotopoulos, an "emergency measure trial" is being held according to D. Koufontinas, and Savvas Xeros characterized the court as "inappropriate and prejudiced".

The court meets all requirements to do its job well, stated the Prime Minister, while there was discomfort in the government with US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller's statements that "the defendants represent the main operational branch of the organiz ation", insinuating that there are still members at large.

All of the defendants, with the exception of S. Kondylis, denied the approximately 2000 charges against them.

With the intervention of the Greek government, EU countries finally came to an agreement on the creation of a community patent diploma, which will present an opportunity for inventors to secure one single patent throughout the EU.

"The community patent diploma, which has occupied so many presidencies, is now a reality", pointed out Mr. Tsochatzopoulos at a press conference.

After congratulating all the previous presidencies, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos thanked the European Committee for its contribution, adding that the approval of the diploma is an important achievement for small and medium businesses in which the EU is investing.

The Minister of Development underlined that the Community Diploma and the functioning of the whole system, which will approve, issue, and certify diplomas, gives businesses the greatest possible boost that one could expect at this period in time. "The in terior market of the EU in the areas of technology, research and application is being unified, because we are immediately gaining a tool with which all technologies in any country, applications, innovations, are uniformly certified and automatically apply

for the whole of Europe. The whole market is open, this is of immense importance, we are unifying the technology market", he stressed.

Also, addressing those responsible for the security measures, he said that he understands that there must be thorough checks, but as long as there are seats, the audience must enter, as that secures the publicity of the trial.

Further changes were requested by the defense attorney of the Xeros brothers, who asked for the removal of the police officers who are in the courtroom. Defense attorney Giorgos Agiostratitis supported that the defendants must work with their attorneys,

as no visitations will be allowed over the next few days.

Mr. Margaritis stressed that he would think about it, as it is a very important issue and the police officers are present for security reasons.

It should be noted that the bulletproof glass surrounding the 19 defendants has been removed, and the metal base will also be removed by next Monday.

Meanwhile, during a recess in the proceedings, Alexandros Giotopoulos expressed his intense dissatisfaction with the Media since the very first moment his name was implicated in the case.

Specifically, when repeatedly asked about the television and radio coverage of the trial he told journalists that "for eight months you have called me the leader of November 17. No other man has been slandered as much as I have. I will no comments".

Regardless of his refusal to comment on the coverage of the trial, comments were made by political and journalistic officials.

If the court decides in favor of television coverage of the trial I will welcome it, if not we will not miss anything information-wise, because there already is - and will continue to be - information, stated Minister of the Press Christos Protopapas in an interview to Alter television.

"We trust the judges, they will decide and lets let them choose how they do their job best", said Mr. Protopapas, and added: "Lives will be decided in that courtroom, the trial is not for you and me".

The Minister observed that some witnesses might not want television coverage in order to avoid defamation, while he made insinuations concerning television station journalists, saying that they may not properly handle the televised image of the trial.

He commented on the statements of US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller once again, calling him to wait until the trial is over, observing that he is entitled to having and speaking his personal opinion, but when he changes it, an issue of credibility is

raised. He also stated that if he has any evidence, he should turn it over to the Greek authorities.

Most of the problems journalists were faced with regarding the trial's coverage have been dealt with, according to Secretary General of the Press and the Media Dimitra Spiliopoulou.

"We did everything in our power to secure publicity. We have a modern press center, the problems - mainly sound relate - that some journalists were faced with until yesterday were solved today. ERT (Greek Radio & Television) technicians worked in the fac ilities during the night and they all ascertained that there will be no problems in the courtroom or the Press Center", supported Mrs. Spiliopoulou.

On its side, the Journalists' Union did what it could to televise the coverage of the trial, and it is now up to the court to decide on whether it will allow television cameras inside the courtroom or not, stated the Union's President Panos Sobolos.

As he explained, the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers asked for the full television coverage of the trial and even made proposals for partial coverage, during the meeting they had with the court's President.

Mr. Sobolos informed journalists that none of the defendants' attorneys disputed television coverage. The two District Attorneys were opposed however, as were some of the attorneys representing the families of N17 victims that have pressed charges agains t the suspects.

The court's decision is expected shortly.

Upon leaving the meeting at the Maximos Mansion this morning, presided over by the Prime Minister, Mr. Christodoulakis pointed out that the Greek Presidency has succeeded in making decision in very important sectors so far, such as taxing savings, the pa tent diploma and social cohesion and employment issues.

"This range has given us new prospects and has plotted a new course for Europe, just as we want it: developing more, with more employment positions, becoming a competitive economy internationally", underlined Mr. Christodoulakis.

He also stressed that the Greek Presidency fully understanding the messages of the times and the peoples' expectations, is systematically working in that direction, "something that proves, once more, the great progress we have made as a country, being a state in the core of the European Union, and promoting decisions that change Europe for the better".

It should be noted that today's meeting at the Maximos mansion concerned preparations for the "Lisbon strategy", which can be surmised in the Development - Competitiveness - Employment triptych. The meeting took place in view of the European Council Meet ing on March 21 in Brussels.

As President of the Council, Mr. Christodoulakis is expected to address an appeal to the Ministers of Finance at EcoFin tomorrow, to be in constant communication, so that they can respond to a possible war in Iraq.

The meeting will be held at the "Zappio Megaro" and is being organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Healthcare, Justice and Public Order, in cooperation with the European Committee and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

With this conference the Greek Presidency wants to create opportunities for scientific researchers, people who work in the drug sector every day, politicians and NGO representatives to exchange experiences and propose ways in which the European Union cou ld achieve a more effective policy in the drug sector.

The three main topics of the meeting will be: a) Decreasing demand: From prevention to social rehabilitation, b) Drugs and the penal system, c) Drugs, organized crime and enforcing the law. Speeches and interventions will be concentrated on specific ques tions on the effectiveness of present policy, evident shortcomings and possibilities of new forms of action.

During the works of the Council

turned off from 7-9pm, in protest of the "commercialization of the news and the degrading of political events", by the media.

During his stay he will visit the General National Defense Staff, where there will be a briefing, while he will meet with the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defense.

Specifically, the exchange rate of the euro to the dollar skyrocketed to $1.10, and then proceeded to drop due to the discouraging elements in the services sector of the Eurozone.

The leadership of the Bar reminded them to avoid any kind of reproduction of the trial outside its natural proceedings.

It also stressed that the transfer of trials from courtrooms to the media and confrontations of attorneys in defense of their clients is not consistent with the institutional role of the attorney as the defender, it does not contribute to the validity of

law practitioners and undermines instituted procedures and the credible judgment of justice.

It also underlined that it is the duty of attorneys to participate in the trial, guard the credibility of justice and the law as a profession, and justify the institutional mission that the law has given them and their clients have trusted them with.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Nikos Christodoulakis admitted that there may be political agendas behind many of the defendant's actions, but he stressed that does not constitute a mitigating factor, but makes their actions all the more heinous and conde mns them even more in the consciences of the Greek people.

"Let us not forget that many of the crimes that were committed at times were political, both in our country and internationally. But that does not relieve us of the need for a catharsis, so that Greek society, Greek democracy, our political system can be

rid of such practices and views, once and for all", underlined the Minister.

The release of these 100 Moroccan prisoners can contribute to the encouragement of dialogue and promotion of trust between the parties involved in this issue. However, since 1160 Moroccan prisoners are still detained, the EU expects from Polisario the im mediate release of all remaining prisoners of war, some of whom have been detained since the beginning of the conflict, in accordance with the international law, as well as the Security Council's resolution 1359 (2001), which also provides for the solutio n of the problem of the fate of people unaccounted for. The humanitarian aspects of the conflict should be distinguished from the political issue.

The EU reiterates its full support to the UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy Mr. James Baker for their efforts towards contributing to a durable solution agreed upon by the parties concerned.

The EU encourages all contacts which could contribute towards restoring a climate of confidence among the parties, with a view to reaching a durable solution, while fully respecting international legality.

The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area a lign themselves with this declaration.

Beijing theatre lovers have the opportunity to enjoy this brilliant performance directed by Nikaiti Kondoiuri, with Lydia Koniordou in the main role. The performance in the Chinese capital takes place in the Tian Qiao Theatre, located at the Forbidden Ci ty, where fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned.

The performance is translated by Nikos Panayotopoulos, with set and costumes by Yorgos Patsas, music by Panayotis Farazis choreography by Vasso Barboussi.

He said that he wonders why so many endless and pointless discussions were held over the issue when there is a law providing that a necessary precondition for the television coverage of the trial is the unanimous approval of all parties in the trial.

Mr. Mitsotakis stated that Parliament deputies from all parties, who had voted in favor of the law, now want the television cameras to be present in the courtroom.

Mr. Mitsotakis made no comments on the statements made by Alexandros Giotopoulos, one of the defendants, who spoke of conspiracy by international centers. However, he said that the court displays great tolerance.

On the stance of US ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller who said that those tried made up the 17N executioners' branch, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Minister of Public Order Michalis Chrisochoidis have said the same thing a s well. He said that nobody have said that terrorism has been uprooted and there are no more individuals involved apart from those already in court. Mr. Mitsotakis stated that this was what Mr. Miller said. Unfortunately, he said, this is what happens in Greece always. Sometimes one expresses the self-evident and immediately an orchestrated attack is launched against him, added the New Democracy honorary President.

Commenting on the political party youths initiative to boycott the television news bulletins this evening, calling on the Greek people to turn off their television sets at 7-9pm, he said that this move is a good sign. He added that he is pleased by the f act that the President of the Hellenic Republic will participate too.

The despicable terrorist incident comes at a time when the international community is fully committed to pursuing efforts aimed at a political solution to the crisis.

Indiscriminate violence against civilians only fuels the ongoing cycle of hatred and does not promote the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The EU Presidency wishes to express its deep sorrow for today's tragic event and extend its condolences to the families of the victims.

Mr. Papandreou stated that Greece has backed the moves of the Cypriot government and it remains to be seen if there is political will on behalf of the other side as well.

He said that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash continues to reject the peace plan, adding that a solution is close but still there are many things that need to be settled first. He said that the question is not whether Denktash agrees with the plan bu t if he agrees to leave it to the judgement of the Turkish Cypriots.

On the issue that arose regarding the "interventions" made by US ambassador Thomas Miller regarding the terrorist group "17 November" trial, Mr. Papandreou stated that he is covered by the response given by the government spokesman. Called to comment on press reports referring to pro-American and pro-European government members, he said that they are groundless. He stated that Greece first of all is a European country, it backs the EU enlargement and its moves always have to safeguard national interests.

In the meeting were examined issues that will be discussed by the EU leaders in the upcoming Brussels Summit. Mr. Papandreou stated that they are important issues for the economy, social policy and the cohesion of the European society now and after the E U enlargement.

There is skepticism in the EU over its role on the occasion of the issue over Iraq. There is also skepticism over the management of crises, like the crisis over the weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Papandreou stated that the Greek EU Presidency will open

a dialogue on these issues both inside the EU and with the United States.

The Greek EU Presidency has undertaken many initiatives on the issue of Iraq including visits to the Arab states, said Mr. Papandreou, adding that all diplomatic means should be exhausted for a peaceful solution.

The defense attorneys want the televised coverage of the trial but prosecutor Christos Lambrou and the attorneys representing the victims' families of the 17N assassinations of Bakoyiannis, Bodosakis, Momferatos and Athanasiadis as well as the attorney's

representing the victims in the attack on a police bus expressed a different opinion.

Referring to the Greek economy growth rate, Mr. Christodoulakis pointed out that there is no reason to reconsider the 3.8% target, stating that this is a conservative prediction within the framework of the Stability Program.

On inflation, the Finance Minister reiterated that February's inflation will be increased considerably reminding of the levels reached in 2002. For the record, inflation had skyrocketed then above 4% due to the extreme weather conditions.

Referring to the downward course of the Athens Stock Exchange, he said that it is the result of the negative climate dominating in international markets due to the geopolitical developments.

Of the stocks trading today, 115 recorded gains and 176 had losses, while the value of 89 stocks remained unchanged.

Adopted a document on its contribution to the Spring Summit Meeting, regarding Strategy for Everlasting Development and the application of the Johannesburg results. It is the first time that the document includes the contributions of other implicated str uctures of the Council (Energy, Transportation, Fishery, Forestry, Cooperation for Development, Trade, International Environmental Issues).

The Council promoted the importance of an action plan for the effective incorporation of environmental technologies into the market, which will contribute to economic development, social cohesion and the protection of the environment.

Adopted the conclusions for the "Environment for Europe", in view of the 5th European Ministerial Convention to be held in Kiev from May 21 to May 23, 2003, which will function as the framework of cooperation in the environmental sector and in the broade r European region.

Agreed on the approval of the Regulation concerning the monitoring of forests and environmental interaction in the Community, covering a period of 6 years (2003-2008) and dealing with forest related problems (protecting the ground, biodiversity, climatic

changes), as well as monitoring forest fires and their causes, while contributing to the continuous appreciation of surveillance activity effectiveness and evaluating the state of forest ecosystems.

Dealt with issues related to marine environments, one of the priorities of the Greek Presidency. Specifically:

It approved the conclusions for the development of one Strategy or the protection and preservation of sea environments, where the ecosystem based approach and the need for cooperation between regional treaties for the protection of the sea, were promoted .

With the initiative of the Greek Presidency, it was briefed by the European Commission and the Spanish delegation on the results of the struggles to limit pollution from the "Prestige" wreck.

There was a public discussion on the proposal of the European Committee's direction on the quality of swimming waters.

The Council was briefed regarding issues for the protection the marine environment by the French, Belgian and other delegations.

Carried out an orientation discussion on new proposals of the Greek Presidency regarding the proposal of the European Committee on environmental responsibility. The Greek Presidency aspires to achieve a political agreement of the Council during the next meeting in June, if the European Parliament observes its time schedule and adopts its modifications in time.

Was briefed on developments regarding the issue of Genetically Mutated Organisms (GMO) and seeds of GMOs (the problem of the GM seeds coexisting with non-GM seeds) by the European Commission. During the discussions, the delegations' positions were reconf irmed, especially concerning the moratorium on the approval of GMOs by the completion of the adoption of the new Regulation by the European Union.

Was briefed by the European Commission on the following issues:

Preparations of a legislative package on chemical substances Proposals of the Committee on the modification of the regulation on the export of halons and HCFCs

A proposal in mechanisms to monitor greenhouse gases in order to limit the emission of volatile compounds in colors The presence of metabolites from pesticides in underground waters.

Mr. Papantonio was in London after accepting an invitation of the Greek Observatory of the London School of Economics, and in his interview he referred to the consequences a war in Iraq could have on the cohesion of the European Union and the future of t he Euroarmy. JOURNALIST: Aris Hatzistefanou asked Mr. Papantoniou how the Greek position for the need to diplomatically resolve the Iraq crisis is combined with the provision of military facilitations to the US from Greece and other European countries. PAPANTONIOU: The facilitations are in no way related to participation in the operations, they are related to present obligations. Our political position is clear and has no connection to the functioning of military facilities in Souda. JOURNALIST: Last week, well-informed sources in Brussels supported that NATO had asked for the transfer of two arrays of Patriot missiles to Greece and Turkey, for military protection from the neighboring country in case of a war. According to the informa tion, specialized Greek operating personnel would accompany the missiles, a fact that would equate Greek participation in a war against Iraq.

However, Mr. Papantoniou refuted that information. PAPANTONIOU: It has not been asked of us and it is not our intention to provide Patriot missiles to a third country because we need them ourselves. JOURNALIST: What will the consequences on the cohesion of the European Union be if some European countries participate in the war against Iraq? PAPANTONIOU: There will of course be an issue of European cohesion if there is unilateral action against Iraq with the participation of a European country without UN support. There would be an issue the European Union would have to deal with immediately f ollowing the end of such a war. JOURNALIST: Could one powerful country of the European Union, which is in favor or against the war, contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis in the heart of Europe with certain compromises? PAPANTONIOU: It is not an issue of one country. We must not place the blame on one country. This is a collective problem we must all deal with together.

During his speech at the London School of Economics, Mr. Papantoniou noted that if there is a breach in European cohesion over the Iraq issue, there is a danger of different groups with different levels of cooperation being created within Europe. In fact , he brought up the example of a possible group with the participation of France and certain other countries.

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