Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-05-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis: Education reforms a 'cornerstone' of government policy

[02] Annual tour of Athens in Greek capital

[01] Karamanlis: Education reforms a 'cornerstone' of government policy

Following the passing of several high-profile reforms over recent months to rejuvenate the higher education sector as well as his government's volition to overturn Article 16 preventing the establishment of recognised non-profit, non-state universities -- all amid heated opposition by political parties, the professors' union and a portion of student groups -- Karamanlis on Sunday emphasised that that education changes are nevertheless supported by a "great majority of Greek society, beyond political parties".

The premier, who attended an outdoor event on a university campus ground in the Vyronas district, also congratulated members of the DAP grouping for picking up a majority of votes in last week's college student elections throughout the myriad of Greek universities and tertiary institutions.

Academy of Arts

Meanwhile, a day earlier, Karamanlis announced the foundation of an Academy of Arts, following a meeting Saturday with Culture Minister George Voulgarakis, Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou and a working committee of performing artists who took part in drawing up the relevant draft law.

The Academy of Arts is another commitment that is becoming reality, Karamanlis said. "It is a strategic choice" of the government, the premier said.

"It is a step for the youth who wish to study theatre, music, dance, cinema," he said, adding that the arts centre would be housed at the Olympics facility in the Liossia district of west Athens.

Voulgarakis, in turn, said that the bill would be discussed at one of the next two Inner Cabinet meetings, and will be table in Parliament this summer.

Yiannakou explained that the graduates of the Academy of Arts will have access to university-institutions, adding that the Academy would be staffed by Greek and foreign artists, whereas instructors "would be judged on their work."

Caption: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis meets with members of the ND-affiliated DAP college students' grouping at an Athens park on Sunday, May 13, 2007. ANA-MPA / G. ANTONIOU.

[02] Annual tour of Athens in Greek capital

This year's theme was dedicated to preventing drug addiction, with Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis stressing that the turnout for this year's race was significantly larger than in previous years.

Three courses were set up for this year's race, all concluding at the Zappeion Hall, within the capital's national gardens, amid a series of musical and performing arts events.

At the same time, annual peace march was held from the eastern Attica township of Marathon to the central Athens square of Syntagma, across from Parliament.

Caption: Athenians at the starting point of the 24th Tour of Athens on Sunday, May 13, 2007. ANA-MPA / A. BELTES

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