Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-12-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] President looks forward to a 'creative' 2006

[01] President looks forward to a 'creative' 2006

"[I expect that 2006 will be] a year of progress and development with continued efforts to improve Greek citizens' quality of life," he said, while acknowledging that "conditions are undoubtedly difficult not only in our country but throughout the world."

Papoulias also noted that as 2005 comes to a close "my thoughts turn first towards our fellow human beings who are in need. To those who have health problems, who are away from their loved ones, to all those who are faced with problems that do not allow them to enjoy the holiday.

"My thoughts go out to the weak; to the pensioners who are finding it difficult to make ends meet, to the elderly who are left alone, to all those who struggle daily and are disappointed, to the immigrants who are fighting for a better life away from their country, to the ill, to those who've have been excluded," Papoulias continued.

The president also said that he understands and shares the concerns of Greek citizens, expressing confidence that "our country has the ability to move forward through brave decisions, national consensus on major issues, honest dialogue, and respect for others' opinions, which is the essence of our civilisation."

In closing, Papoulias wishes the Greek public "that the new year will be a year of consensus, humaneness and solidarity. I wish everyone health and personal success."

Archbishop expresses New Year's wishes

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos expressed hope for a better future in his New Year's message issued on Friday.

"We want anything that went wrong in 2005 to be forgotten and for us to turn a new page in our lives," he said.

"Man always wants to look forward to the future. However, things do not always turn out as we wish. Evil prevails in our world and stigmatises our lives. During 2005, we lived through awful situations due to terrorism, economic recession, increase in crime and immigrants' problems," Christodoulos continued.

In closing, he said that people must look to God and His justice.

"Everything else follows. This is wisdom; let's all adopt it. It is the only path for the true happiness we all seek," he said.

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