Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias begins state visit, meets German counterpart in Berlin

[02] EU approves financisl aid to Aegean island farmers

[01] President Papoulias begins state visit, meets German counterpart in Berlin

In statements afterward, Koehler said that Turkey's accesion would be judged "with the passage of time and depending on circumstances".

At the same time, the German president expressed conviction that further enlargement for the EU was "feasible" and called for "patience and persistence in placing demands with respect to the ability of accession of other countries also, for example the western Balkans".

With regard to the accession prospects of Romania and Bulgaria, in particular, the German president said that these were countries that formed part of Europe and should find their place within the Union.

On the question of German war reparations to Greece, Koehler said that Germany had an active policy of reconciliation and understanding toward the victims that suffered Nazi barbarity and expressed support for initiatives that promoted closer ties between the Greek and German people.

During their talks, Papoulias emphasised the need for a more active stabilising role by the EU in major international problems, such as the ongoing crises in the Middle East or Kosovo.

"The fact that Germany overcomes the problems of the past and contributes militarily to the peacekeeping force that will be deployed in Lebanon means a great deal for the presence of Europe on the international scene," Koehler noted.

The German president also said that a unified voice by Europe on major international issues was achievable.

Immediately after the meeting, Papoulias laid a wreath at Germany's central monument to the victims of war and violent regimes.

He then had a meeting with the president of the German Federal Parliament, or Bundestag, Norbert Lammert and was shown around the Parliament building.

[02] EU approves financisl aid to Aegean island farmers

Under the measure, Greek farmers in the region would be offered annual financial subsidies from the EU budget to support traditional farm production and to ensure the supply of islands with food and livestock feed.

Financial support will be given to traditional olive oil tree growers, honey, vineyards, potatoes, potato seed, mastich, Skopelos plums, beans, fava beans, Santorini tomato, etc.

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