Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-25

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with merchant marine & island policy minister

[02] 3-day events in Thessaloniki for nat'l holiday

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with merchant marine & island policy minister

Three major issues were put on the table concerning the newly established ministry, formed after the merger of the ministries of merchant marine, and of Aegean and island policy.

Voulgarakis told reporters they discussed issues resulting from the merger as in the case of the newly established interior ministry (after merging with the ministry of public order). Voulgarakis said this is a very important step because it will open the door for other mergers, likely to take place some time in the future.

They also discussed the government's overall harbor policy focusing on the utilization of the ports' full potential, seeking to elevate the country into a greater player in international commerce, taking under consideration that the shipping sector continues to be on the rise.

Coastal shipping was another issue tackled in the meeting, said Voulgarakis, mentioning that it needs to be dealt with in a comprehensive manner to solve a number of complicated sea transport issues.

Other issues discussed were island development, the environment and town planning.

Voulgarakis commented that the meeting was held within the framework of the regular contacts the prime minister has with his government ministers.

Afterwards, Karamanlis met with ruling New Democracy (ND) party's former leader Miltiades Evert. No statements were made after the meeting.

[02] 3-day events in Thessaloniki for nat'l holiday

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis will be on hand for the annual military parade through downtown Thessaloniki.

Papoulias is due to arrive at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport on Thursday afternoon, while Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou were also due in Thessaloniki on Friday morning to attend a church service at the Aghios Demetrius cathedral in the city's centre, marking the patron saint's feast day.

Karamanlis was due to return to Athens immediately afterwards, while Papandreou was due to leave for the northeastern town of Xanthi.

The events will conclude with Sunday's parade, commemorating the anniversary of Greece's resounding "Ochi" (no) to fascist Italy's demand for free passage to invade Greece during World War II, which brought the country into the Second World War on the Allied side.

Caption: The landmark White Tower in the northern port city of Thessaloniki. ANA-MPA

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article