Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-12-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis tours large Aegean island of Lesvos

[02] Opinion poll focuses on renewal of PASOK

[01] PM Karamanlis tours large Aegean island of Lesvos

The prime minister initially visited the town of Kalloni, which sustained damages by recent floods, while he was later given a briefing on the course of work being done on a provincial highway. At noon, Karamanlis chaired a meeting at the Ministry of the Aegean, attended by Minister of the Aegean Aristidis Pavlidis, social partners and agency representatives as well as local officials.

"Significant work has been accomplished over the first 20 months of the new government," the prime minister said, listing off a series of initiatives for the island regions.

Karamanlis cited increased absorption of 3rd CSF funds for the northern Aegean region, among others; an improved emphasis on transport and state services on islands; a reduced VAT rate and secured infrastructure funding for islands under 3,100 permanent residents, as well as care for the environment and the Aegean archipelagos' cultural heritage.

"The (ND) government on March 7 inherited problems that accumulated over the past 20 years, problems that were exacerbated by a perception, of recent years, that 'two Greeces' existed. One of the centre (Athens), and the other of the provinces... For us there are no 'two Greeces'. In our development model Greece cannot grow at two or three different speeds. We believe deeply that the path towards a truly strong Greece, for development and convergence, passes through robust provinces, ones that are prosperous," he said.

In again linking European Union policy with islanders' prospects, the Greek premier said Athens was keen to exploit European policies aimed at developing border and island regions, especially ones that fight illegal immigration, establish an EU coast guard corps, and protect islanders' interests, particularly fishermen.

[02] Opinion poll focuses on renewal of PASOK

According to the poll's results, 64.7 percent of respondents backed new politicians to lead the country in the coming decade; 15.5 percent chose the current bevy of New Democracy cadres, and 15.1 percent favoured current PASOK politicians.

Meanwhile, 49.7 percent of respondents agreed with the position that Papandreou should combine new names with a small number of veteran cadres; 20.7 percent said he should rely solely on new faces.

Finally, 68.7 percent of respondents believe Papandreou has a better chance against Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in upcoming elections than any other PASOK cadre; 27.6 percent said another politician would have a better chance.

Former minister and high-profile deputy Evangelos Venizelos follows Papandreou in terms of popularity of PASOK politicians.

The poll was conducted by the Kapa Research firm between Nov. 23 and Nov. 29 for the newspaper "To Vima".

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