Athens  - Tens of thous

Munich - Anek Lines has begun servicing destinations in the Aegean Sea, according to the Greek ferry company's general agent in Munich.

The company now departs the Greek mainland port of Piraeus six times a week for the Cyclades islands of Naxos, Santorini and Paros, and five times a week for the islands of Lesbos and Chios in the north-east Aegean Sea.

Previously, Anek Lines operated only from the Italian cities of Venice and Ancona to ports in western Greece, and on routes between Piraeus and the Greek island of Crete.

Athens/Nicosia - The European Union's chief official for enlargement urged rival leaders on the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus Friday to seize the unique chance for peace this year.

"There is a unique chance this year to reunite Cyprus and to bring an end this long-standing conflict on European soil," Olli Rehn, the European Union commissioner for enlargement, told journalists.

Speaking within a buffer zone that divides Cyprus' capital, Nicosia, Rehn said the EU was prepared to do everything possible to carry out a solution, adding "this chance must be taken and not missed."

Athens - Some 36 migrants were rescued from the Aegean Sea off the coast of Greece Saturday, following a rescue operation in heavy seas and strong winds, Greek authorities have said.

The fishing boat in which the migrants were travelling began to take on water during the night, and gave an emergency signal. Greek state radio reported that a local patrol vessel responded and succeeded in rescuing the occupants of the troubled craft.

Athens - Greece's government called off the latest tender process for Olympic Airlines after bids submitted by interested buyers were found to be too low, reports said Thursday.

"The bids that were submitted do not meet our demands," Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis said, adding, "We are addressing an open proposal to Greek business groups for the sale of Olympic through immediate negotiations."

Athens - A thick cloud of du