The four absent Metropolites believe that they are bound by the Patriarchate's Holy Synod decision concerning the Archbishop.

In the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece participate six Metropolites from the "old Greece" and 6 from the "new countries".

Minister of Culture Mrs. Fani Palli-Petralia after the meeting of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis with IOC Coordinating Committee President Mr. Oswald.

The responsible ministers assured Mr. Oswald that all Olympic Games' projects will be ready by the end of June.

The sliding of the Calatrava Roof over the main Olympic Games' Stadium in Athens proceeds smoothly, while Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis appeared satisfied with the course of the Olympic Games' preparations.

In the meeting will be discussed issues concerning the reform of the European Court for Human Rights, the contribution of the Council of Europe to the efforts against terrorism, the efforts against human trafficking and organized crime as well as the iss ue of Kosovo and the Balkans in general.

Mr. Valinakis is expected to have bilateral contacts with his counterparts on the sidelines of the proceedings.

According to the Athens newspaper "TA NEA", the next step for the coordination of the inter-state investigation is going to be made by the Greek judicial authorities, as all unilateral efforts to approach the main witnesses in the case have been proven f ruitless.

An Interpol document refers to likely underground links between the recently unveiled criminal network trading children's organs and terrorist organizations such as, "17 November" and MABH. According to the Thessaloniki newspaper "Angelioforos", the netw ork has gained billions of euros from the infant trade it had developed both in Greece and Italy.

The international gang had links both in Albania and Italy and Interpol is investigating it for the past four years. It mentions in a formal report dated January 30, 2004 that it is considering the likelihood of an underground link between the network an d terrorist organizations "17 November" and MABH.

He added that the Greek government condemns the violence no matter where it comes from. Violence brings more violence, he concluded.

Mr. Christofias pointed out that the redefinition of the goals set by the Cypriot side is imperative and thanked the Coalition of the Left party for its support to Cyprus.

On his part, Mr. Konstantopoulos reiterated the position of his party for a functional solution within the framework of the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation having as a basis the reunification of the island. He also stressed that there must be security g uarantees for the implementation of any solution.

Of the stocks trading today, 125 had gains and 162 had losses, while the value of 101 stocks remained unchanged.

President Papadopoulos fainted during a funeral service. He regained conscience and managed to walk to his car before being taken to a hospital.

"Athens 2004" Organizing Committee President Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki pointed out that Greece managed in 4 years to do work that needed 7 years. She stressed that this is a reality and a proof of what Greeks can achieve when they work with dedicatio n and professionalism. Mrs. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki also stated that Greece has spent more than any other country on security and has adopted measures for the safety of athletes, visitors and citizens.

Mr. Oswald expressed surprise and disappointment for the travel warning issued by the Australian government to its nationals who intend to visit Greece. The Greek government also has reacted strongly to the travel advice, which warns of allegedly high cr ime rate in Greece, robberies and thefts targeting tourists as well as sexual harassment in the islands. The Australian mass media gave noticeable publicity to the Greek reaction.

Athens mayor Mrs. Dora Bakoyianni after a meeting she had today with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis she stated that she prepares an international campaign to stop the anti-Greek publications related with the organizing of the Olympic Games.

Greek ambassador to Australia Fotis Xidas expressed strong discontent for the travel warning issued by the Australian government by saying that the Greeks and Greece expected a better attitude from a friendly country like Australia.

The Metropolites of Didimoticho, Mitilini, Goumenisa and Veria, the so-called "new countries", were absent from the proceedings of the Holy Synod after the recent Ecumenical Patriarchate decision concerning Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of G reece.

Patriarch Alexius of Moscow as well as Metropolite Cyril of Smolensk have offered their indirect support to the Archbishop.