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Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-06-04Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses Economic Forum on BalkansGreek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis addressed the Economic Forum on the Balkans in Thessaloniki, central Macedonia, on Monday and stressed that Greece is steadfastly following policies of peace and good neighbourliness and is encouraging the European prospects of neighbouring countries in practice. Referring to Turkey, Karamanlis said that "its full adjustment to the prerequisites and the principles and values of Europe also means its full accession to the European Union." The prime minister went on to say that "we want a Turkey that rejects practices of unilateral demands, that respects its neighbours and responds to the commitments that it has undertaken itself, towards all the members of the EU. It cannot, in the 21st century, maintain an occupation force against the Republic of Cyprus, that is separating the island with the last wall remaining in European territory."He said "it is necessary for a workable and viable solution to be found for Cyprus. A solution that is compatible with the resolutions of the Security Council and the principles and values of the EU. Cyprus must be reunited and all its inhabitants must enjoy with security the benefits of its incorporation in the European family." On the question of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Karamanlis said that "if, indeed, it desires to move towards Europe it must: "follow and prove in practice a policy of good neighbourliness, abandon actions and practices of irredentist propaganda, quit its deadlocked stance and cover the distance belonging to it to enable us to meet on a mutually acceptable name." The prime minister stressed that Greece is following a policy of open horizons and is aiming at strengthening cooperation with all the peoples and countries in the wider region. Karamanlis termed the great fiscal adjustment achieved in Greece a "national success", as well as the high growth rates attained in the first quarter of 2007. He noted that growth is no longer linked to deficits and debts. It is based mainly on investments and on exports that are increasing spectacularly. Big investments, particularly in energy and tourism, are now finding open paths and suitable ground in Greece. He further noted that the great successes achieved in the energy sector are upgrading the country's geopolitical importance and prestige, while unemployment has dropped below 9 percent after many years and inflation is at its lowest levels in past years. "Greece is changing, it is on a dynamic development course," the prime minister said and stressed that changes and reforms will be continued. The Forum is being organised by the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece and the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce. Caption: Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis addresses Economic Forum on Balkans, in Thessaloniki, central Macedonia, on June 4, 2007. ANA-MPA/PAVLOS MAKRIDIS. [02] Greek FM Bakoyannis visits EgyptGreek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis arrived in Egypt on Monday for a three-day working visit. On Monday night, she officially inaugurated an exhibition on the late actress and politician Melina Mercouri at the state-of-the-art Alexandria Library, organised under the aegis of the Greek foreign ministry, UNESCO, the Melina Mercouri Foundation and the Alexandria Foundation of Greek Culture.While in the city, Bakoyannis also met Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II and representatives of the local Greek community. Bakoyannis congratulated the Patriarch for his mission and the efforts he is making for the relief of the people of Africa. "I wish to assure you on behalf of the prime minister (Costas Karamanlis) and the entire government that we are close to you and will support you. We are aware of our responsibility, we are aware of the importance of the Patriarchate," she told Patriarch Theodoros II. The Greek foreign minister also met with World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Stefanos Tamvakis and the president of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Haralambos Katsibris. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the minister is scheduled to visit Cairo and hold talks with her Egyptian counterpart Aboul Gheit, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the General Secretary of the Arab League Amr Moussa. A foreign ministry announcement said that the talks between Bakoyannis and Egyptian officials will focus on bilateral relations and regional issues, especially the latest developments in the Middle East. During the meeting with Moussa, meanwhile, the minister is to sign a memorandum of understanding with Greece for cooperation in the political, economic and cultural sectors. Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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