Greece is the runner-up to Spain, among 39 countries, in the number of 'Blue Flags' awarded for clean beaches, with 425 beaches and eight marinas this year receiving the prestigious awards, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature announced yesterday.

 Greeks top the list of Europeans regarding inability to pay the rent or home loans, and third in relation to payment of household bills, according to Eurostat data on economic living conditions in the European Union in 2007.

The leaders of Greece's five main political parties, last night replied to journalists' questions, divided into six sections - foreign policy, the economy, the social state, education, environment and public administration - in a televised debate, in view of the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 7.

Archbishop Demetrios of America met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Friday within the framework of the 25th Conference of Greek and Cypriot leadership.

The fifth phase for the collection of materials and supplies of the Strengthening Campaign  for schools of northern Ipirus by the "Northern Ipirus Youth" has been completed, following a listing of the basic needs required by the schools.