Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-05-15

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis holds talks with Ministers

[02] Eurojust bill ratified by parliament

[03] Sofia of Spain presents awards

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Karamanlis holds talks with Ministers

Caption:ANA-MPA file photo of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis

[02] Eurojust bill ratified by parliament

The PASOK MPs voted in favour of the bill both 'in principle' and by-Article, agreeing that its ratification was an EU obligation on the part of Greece, although PASOK rapporteur George Patalotis said the bill could have contained more 'safety-valves' regarding the use of personal data that Greece will be sending to the other EU countries in the framework of the judicial cooperation.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) parliamentary alliance charged that Eurojust was a mechanism for 'establishing files' on people, 'under the guise of information exchange', leaving a 'wide margin' to the member states but without containing specific provisions regarding the rights of the individual.

Parliament also ratified two draft laws ratifying memoranda of cooperation in the field of technology -- including telecoms and postal services -- with Egypt and Albania, in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, with only the KKE and SYRIZA voting against, objecting to the funding of Greek enterprises undertaking high-risk investments in the framework of that cooperation, while transport and communications minister Costis Hadzidakis replied that Greece had only to gain from the cooperation.

"The goal is to help the weaker states and curb the wave of immigration, given that with the growth that will be crated, an attempt is being made to create jobs for the poor people in those countries," the minister explained.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of an aerial view of the Greek Parliament

[03] Sofia of Spain presents awards

The distinction was extended in recognition of work concerning promoting, spreading and studying the Spanish language and Spanish literature.

Drakontaedis said that Pantou had been his Spanish language teacher, adding that "he is fascinated by the idea of calling himself a Greek Spaniard."

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who was present at the ceremony, told Queen Sofia that she "is not only the Queen of Spain but also a tireless ambassador of Greek-Spanish friendship, who certifies the excellent relations between the two countries."

Bakoyannis also congratulated Drakontaedis and Pantou, saying that with their work they are continuing the tradition of great translated literary work and thanked them for "the wealth that they have offered to Greece."

Caption:ANA-MPA file photo of Queen Sofia of Spain

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

National Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) part privatisation and opposition reactions, and the suspension of the fuel truck owners' strike dominated the headlines on Thursday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Strikers undettered, dismantle the country - (Long-haul) Truck owners decide to continue strike".

APOGEVMATINI: "OTE in Europe's 'first class' companies- The strategic partnership between OTE and Deutsche Telekom is a historic moment".

AVGHI: "National telecoms at Deutsche Telekom's mercy - Management hand-over agreement for only 442 million euros".

AVRIANI: "(FinMin George) Alogoskoufis sold OTE to the Germans before its economic collapse - Alogoskoufis' agreement is a great success that was accomplished despite the major reactions".

CHORA: "Athens on alert for the Olympic Games - Earthquakes, cyclones and human rights trouble International Olympic Committee".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "OTE's employees react with a 24 hour strike to the government's agreement with Deutsche Telekom".

ELEFTHEROS: "Charts and examples indicating a reduction in pensions, according to a survey conducted by the social security funds".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Dispute after the agreement - Opposition and guilds' common front against government's deal on OTE".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Government sold out OTE for 442 million euros - OTE: The Greek giant worth 10 billion euros on the stockmarket passes into German hands".

ESTIA: "OTE obtains its own Otto Rehagel (coach of greek national football team) - The country needs foreign management".

ETHNOS: "Food Markets on fire - Government is hesitant, adds fuel to the strikes fire".

KATHIMERINI: "Deal for OTE, despite a Greek veto - Government satisfied - Opposition reacts".

LOGOS : "Fuel truck owners suspend their strike - Strikers divided".

NIKI: "Gift to the Germans - Karamanlis, Alogoskoufis gave away OTE to the German company".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Communist party of Greece's Attica local organisations rally on Thurdsay in central Athens' Syntagma square".

TA NEA: "OTE conquered, 5 surrender conditions".

TO VIMA: "The Germans return - Interministerial committee passes OTE- Deutsche Telekom agreement".

VRADYNI: "Deal closed - Ratification by parliament and the final signatures remain for finalisation".

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