A military parade was held in Athens in the presence of the President, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, party leaders, deputies, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the leadership of the armed forces. In an address delivered after the parade, President Stephanopoulos said that today's national holiday expresses the acceptance of sacrifices for the sake of freedom and the motherland. I believe we should acquaint ourselves with this position of the spirit and of life because the freedom of the motherland always remains a paramount value and its defense is a great commitment for us. Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that upon entering the new century, the Greek people are celebrating history and memory with particular enthusiasm, the day 180 years ago when the struggle for national liberation, independence and the creation of the modern-day Greek state began with the uprising.
Every victory requires determination and faith.
Determination to stand your ground and claim your just causes and faith in the achievement of the target, regardless of obstacles. No pursuit of man can succeed without them. We have need of this teaching in present-day society, because Hellenism without tradition, principles and values, and primarily without faith, is Hellenism without a future. Transport Minister Christos Verelis, presently on an official visit to Damascus, signed two agreements on trade and passenger transportation and telecommunications with his Syrian counterpart Macram Obeid. A third agreement on shipping is expected to be imminently signed by Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis during his visit to Syria.