Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-02-22

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Message of NATO Summit is "Re-establishing understanding between Europe and the US" Greek PM says

[02] PM Karamanlis focuses on Balkans during NATO Summit

[03] Development ministry approves package of projects, worth 41 million euros

[04] Tourism minister addresses tour operators' session in Athens

[01] Message of NATO Summit is "Re-establishing understanding between Europe and the US" Greek PM says

"There have been and continue to be disagreements surrounding handling and tactics, but in essence there is unity on basic principles. And that is a strong foundation for further cooperation," Karamanlis said. "The fight against terrorism and establishing security worldwide require mutual support for the strengthening of peace and prosperity," he added.

Speaking on what was discussed during the summit, Karamanlis mentioned the issue of Afghanistan, for which NATO leaders examined ways of further reinforcing democracy, security, development and the fight against drugs. He reminded the audience of Greece's contribution, which involved the creation of a health care unit, which will remain on-site for 18 months.

On the issue of Iraq, Karamanlis said that NATO leaders considered recent elections as a step forward towards the country's democratisation (based on UN resolution 1546). He also noted that Greece is contributing to the effort to train Iraqi forces by allocating funds for that purpose.

Regarding the Middle East, the Greek premier said that the general sentiment was that prospects for implementation of the Road Map for Peace are looking positive.

Issues related to the Balkans were also discussed during the summit since the evaluation report on Kosovo will be presented in early summer. "We agree with whatever decision satisfies EU principles, the region's multiethnic character, religious freedom, minorities' rights and the protection of property and monuments," Karamanlis said.

[02] PM Karamanlis focuses on Balkans during NATO Summit

Referring to democratic reforms and free elections held in Balkan countries, Karamanlis emphasised that "EU policies and the prospect of EU participation was the driving force behind these developments, which led to the emergence of reformist and democratic leaders and in the replacement of autocratic leaders and regimes."

"EU standards and principles gradually replaced antiquated political and economic systems with democratic societies - open to all citizens - regardless of national origin or religious affiliation," he continued.

Karamanlis also referred to the problems that the region faced and which were addressed. "In the Balkans, as elsewhere, a country and a leader who do not respect the rights of all their inhabitants, cannot be respected by their neighbours. Therefore, the problems that emerge in the region and which are related to organised crime and a lack of infrastructure and which were often the result of war and poor management, demand our undivided attention," he said.

The Greek premier also referred to the grave problem of unemployment in the West Balkans, emphasising that "it must be addressed as a top priority, given the fact that millions of unemployed individuals are filled with feelings of social and national exclusion."

Finally, in reference to Kosovo, Karamanlis said that: "We all realise that the situation in the region is temporary. Our efforts deal with the next stage, during which an evaluation of standards will be carried out. We cannot return to conditions that prevailed before 1999, nor will we tolerate a situation that could lead once again to destabilisation."

[03] Development ministry approves package of projects, worth 41 million euros

Under the plan, the money will be used to transform the area into a modern transit centre. The Astakos project, budgetted at 126.5 million euros (of which 73.3 million euros will come from national funds) envisages the creation of a large cargo shipping centre, capable of harbouring large cargo vessels, fully equipped with the necessary freight machinery and warehouse facilities. The project will be completed in 2005.

Sioufas also signed a series of ministerial decisions aimed to offer financial support to environmental protection projects in industrial areas around the country. The programme is budgetted at 21.84 million euros.

The government also offered around 10.5 million euros for the construction of infrastructure projects in remote Greek islands. Under the plan, a fishery vessels' shelter will be built in the island of Fourni, Ikaria, budgetted at 6.0 million euros.

[04] Tourism minister addresses tour operators' session in Athens

Speaking to ANA, Avramopoulos said he had a very fruitful meeting with representatives of the industry and stressed that in his address he presented the government's view over the tourism sector in the next 10 years. "During this period, substantial reforms will be made to create a modern and more attractive tourist product," the Greek minister said.

The World Federation of Tour Operators is an agency representing a section of the global tourism trend and their estimates were of great importance to the Greek tourism authority, Avramopoulos said, adding that the fact that the closed session was held in Athens highlighted the country's significance in the tourism industry.

Avramopoulos stressed that Greece needed deep institutional and quality reforms to become the world's number one tourism destination.

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