Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM briefed by development minister; Parliament ratifies pipeline deal

[02] DM briefs Parliament com't on various issues

[01] PM briefed by development minister; Parliament ratifies pipeline deal

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sioufas referred to the natural gas pipeline from Turkey to Greece, and on to Italy, the first section of which is expected to be ready by the end of June, bringing to Greece natural gas via Turkey.

The minister stated the project was launched by the prime minister and his Turkish counterpart in July 2005 and in mid July 2007 they will inaugurate the arrival of natgas to Greece.

He also said that in the meeting with the prime minister they discussed two development ministry-sponsored draft laws concerning the amendment and reform of legislation on private companies and on consumer protection issues, which are due for discussion in parliament within the next 15 days.

Pipeline deal ratified

Meanwhile, in a related development, Greece's Parliament on Wednesday ratified the three-nation agreement between the Russian Federation, Bulgaria and Greece for cooperation, construction and management of an oil pipeline linking Burgas with Alexandroupolis.

Deputies from ruling ND party and the main opposition PASOK party voted to ratify the agreement, while deputies from the two leftist parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Synaspismos, voted against.

Karamanlis address

A day earlier, during a speech at an Economist-sponsored event, Karamanlis said changes and reforms in the country are a strong and steadfast commitment of his government.

Karamanlis, speaking on the issue of "Priorities of Greece in foreign and internal policy," said the government has shaped the terms and preconditions for a reformist cycle with continuity and escalation, adding that "there can be no concessions and discounts on this path because only with changes and reforms can Greece assimilate the vibrations of the new era and turn them into advantages."

The prime minister referred to economic policy, saying that the initial results of the new economic and development policy confirm the correctness of the government's options and inspire optimism. He mentioned in particular that the deficit has been reduced to 2.6 percent of GDP and is continuing to fall with sure and firm steps.

Karamanlis further noted that growth rates are among the highest in the eurozone, the competitiveness of the economy has begun to improve, as is ascertained with the increase in investments, exports and the tourist influx, total investments are increasing considerably, tourism is registering a strong momentum and inflation, despite the increase in international oil prices, is following a downward trend, while employment fell to levels below 9 percent after many years.

The prime minister also focused on the country's foreign relations, referring in particular to Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

As regards neighbouring Turkey, Karamanlis said the government is following a strategy of good neigbourliness and supports its European adjustment, but made it clear that "its full response to the principles and prerequisites of the European Union also means its full accession for us. The wager is up to itself and it must, if indeed it wants to move towards Europe, move along the lines set by the European Union."

On the question of FYROM, the prime minister said that modern-day Greece, exercising a policy of 'open horizons', is encouraging the European prospects of neighbouring countries and supporting their adjustment to European models.

"We make it clear that FYROM, in its course towards Euroatlantic institutions, must and should contribute to the achievement of a mutually acceptable solution to the pending issue of its name," he concluded.

Caption: PM Costas Karamanlis addressing the Economist conference in the Athens seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni on Tuesday, April 24, 2007. ANA-MPA / A. BELTES

[02] DM briefs Parliament com't on various issues

Amongst the topics discussed were gradual hikes in military pay -- beginning in the fall of 2007 -- the hiring of 2,750 five-year NCOs (2,150 in the land forces and 600 in the navy), the enlistment of 2,200 high readiness army reserves, the establishment of a military cemetery in Gjirokastr, Albania, and the continuation of mine clearing in the Evros River region within the framework of the Treaty of Ottawa.

Meimarakis also referred to the establishment of military relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro, a Greek-Turkish natural disaster management exercise in Greece and the gradual settlement of the 10.9-billion-euro armaments debt inherited from the preceding government.

Responding to committee members' questions, Meimarakis said Greek positions were clearly stated by National Defence General Staff Chief Adm. Panayiotis Hinofotis, following a question related statements made by the Turkish military chief in Thessaloniki last week within the framework of a Balkan general staff chiefs' meeting. He added that he does not believe in impressive results but, rather, direct dialogue creates a good climate for the resolution of the problems.

The minister also referred to regional training centres, the armed forces' 2010-2015 reorganisation plan, a gradual reduction of military conscription terms, the problem of conscription-dodgers, 2004-2007 military personnel transfers, certified translation of treaties and the modernisation of state-run defence industries. He also termed criticism by the main opposition PASOK party as unfair.

Meimarakis also expressed his willingness to brief the main opposition in private on operational issues.

Caption: An ANA-MPA file photo of Meimarakis.

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