Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Nimetz proposal on FYROM 'one-sided,' Greece says

[02] Mental institutions in Hania, Corfu will close, minister says

[03] Main opposition calls on gov't to submit new 2006 budget

[01] New Nimetz proposal on FYROM 'one-sided,' Greece says

The ministry said that the new proposal effectively embraces the views of one side - that of FYROM - "a stance which does not fall within the concept of mediation," the statement read.

The purpose of mediation is for a compromise to be reached based on mutually-acceptable proposals, the ministry said.

"Greece will continue working within the context of the UN procedure in order to find a mutually-acceptable solution, because it believes that only through such a solution will bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples be reinforced. It is the only way that stability in the region can be supported; the only way in which progress in the neighbouring country's Euro-atlantic pursuits will be facilitated," the ministry stated further.

In its statement, the ministry stressed that the Greek government will continue to exercise its right, in accordance with the bilateral agreement of 1995, to block FYROM's membership in any international organisation if the latter attempts to join by using any name other than the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia."

On his part, FYROM Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski praised the new Nimetz proposal during a televised announcement, according to an ANA despatch from Skopje. Buchkovski called the proposal a good basis for negotiations and said that his country wants to maintain good neighbourly relations with Greece.

Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its northern neighbour on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece.

Greeks are also incensed by the attempts of FYROM Slavs to "usurp" the famous Macedonian king of antiquity Alexander the Great, from whom they claim descent.

The name issue has been a point of contention between the two countries for the past 15 years.

[02] Mental institutions in Hania, Corfu will close, minister says

The press conference was held with officials from his ministry on psychiatric reform and on the national programme named "Psychargos." It was held in the framework of a conference held on Monday on the occasion of celebrations marking World Mental Health Day.

Kaklamanis said World Mental Health Day constitutes a milestone this year for afflicted people and for people struggling for mental health in Greece.

On the question of the programme's funding, the minister clarified that there is no problem for 2005, while for 2006 10 million euros have already been estimated in the budget, which is not a satisfactory amount, however, since Kaklamanis has requested a further 20-25 million euros.

Health ministry Secretary General Tzafertis also disclosed that a new law is being prepared on mental health which should be ready by April 2006.

[03] Main opposition calls on gov't to submit new 2006 budget

Rejecting the budget currently in parliament's committee stage, PASOK's political council termed the document "a scrap of paper" that had been turned down by the European Union.

The party also claimed that the budget envisaged a decline in real income for the first time in 12 years; a freeze on investment to 1997 levels; a decline in spending on health and education as a percentage of gross domestic product; and a fabricated drop in joblessness.

PASOK said that the government's economic policy was collapsing, and the government itself was rife with corruption.

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