Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou unanimously elected Socialist Int'l head, unveils priorities

[02] Greek, Bulgarian PMs discuss bilateral ties

[01] Papandreou unanimously elected Socialist Int'l head, unveils priorities

Papandreou was the uncontested candidate for the position, following his official nomination by a SI working group, headed by Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero. The working group's recommendation was unanimously adopted in a show of hands vote.

In addressing delegates, Papandreou, the former Greek foreign minister, outlined what he called a vision for a better world and the central role that socialists have in such a prospect.

The PASOK leader cited an emphasis on greater freedom and democracy around the world, greater security, prosperity, equality and opportunities, but distinctly less poverty and hunger. "This will be a world that is more peaceful, with more cooperation," he said.

Papandreou added that the means humanity has at its disposal today can eradicate poverty, stop the "green house" effect, guarantee gainful employment, reduce infant mortality, improve healthcare, achieve equality between the sexes, include immigrants in local societies and stop the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people, among others.

Moreover, he outlined seven priorities for the organisation during his presidency, including:

- "democratisation of globalisation", noting that it is impossible to "have true democracy in the world when there is a massive accumulation of capital and power in the hands of the few; when multinationals challenge the power of democratically elected representatives of the people; and when mass media is controlled by vested interests and big business"

- Developing regional cooperation;

- Uniting citizens in common action, saying that socialists must today "redefine the balance between productivity, social justice and freedoms", while he again voiced his support for the "Scandinavian model", as he said;

- Relations between political parties and citizens;

- Cooperation with the "society of citizens" and the creation of new alliances;

- Gender equality, and finally,

- Building peace around the world and resolving crises, especially terrorism.

"We won't eradicate terrorism unless we tackle the reasons that cause it (terrorism)," he underlined.

Caption: Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou smiles in Athens on Monday as the Socialist International's (SI) council members applaud shortly after his unanimous election as the organisation's new president. ANA /O. PANAGIOTOU

[02] Greek, Bulgarian PMs discuss bilateral ties

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Bulgarian counterpart Sergei Stanishev confirmed the excellent bilateral ties between Greece and Bulgaria, during a meeting in Athens on Monday.

Karamanlis stressed that the two countries were progressing steadily toward a "new stage of deepening their multi-faceted cooperation", while he announced that he had accepted an invitation to visit Sofia on April 14.

He said their meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the European prospects of western Balkan states and to note their joint desire to support the prospects of countries in the region, "with respect for good neighbourly relations and to consolidate stability in the region via the resolution of all outstanding problems."

Expressing satisfaction with Bulgaria's progress toward EU accession, Karamanlis said that he looked forward to welcoming Bulgaria and Romania as new EU member-states on Jan. 1, 2007.

Concerning Kosovo, meanwhile, the Greek premier reiterated Athens' position in favour of a "multicultural Kosovo that respects human and minority rights" and stressed that any future regime in Kosovo must be compatible with the principles and values of the EU and promote stability and security in the region. He said that similar positions were expressed by the Bulgarian side.

Finally, Karamanlis thanked his Bulgarian counterpart for supporting the election of George Papandreou, leader of Greece's main opposition party PASOK, as president of the Socialist International.

Stanishev, on his part, confirmed the good relations between Athens and Sofia and the general agreement on the issues discussed, while he also thanked Greece for its support of Bulgaria's EU accession.

The Bulgarian prime minister stressed that Greece was the second-largest investor in Bulgaria, while he noted that Karamanlis' visit to Sofia would be an opportunity to discuss joint infrastructure projects, particularly the 'Corridor IV' highway, railway axes as well as the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

With respect to Kosovo, Stanishev stressed that "the standards and historical monuments must not be forgotten, so that the people of Kosovo can live peacefully and quietly, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity."

Caption: Greek PM Costas Karamanlis, left, greets his Bulgarian counterpart Sergei Stanishev in Athens on Monday. ANA / O. PANAGIOTOU.

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