mention of a "high-risk four year term" for the economy, social convergence and national issues, and he addressed a message for the consolidation of all the people, so that national confidence can be strengthened. ND characterized the inauguration as a s tep of party propaganda, the KKE mentioned a reversal of reality, and the Coalition of the Left referred to a virtual reality of beautification.

only department in which the "Simitis package" seems to be weak and could use some additions is that of the unemployed, as the majority, 43.2%, believe that the measures do not contribute to their support, in contrast to 41% who believe they do.

The Minister of the Press commented both on the polls published today, as well as on yesterday's speech of ND President Costas Karamanlis, as well as regarding the statements made by ND Press Spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos, regarding the Presence of t he Prime Minister at the TIF.

Regarding the polls, which, as he said, record a great acceptance for the social measures announced by the PM, while they underlined a significant lead of Mr. Simitis over Mr. Karamanlis, Mr. Protopapas stressed that ND is disturbed by the measures. "Whi le with these measures Greece is converging with the EU, it is proven that ND is turning away all the more from reality".

Mr. Protopapas commented on the public opinion poll made public today, the speech delivered in Halkida yesterday by right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis and the statements made by ND spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos on

the presence of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis in Thessaloniki's ITF.

Referring to the opinion polls, which record great public acceptance of the social measures announced by the Prime Minister while they also show that Kostas Simitis is leading Kostas Karamanlis in popularity terms, Mr. Protopapas stated that ND is annoye d by the measures.

He said that when Greece is on a convergence course with the EU through the measures announced, ND appears to more and more lose touch with reality.

Referring to the speech delivered yesterday by Mr. Karamanlis he said that the ND President promotes a dead end policy.

Responding to the statements made yesterday by ND spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos on the radio and television ads and the Prime Minister's presence in the ITF, the government spokesman stated that ND is consumed in a costly "gray" publicity race.

Regarding the opinion polls, Mr. Protopapas referred to the one conducted by "Metron Analysis", published by the Athens newspaper "Imerisia" today, in which it is pointed out that 61.7% of the people believe that the social package announced moves on the

right direction.

He also referred to the opinion poll conducted by the "Kappa Research" polling company, which will be published on the Thessaloniki newspaper "Angelioforos" tomorrow. The specific opinion poll records a popularity increase for Mr. Simitis compared to Mr.

Karamanlis based on the responses given to the question who is the fittest for the post of the Prime Minister.

Mr. Simitis stressed that until then a lot need to be done, adding that the government has completed many projects and there are more to be presented. He added that the governing Socialist Party of PASOK will have to give its battle with self-confidence and determination.

On the right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy, Mr. Simitis stated that it will not leave the battle without a fight and will use every means to create a grim atmosphere. Within this framework, it will exploit groups of workers that have unwise

demands, said the Prime Minister.

On his part, PASOK Central Committee Secretary Michalis Chrisochoidis stated that the governing party has assumed a combat disposition and the major issue is to explain to the people the social package announced by the Prime Minister, while at the same t ime, complete the reconstruction of PASOK.

The Prime Minister stated that a new production system will be completed in the country through this program with an emphasis on the regions. In the future, this program will be further supported by resources used today for the construction of the Olympi c projects.

The first axis of the program is the promotion of part of the public and private investments in the country's regions. The second axis is the funding of projects in the country's regions through state budget funds and the 3rd Community Framework of Suppo rt.

Specifically, the Prime Minister stated that the government proceeds with the establishment of Investors' Support Centers in every prefecture. He said that already 5 such centers are in operation and the goal is for every prefecture in the country to hav e similar centers by next year. Entrepreneurship and Development Centers will be established in each one of the country's 13 regions to coordinate the initiatives financed by the 3rd Community Framework of Support, support small-medium sized businesses an d promote employment. Finally, Venture Capital will be used to finance high risk investments in the country's regions.

Mr. Simitis stressed that regional development is a top priority in the government's economic policy as the country's true convergence passes through regional convergence. He added that the government wants the country to achieve convergence with the Eur opean Union without leaving parts of it or regions behind because they face problems in following the procedure leading to higher living standards. He underlined that the government policy is directed toward all geographic parts of the country because all

regions have significant production and employment capabilities which are unexploited.

On the occasion of the criticism launched by right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy regarding the government policy on the country's regions, Mr. Simitis stressed that the results of the government choices are visible in the Greek society and stated that regional inequalities in Greece tend to become smaller.

Within this framework, the main goal is the creation of an applied technology park in Cyprus a prospect that has already tempted foreign investors, according to statements made by the Cypriot Minister in the general assembly meeting of the Central Ass ociation of Greek Chambers in Thessalonki.

Mr. Lillikas pointed out that the accession into the club of the "25" constitutes a historical challenge and a major bet for Cyprus given the fact that it leaves the protectionist economy for the open market economy.

society. The above are recorded in an opinion poll published today by the newspaper "O Kosmos tou Ependiti".

Regarding the effect the measures will have on the economic situation of the people and their behavior in the elections, 55.9% believe that their economic situation will not improve in any way, while only a small improvement is expected by 22.5% of the p eople who responded to the opinion poll questionnaire.

Also, 71.7 % stated that the social measures announced will have absolutely no effect on their vote intention.