Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said yesterday there is “no reason” for Greece to consult the United States over the signing of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline deal with Russia and Bulgaria which is due to take place next week. “We are moving forward with the policy we believe in. I do not see the reason why this should be a matter for discussion with anyone,” said Karamanlis when asked if he will discuss the deal with US officials. He added that Greece has “very good relations” with Russia and the USA. Meanwhile, Greece yesterday agreed to sign on to an initiative being led by Russia and the USA to combat nuclear terrorism.

A goldsmith from Piraeus has died after being involved in a shootout with two robbers at his store on Thursday night as more people were arrested in connection to the incident, authorities said yesterday. A passer-by was also killed in the incident. The two robbers, Moldovan nationals, are due to face a prosecutor today after being treated for their injuries. Three other Moldovans, two men and a woman, were also arrested yesterday, police said.

The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a decision by the council of appeals court judges in January to turn down a request by Pakistan to extradite Javed Aslam, the head of the Pakistani Unity Organization, to Islamabad on human-trafficking charges. Pakistan alleges that Aslam was involved in smuggling illegal immigrants into Greece but his supporters claim he is being targeted because he spoke out against the alleged interrogation of Pakistani migrants in July last year. Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras will have the final say on whether Islam can be extradited.

A fast-food delivery driver was beaten in Nea Erythraia, northern Athens, by five men who stole some 400 euros from him, police said yesterday. The 21-year-old Pakistani man was hospitalized after the incident which occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) said yesterday that a batch of Spar American Cola Light in 1.5 liter bottles is being withdrawn because it contains levels of artificial sweeteners that are above the legal limit. The batch being withdrawn has an expiry date of June 1, 2007.

Police in Thessaloniki yesterday arrested four suspected members of a criminal ring believed to have embezzled –14,000 from various banks in the northern city after providing bank staff with forged documents. Officers are seeking another two people in connection with the ring.