Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-12-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis advocates strengthening of EU institutions at Lisbon summit

[01] PM Karamanlis advocates strengthening of EU institutions at Lisbon summit

Karamanlis was due to meet with European Parliament president Hans-Gert Petering on Friday morning, before the summit session. On Thursday, the EU leaders, during a special ceremony, signed the EU's Reform Treaty which, said Karamanlis, "signals the completion of a long, laborious but also decisive procedure for the future of the EU" in which Greece has played "an active and substantial role".

"Our country has played an active and substantial role in these efforts, and we are satisfied with their successful outcome. This development reinforces European institutions, and makes the European Union more capable to respond more effectively to new challenges," Karamanlis underlined.

"Now, the endorsement of the Treaty by the Parliaments of member-states, and even before the 2009 Euro-elections, constitutes the common target. Greece intends to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon as soon as possible," the premier added.

"Finally, I would also like to underline the important contribution of the countries that assumed the EU's presidency all throughout this period, and, of course, of the European Commission," Karamanlis concluded.

The Greek prime minister is also due to begin a three-day official visit to Russia on Monday, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which a wide range of bilateral issues will be discussed, with special focus on the energy sector, as well as international issues of mutual interest.

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