Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] No options withdrawn regarding Iran, Rice tells Bakoyannis

[02] Protests in Athens, Thessaloniki against Rice visit

[01] No options withdrawn regarding Iran, Rice tells Bakoyannis

During a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Rice said that all options regarding Iran remain on the table but stressed that Washington's priority at this time is to intensify diplomatic efforts.

On her part, Bakoyannis said that Greece remains firm in its stance which supports EU coordination and that decisions be made within the framework of the UN Security Council.

The two officials also discussed the situation in the Balkans, noting that a solution to the Kosovo issue should safeguard the region's stability, the Middle East, the war against terror and the safety of energy sources.

Turning to the Cyprus issue and Turkey's efforts to join the European Union, Rice stressed that when the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union as a still-divided island, there had been an "understanding" that Nicosia would not subsequently hinder Turkey's EU accession.

She added that Cyprus must help lift the northern part of the island out of its 'isolation' and "act responsibly" with respect to Turkey's efforts to join the European Union.

Rice reiterated the United States' support for Turkey's EU accession, while noting the obligations Ankara must fulfill, as well as the constructive role Greece has played in the matter.

Aside from the Cyprus issue, Rice and Bakoyannis discussed matters of bilateral and international interest.

After her meeting with the Greek foreign minister, the US Secretary of State was received by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for a 35-minute meeting, accompanied by Bakoyannis. Immediately afterward, she left to continue her tour with a visit to Turkey.

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[02] Protests in Athens, Thessaloniki against Rice visit

A protest organised by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Stop the War organisation began at the University's Proylae on Tuesday morning, while the Greek Social Forum held a separate rally at Klathmonos Square. Two separate marches were also held in Thessaloniki, one organised by KKE and another by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party.

The KKE/Stop the War march headed towards Syntagma Square via Panepistimiou Avenue, but were blocked by police at Amerikis Street.

Protestors changed course heading towards Academias Street instead.

A demonstration and march organised by the Greek Social Forum began at Klafthmonos Square in downtown Athens, chanting slogans such as "Hands off Iran" and "Greeks are not eager", expressing their opposition to US foreign policy.

Minor incidents were reported at the Panepistimiou Avenue and Amerikis Street intersection when some protestors tried to break through the police blockade interrupting their march towards Syntagma Square.

Police used tear gas to force protestors to head towards Academias Street.

The Greek Social Forum demonstration, as well as the one organised by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), ended on Tuesday afternoon.

Two separate protest marches were scheduled to take place in Thessaloniki, one organized by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and PAME at Venizelos Square at 7pm on Tuesday evening, while the protest rally organized by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party, the Greek Social Forum and the ?Alliance - Stop the War? will be held at Kamara, also at 7pm.

The KKE protest march, scheduled to take place after the rally, will end up outside the US Consulate. The organizers of the other protest march have not provided specific information.

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved.

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